Dotty G

Having 2 children with special Educational needs on benefits has been challenging.

Both of my children have Dyslexia, but one of my children has ADHD alongside it.

For me It's been things like having to pay extra bus fares to attend additional educational support sessions that my children need to attend so that they can at least achieve a basic education that's cost me quite a bit of money.

Moreover, with my child who has ADHD, there are hidden costs too, like giving him a specialised diet. A diet which is very low in additives, preservatives, e numbers etc. Specialists foods with low amounts of these ingredients can however, be quite expensive.

Even things like replacing lost belongings like school jumpers, which stem from some of the challenges ADHD presents in daily life and learning environments can also be costly.

One of the biggest challenges that i've come across with dyslexia for example, has been that whilst some would deem it to be a disability, sadly, not everyone in power does, and this has meant that as a result, I am unable to claim any disability benefits to help meet some of the financial challenges that I have with both of my children who have it, because their Dyslexia is not deemed as being severe enough.