Hi just wondering if your child is diagnosed as a severe learning disability age 4 11 and 16 can it change to a mild learning disability by age 21
If you are asking this question, then I presume that you are getting nothing from the services. I would have thought it would depend on a correct diagnosis, followed by proper teaching. The disability if correctly handled should mean improvement for your child. The question is I suppose whether a disability is unchanging but the child can develop despite that. It’s a very complex question that you ask. Disability and improvement are two different things aren’t they. My daughter is autistic, diagnosed but not developed properly so went from mild to moderate learning disability and breakdown. A disability can appear less pronounced if handled properly, I think. Sorry not to have a definitive answer but I want to shed a little more light on your question?
Hi Sharner my son has severe learning disabilities.He is 31 now but when a child he was given a label of Global Developmental Delay and I thought delay would mean he would catch up later.Later that did not happenHe wnet to school for moderate learning difficulties but later attended a school for severe learning disabiliteis. I think it is difficult to say but I dont believe if something is reported as severe things dont get better ,however your son/daughter may get better at things they are good at. as they get older.My son does not read or write however he can recognise Asda and tesco signs.His speech was delayed but now we cant get a word in edgewaysalthough he sometimes repeats what he has heard on the telly.He walks and feeds himself ,dresses himself(needs pulling together) needs supervision bathing, cannot count money but can pick it up and has no sroad sense.has poor hand eye coordination so cant fasten shoe laces. After a while you try to make life easier by using pull up trousers and velcro shoes. My son had a traumatic time at birth and has no outward looking disabilities which is sometimes hard because you get elderly ladies suggesting that he shouldent be using disabled toilet! I hope that helps but as Slobhan reports a disability handled correctly can improve.
Thank you both for the information. My son is 21 spent 19 yrs in 2 severe learning dis schools. Had statutory assessments yearly by clinical lead teams. It was always sLD and Autistic spec disorder. These people have said his past is not relevant and it’s unfortunate they have changed his diagnosis within 1 year. He was starved at oxygen at birth and could not tal until he was 10. I’ve accessed the services and got him key intervention and the right medication. I’ve been totally ignored in writing they argue with me at meetings. Ethically policy and laws have been breached. I’ve told them if they don’t sort it out I with be contacting my Mp and safeguarding team. I’ve asked for another assessment and been totally ignored. This is not acceptable I’ve also contacted an advocacy. Happy New year everyone
Sorry could not talk until he was 10
Hi Sharner it sounds as if you are having a rough time and the experts are not really giving any support.I am sorry that I cant help you.There are a lot of people on here that may be able to give some reassurance but they may not have read your post.Are there other independent assessers that may help give advice?
Hi Sharner, It’s unusual for someone with SLD to then present as if they have MLD, but not impossible. However, it’s more likely than the assessment criteria is different; one set for education and another set now he is an adult. Are you battling for services for him or benefits?
When he was 19 his EHCP was done from an educational point of view SLD so it caunt change within 18 months to mild. In their report they put its because he wants to be independent. He does not have the mental capacity to do this. He has Autism I’ve been totally ignored and they said it’s unfortunate they have used this term. Ignored all his previous diagnosis. Statutory assessments caunt be ignored I’ve been treated discusting shouted at in meetings. His social workers attending next meeting. He said he is severe not mild. Authorities can not treat someone like this period.
Services are giving slight support I’ve cc them all into it and Gp. They say it’s very strange what they have done. I might go to M p safeguarding is paramount I’ve asked for another assessment and been ignored
I’ve spoken to a lot of people even pals shouted at me on the phone what a discusting system. Eventually pals rung back saying they would forward a complaint. I e got a little support off social worker and Gp
Hello @Sharner
I am sorry to hear that you and your son are not getting the support you need.
I hope the responses you are getting on here help and you can also discuss this further with an advisor on our Learning Disability Helpline - just call 0808 808 1111 or send an email to helpline@mencap.org.uk.
Many thanks Sarah
Thank you Sarah my sons social worker is coming to the meeting and advocate. I’m my sons support along with family. He could never support himself so vulnerable. It’s someone’s life he’s a person. Anyway Thanks for all your advice truly appreciate it.
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