What is Autism?
Autism otherwise known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. One in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.
What are the symptoms of Autism?
Social Deficits – Children with autism have difficulty in social interactions.
Communication Difficulties – Communication skills are affected in children with autism, but difficulties vary.
Repetitive Behaviours – Patterns of behaviour, interests and activities may be restricted, repetitive or stereotyped.
Sensory Difficulties – In children with autism, the brain seems unable to balance the senses appropriately. Many autistic children are highly attuned or even painfully sensitive to certain sounds, textures, tastes or smells.
Unusual Abilities – In rare cases, some children with ASDs display remarkable abilities, such as drawing detailed, realistic pictures at a young age or playing an instrument without training.
What is an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?
An Education, Health and Care plan (“EHC plan”) is a legal document which describes a child or young person’s special educational needs, the support they need, and the outcomes they would like to achieve.
The special educational provision described in an EHC plan must be provided by the child or young person’s local authority (“LA”). This means an EHC plan can give a child or young person extra educational support. It can also give parents and young people more choice about which school or other setting the child or young person can attend.
What are Direct Payments?
A Direct Payment is money given to children or adults who have a disability and to parents or carers, by the authority to enable them to buy in support that is assessed as being needed, instead of the authority providing that support through their own services. Direct Payments do not affect benefits.
What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is money for people who have extra care needs or mobility needs (difficulty getting around) as a result of a disability. There are two parts called components: the care component and the mobility component. You may qualify for one or both of these.
What is Personal Independence Allowance (PiP)?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that helps people aged 16 and over with the extra costs of a long-term health condition or disability.