Benefits application support for families and carers of neurodivergent children
Carly Cavilla-Hunt
Hi. I'm Carly, a mum to three neurodivergent children.
Along with my hubby, Andy, we all share a house with two bouncy Cocker Spaniels, oh and did I mention; I'm also visually and audibly impaired.
I've endured the frustrations of applying for Disability Living Allowance. I've experienced the anxiety and I've suffered the headaches.
Now I feel it's time for me to try to help others in similar circumstances.
Read on to discover more about me.
My story
"Been there, done that, got the t-shirt!"
Hi, I’m Carly.
I’m a wife, a mum to three wonderful children, and we all share our home with two lively Cocker Spaniels. Life in our house is full, fast-paced, and beautifully neurodivergent - it certainly keeps me on my toes.
We live in Devon, and one of my favourite places in the world is Plymbridge Woods. It’s where I go when I need to pause, breathe, and reset. It’s a place that’s always brought me a sense of calm and clarity, something I’ve come to really value.
My journey
I live with a visual impairment; I’m partially sighted and hard of hearing, and I’m also diagnosed with ADHD.
My sight has been a lifelong challenge, and over the years it has changed significantly. More recently, I’ve lost vision in one eye and now have restricted vision in the other.
Living with these challenges, alongside raising a neurodivergent family, has meant learning how to navigate systems that aren’t always designed with us in mind.
That experience is a big part of why I do what I do today.
Why I started this work
Before working independently, I spent around 13 years with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), followed by time with Citizens Advice. I’ve also trained as a coach.
As my own circumstances changed, I found myself needing to access support - both for myself and for my family. I was able to draw on my professional background to make that process easier, but I quickly realised that most people don’t have that advantage.
The forms are long. The language can feel unfamiliar. And perhaps most difficult of all, you’re asked to focus on the parts of your child’s life that are hardest to talk about.
It’s no surprise so many families find it overwhelming.
I started by helping friends and family, and it became clear just how many people were struggling with the same thing. I knew I wanted to do more - to make this process feel more manageable, more human, and less isolating.
How I work
At the heart of what I do is a simple belief: your child is more than a form.
When we work together, we start with a conversation. We talk about your child as a whole person; their personality, their strengths, the things they enjoy, the ways they cope, and where they need support.
Yes, we cover the challenges. But we do it in a way that feels respectful, balanced, and true to who they are.
From there, I translate everything you’ve shared into the language and structure needed for a Child Disability Living Allowance application, so that decision makers can clearly understand your child’s needs and the impact on daily life.
A little reassurance
I know how emotional and exposing this process can feel, because I’ve been there too.
My aim is to make things feel calmer, clearer, and more manageable - so you don’t have to carry it all on your own.
If you feel like I might be able to help, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
Press play, turn up the volume, and select full screen on this video if you'd rather discover more about me by watching a short video (captions available).
What others say about me...
Testimonials from a few people I've had the pleasure of supporting.
As each person's experience is truly personal, I have kept them anonymous.
'S' - Bristol
"After initially calling up for a DLA application two years ago and still not able to get it done, my own lack of belief in myself, fear of rejection, feeling guilty for claiming but also really needing the support for my child. Carly was an absolute lifeline.
"She took all that away and just listened to what life is like day to day for us, before taking key information from that to use in the application.
"Carly’s validation and understanding of the parent and child’s needs is so helpful when opening up about the harder parts of life caring for your child who is struggling.
"I absolutely recommend Carly’s service to anyone who needs some support with these daunting forms."
'N' - Devon
"Carly was so helpful and knowledgeable.
"She made me feel heard and validated our experiences.
"She did a fantastic job of asking the relevant questions and summarising my child's care needs in the form.
"I know that Carly is truly passionate about getting families the support that they need - I would highly recommend her services."
'L' - Devon
"Working with Carly was a transformative experience.
"The DLA process is notoriously daunting, but Carly navigates it with a level of informed expertise and radical acceptance that is rare to find.
"She has an incredible gift for putting people at ease, even when she has to ask the most difficult questions with the most uncomfortable answers.
"She guided me through the complexities of the application with grace, ensuring every detail was captured without ever losing sight of the human element.
"What sets Carly apart is that she truly sees the best in your child.
"While the paperwork requires a focus on challenges, Carly holds space for your child’s strengths, which is exactly the kind of validation every parent needs.
"I am so grateful for her support; she turned a process that felt impossible into one that felt manageable and empowered."