Unable to try...

Thanks, Gary. I'll take a look at your links. With regards to my brother though, he currently recieves ESA. He's not been 'invited' to claim UC as yet. That will be a stressful event for my brother in itself given his Aspergers.

Bluebear wrote: Thanks, Remix. Something to think about. It sounds complicated, and risky. I think my brother's illnesses will stock him from trying, anxiety, Aspergers and such. It's frustrating.

Permitted work has been regarded as reasonably safe (so long as you obviously don't contradict the issues you are claiming on) when on ESA. Plenty of people do it and continue claiming ESA. I haven't been transferred to UC so will need to look at Gary's links.

I would still recommend therapeutic activity of some kind. It doesn't have to be paid work. You are most likely to get your brother to engage if it's something connected to his special interests? Many people with Aspergers have a special interest of some kind where they can focus their attention more eaisly.

I noticed this comment from your original post ;

"His social life and ability to interact with people are affected greatly. In truth, I worry whether he’ll ever be able to function in society along with the rest of us."

Feeling this way, is one of the reasons I wanted to do something. I have similar problems interacting with people, the more ostrasized and isolated you become the more impact it has on depression I think it's a vicious circle. So am forcing myself to engage with others to some extent, through the permitted work. I'm not going to lie it's caused anxieties, but also brings human contact (even if it's normally just over the telephone), and the rewarding feeling of satisfcation of achieving something, however small the task, counts for a lot.

I think the writing idea sounds great and I can't see why this would pose a risk if it's something he does in his own space and time. It does sound like a rather solitary experience though may I suggest you see what ASD groups are in your local area, and see if you can encourage your brother to go along. You're likely to find there's an organisation nearby who can cater for his anxieties, offer support and advice on the best way to proceed, and hopefully boost his confidence and lift his spirits!

Best of luck.

Hi Remix,

Apologies for the late reply. I think it's been a couple of months or so since we last messaged. I've only just logged in again after a while of trying to encourage my brother. Just logged back in to ask another question and noticed I'd had a couple more replies since I thought the conversation had ended. Thank you.

I noticed you said that you were self employed... which is in part on topic with my new question I guess.

I've taken a look at the permitted form PW1 02/20 and talks about a 'professional support worker' who works for a publib body or voluntary organisation. I'm not sure how this would apply to my brother's situation as he'd be 'working' at home. Can I ask whether you had to complete this section. If you're self employed I'm unsure how it could be monitored. Unless, I could act in this role? I would have thought this would be not allowed.

In addition, the work he'd to is more therapeutic really, and if he add a short story (for example) it may sell, it may not. Income would be sporadic, or non existant

I'm unsure whether you'll receive notification of this reply, but I'll send anyway. And again, thankyou for you insight.

Kind regards,
Bluebear.