11 – Child’s age: 7 years

2013/11 – Child’s age: 7 years - Summary decision

Diagnosis: Asperger’s Syndrome

Documentary evidence:

DCA claim form
Occupational Therapist’s (OT) report
OT home programme outline
Appellant’s daily routine diary
Psychologist’s report

Background: The appellant applied for Domiciliary Care Allowance in respect of her daughter [L]. The medical report completed by her GP indicated an assessment as follows:

Mental Health/Behaviour: Severe

Balance/Co-ordination, Continence, Manual Dexterity: Moderate

In assessing the medical evidence and the appellant’s submission, the Appeals Officer noted that [L] was stated to have no sense of danger and described as a flight risk. He noted that she has problems with mobility and is prone to falling a lot. He noted also that she needs a deep pressure massage every hour at home as part of an occupational therapy programme, and is required to engage in other home programmes, including speech and language exercises.

The Appeals Officer noted that [L] attends the psychology services in her area in relation to her difficulties with social skills, motor skills and behavioural outbursts. In addition, he noted that she has continence and sleeping problems, has problems eating, and sometimes has to be fed.

Having considered all the evidence available in this case, the Appeals Officer concluded that, on balance, it had been established that the appellant’s child, [L], satisfies the medical criteria for the Domiciliary Care Allowance scheme.

Decision of the Appeals Officer: The appeal is allowed.

Note on decision reason(s): Social welfare legislation provides that Domiciliary Care Allowance may be paid where

the child has a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention substantially in excess of the care and attention normally required by a child of the same age, and
the level of disability caused by that severe disability is such that the child is likely to require full-time care and attention for at least 12 consecutive months.

Having considered all the available evidence in this case, I have concluded that it has been established that the appellant’s child (L) satisfies the medical criteria for the Domiciliary Care Allowance scheme. In the circumstances, the appeal is allowed.