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Resources > Getting Help with Finances and Benefits
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Autistic Children
Welfare benefits for autistic children
Source: Renaissance Legal
This blog entry from Renaissance Legal provides a valuable overview of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children under 16 with autism. It clarifies that DLA is a crucial benefit designed to help families cover the extra care and supervision costs associated with raising an autistic child, distinguishing it from support for neurotypical children. The article underscores how a successful DLA claim can also unlock access to additional benefits for parents or carers, such as Carer's Allowance. A significant portion of the blog is dedicated to offering practical advice to parents navigating the DLA application process. It strongly recommends providing detailed, descriptive information about the specific care and time an autistic child requires. Parents are encouraged to use real-life examples to illustrate the daily impact of their child's autism and to meticulously document all supporting evidence, including professional diagnoses, educational reports, and therapist notes. The suggestion to keep a daily diary is highlighted as a particularly effective method for accurately reflecting the consistent level of care provided. This guidance aims to empower parents to submit robust applications, increasing their chances of securing this vital financial support for their children.
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