A Parent’s Guide to Completing the DLA Form for Autistic and/or ADHD Children

Practical Advice, Support & Steps to Make the Process Easier

If you're the parent of an autistic and /or ADHD child and considering applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the process can feel overwhelming - especially with an 89-question form in front of you. But with the right preparation and support, you can approach it with clarity and confidence.

This blog post walks you through everything you need to know, from requesting the form to gathering evidence, so you can complete your child’s DLA application successfully.

What Is DLA and Who Is Eligible?

DLA is a benefit for children under 16 who need significantly more care or supervision than other children their age due to a disability or health condition.

It consists of two components:

•  Care Component: For help with personal care (e.g. dressing, eating, toileting).

•  Mobility Component: For children who need extra help with moving around or staying safe when out and about.

Important: Your child does not need a diagnosis to be eligible, it’s based on care needs not any condition or disability itself. Ultimately, whist having a diagnosis can provide a source of quality evidence, having a diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be awarded DLA. It's all about how your child's needs impact their daily life.

Step 1: Request a Physical Form (Don’t Apply Online)

Although you can view and fill in the DLA form online, you can’t submit it digitally (yet!)

Call the DWP on 0800 121 4600 and request that a form be sent to you by post.

Why this matters:

• The form will be stamped with the date you requested it.

• Any award made will be dated from the date you made the call IF the completed form is returned by the deadline printed on the form. If you fill out the form available on online and post it, any award made will be made from the date the DWP receive your form.

• It saves printing costs – it’s a long document!

Step 2: Completing the DLA Form

Take Your Time!

This isn’t something to complete in one sitting. The form is long and emotionally challenging, asking you to focus on everything your child struggles with. Be kind to yourself and take it slowly.

I would also recommend that you Don’t Fill It Out in Order

Some sections are far more in-depth (especially Question 38) and are likely to take you much more time to complete them, so focus on these first.

Question 38 asks for more information from someone who knows your child well, such as a teacher or SENDCO, but Do NOT hand them the whole form. Instead, email or print off just that section (making sure they include THEIR details having signed what they have written) and attach their response to your form when you return it. This way, you're not chasing someone and risking missing the submission deadline or finding yourself in a position with a form that potentially has misleading, unhelpful or inaccurate information on it.

Most Schools will helpfully fill this part in but equally, not only are some school staff inexperienced so will need guidance on the focus of the content needing to highlight care needs and any provision put in to support your child but also some schools will simply not fill it in (and there is no legal obligation for them too).

If you find yourself in the situation where your child's School will not support your application (or your child is educated at home/alternative provision) then think about who else knows your child well – this can even be family members if needs be, although always approach those professionals working with and supporting your child first.

Step 3: Gather Evidence

Your application will be stronger with supporting evidence, such as:

• Diagnostic reports

• Therapy notes

• Educational reports

• EHCPs (if applicable)

• School letters highlighting your child’s additional needs

Only include documents that clearly show challenges and care needs, not just the diagnosis.

If you're waiting for documents, don’t delay sending your form. Make a note at the end of the application form of the fact you will be sending additional evidence, then send that additional evidence later with a short covering letter.

Step 4: Think Like an Assessor

The people reviewing your form are not medical experts — they are civil servants.

So:

• Use clear, straightforward language

• Be specific and avoid jargon

• Don’t assume they’ll understand autism and/or ADHD or how it affects daily life

Use real-life examples: Describe a typical day or particular situation, focus on how much support your child needs compared to other children their age.

Step 5: Quality Over Quantity

Assessors have limited time — often a maximum of 20 minutes per application.

That means:

• Don’t send piles of paperwork, it simply wont all get looked at.

• Draw attention to specific sections or pages in your documents which reinforce what you are detailing in the form

• Keep everything clear and concise.

Step 6: Keep Copies & Send Safely

• Photocopy your entire completed form and all supporting documents.

• Only send copies - keep the originals.

• Whilst you will be provided with a freepost envelope, consider sending it by recorded delivery for peace of mind.

Quick Tips Summary

• You don’t need a diagnosis to apply

• It’s about care needs

• Don’t rush the form

• Focus on how your child is different from peers

• Real-life examples are powerful

• Be specific, not generic

• Keep everything you submit - it helps later both for any reconsideration/ appeal you might find yourself facing, or renewal time

• Be patient – the current turnaround time for processing applications is 25 weeks (even though you will receive a standard acknowledgement letter from the DWP stating 15)

• Ask for help if you need it!

Need Extra Help?

With the processing time for your DLA application taking so long, it’s important that you do your best to ensure everything is filled in correctly the first time to ensure a successful award without the additional stress and further lengthy wait of any potential mandatory reconsideration and

appeal. If you are unsure of anything Autism & ADHD Parent Support UK are here to support you through this process.

Book a free eligibility call HERE to discuss your child’s needs and let’s get your child the support they deserve.

Kelly-Anne Smith Autism & Parent Support Advisor