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I want to stay at home and care for my adult autistic son...

NAS9231

My son is 21 years old.  He spends all day alone.  He does not leave the house or engage with anyone.  I go to work.  His mental health has declined dramatically over the past year and I cannot get any support for him.

I recently had surgery and was home from work for 5 weeks.  The positive change in him with my being there was huge.  I now know that I really need to be at home with him to be able to support him and help him build his confidence and independence. 

Unfortunately, I am a single parent.  It is just me and him.  I would require financial assistance to be able to stay at home with him, but fear that to leave my job would mean that I am intentionally unemployed and as such unable to access any financial assistance.

Does anyone have any experience of this situation.  Would I have have an acceptable reason for leaving work and so be able to receive financial help? And, if so, what, if any, supporting documentation would I require to build my argument?

Thanking you in advance.

Parents

  • I would say those of us of The Autism Community can be of support that you're not exaggerating. 

    Concerning documentation, give a big detailed account of his mental health describing things the best you can. Add to your account statements and references from professionals like this charity The National Autistic Society that support your claims. Share what may be preventing your son from leaving the house, (look up a video called "Diverted" by the NAS and it shares changes can make it almost impossible to leave the house). I would ask his GP or specialist to write a report to witness things including any past issues. 

    Then I would report to your city council or the DWP in person, reminding them this concerns your son's health and health and safety comes first.

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  • I would say those of us of The Autism Community can be of support that you're not exaggerating. 

    Concerning documentation, give a big detailed account of his mental health describing things the best you can. Add to your account statements and references from professionals like this charity The National Autistic Society that support your claims. Share what may be preventing your son from leaving the house, (look up a video called "Diverted" by the NAS and it shares changes can make it almost impossible to leave the house). I would ask his GP or specialist to write a report to witness things including any past issues. 

    Then I would report to your city council or the DWP in person, reminding them this concerns your son's health and health and safety comes first.

Children