How long will the needs last?

Learning Disability Duration Guidance

Remember, this guidance refers to a number of different conditions and syndromes; some may cause both mental and physical disability. This guidance covers the mental impairment aspect of the overall disability only. You must refer to the appropriate guidance where there is also any physical impairment.

This guidance covers:-

Children under school age – unclear whether a Learning Disability is present

In cases of young children where it is unclear whether a Learning Disability is present, a short term award is appropriate. This is so that at renewal, the child’s level of cognitive ability can be established once this becomes apparent. In most cases it should be clear whether a learning disability is present. For a minority of cases where this is not so, an award to age 5 or two years (whichever is the greater) is appropriate, since certainly by that age Learning Disability should be diagnosed.

Details of each age group within the level of functional severity

Severe Functional Restriction (severe or profound learning disability)

Reason for Renewal

A child with severe or profound learning disability, with or without behavioural problems is unlikely to improve, but may respond to behavioural modification / education and will not therefore fully develop skills until age 16.

Severe Functional Restriction (moderate learning disability with severe behavioural problems)

Reason for Renewal

Severe behavioural problems may improve with behavioural management.

Moderate Functional Restriction (moderate learning disability without severe behavioural problems)

Reason for Award to age 16 - A child with moderate learning disability will not fully develop skills until age 16.

Mild Functional Restriction

Reason for Award – Short term awards are suggested because some children with mild learning disability may not fully develop skills until early adulthood.

All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of care and mobility needs. The duration of care and mobility needs must be based on the particular circumstances of the child.