You could ask for a grant for the difference for an automatic in your chosen car maybe.Not like you got the option of a manual either.
I need an auto also, but not been forced on me by dvla as yet, but driving a manual just adds to my pain and does not help my condition one bit. So if i get a loan car and it’s a manual it’s straight home and not much else, till i get mein back. my granny told me once shy boys get now’t, if you don’t ask you don’t get.