Prognosis and duration of disabling effects
Remember, this guidance refers to a number of different conditions and syndromes, some of which cause both mental and physical disability. This guidance covers the mental impairment aspect of the overall disability only. Appropriate guidance must be referred to where there is also any physical impairment.
Learning disability runs a life long course with little change.
Once care and mobility needs have been established they are unlikely to improve and a life award should be considered. However, intellectual or physical deterioration can occur in later life and may result in increasing care and mobility needs.
A young adult assessed appropriately in childhood as having a moderate learning disability is unlikely to develop fully independent living skills and a child classified as having a severe learning disability is highly unlikely to develop such skills, even with ongoing education and training or mentoring.
| Impairment | Award Period |
|---|---|
| Learning disability i.e. Down’s syndrome, Fragile X syndrome and Learning disability – Other / type not known | Indefinite award |
All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.
Amended October 2012
