What this section is about
Some children who can walk may qualify for higher rate mobility under severe mental impairment and severe behavioural problems rules. This is a technical area. A child may need to show: entitlement to highest rate care, severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning, severe behavioural problems, regular need for physical intervention/restraint to prevent harm or damage, and need for watching over because behaviour is unpredictable.
Avoid saying
- They are autistic so should get high rate mobility.
- They run off sometimes.
- They have behaviour problems.
Better ways to explain
- My child requires frequent watching over because their behaviour is unpredictable and can place them or others at risk.
- Adult intervention may be needed to prevent injury, absconding, unsafe actions or damage.
- Their difficulties affect safety indoors, outdoors, in vehicles and during journeys.
Example wording
My child requires close and frequent supervision because their behaviour can be unpredictable and unsafe. They may bolt, attempt to leave safe areas, ignore danger, become severely distressed or require adult physical intervention to prevent injury or unsafe actions. These needs are present across daily life and are significantly beyond those of another child their age.
Evidence that helps
- Professional reports
- Risk assessments
- Behaviour logs
- Incident records
- School records
- Parent diary
- Evidence of restraint/intervention where safe and lawful
- Evidence of absconding or unsafe behaviour
Common mistakes
- Only mentioning outdoor behaviour
- Not explaining indoor risks
- Not explaining physical intervention
- Not explaining unpredictability
- Not linking behaviour to danger
- Assuming diagnosis alone is enough
Part of the Bright Steps Ultimate Guide. For the full interactive walkthrough with printable templates, sign in and visit the DLA Guide.