21 – Child’s age: 14 years

2013/21 – Child’s age: 14 years

Diagnosis: Nervous Debility, Learning Difficulties

Background: The appellant applied for DCA for her son [V], who is 14 years of age. She advised that she had been unaware of the allowance until recently. His GP assessed the extent to which he was affected by his diagnosis as follows:

Mental Health/Behaviour: Moderate

Learning/Intelligence: Moderate

The appeal was disallowed initially on a summary basis. However, in light of further evidence indicating that [V] was no longer attending mainstream education but had transferred to a special school, and additional medical evidence stating that he was due to commence medication and had been diagnosed with ADHD and ODD and was attending his local CAHMS, the appeal was re-opened by way of oral hearing.

Report of oral hearing: The Appeals Officer outlined the relevant information on the appeal file, and made reference to the additional evidence which had been submitted.

The appellant advised that her son has been diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, General Learning Difficulty and Speech and Language Delay. He attends a school specifically aimed at the needs of children at risk. He is in a class with 4 others, due to the high dependency needs and the level of attention that the children require. He was transferred to the school to help support his multiple needs. The appellant reported that he has difficulty coping with his emotional and behavioural issues, and that he can be violent. This was confirmed in a letter from the school principal. The appellant takes him to and from school, and said that [V] is young for his age, and he normally plays with younger children. She reported that his daily medication includes Ritalin and Concerta.

The appellant reported that [V] has disturbed sleep most nights; he would wake at 3.00 or 4.00 a.m. with panic attacks and then spend the rest of the night in her bed. She said that he has a fixation with showering and is constantly washing. He strives for perfection in all that he does and can become aggressive if his needs are not met with precision.

Comments/Conclusions: Taking account of all of the facts and evidence in the case, the Appeals Officer was satisfied that [V] has substantial needs. She noted that he suffers from multiple medical conditions which impact on his ability to attend to his own daily needs. She noted also that he is dependent on the appellant to support him in many areas of his life and that he has been provided with specialised supports at school.

Decision of the Appeals Officer: The appeal is allowed.

Note on decision reason(s): Having examined the evidence available in this case, including that presented at oral hearing, I am satisfied that [V] requires continual care and attention which is substantially in excess of that required by a child of the same age as provided for in the legislation.