keith1

Thank you again for your reply but you seem to know nothing of this condition. Firstly it isn't a disease, it's a disorder and secondly it's very much the same as autism where the range of abilities are vast. Some people manage university but some never communicate or walk, it's that extreme. I have all of the proof, medical reports, prognosis reports, educational reports, every report I could possibly need. Hopefully immigration will have the time to read them as I have so many

Scattley thanks for the reply but I'm not talking about Edwards or Pitts at all. My sons chromosome 18 is a deletion not an addition and therefor has absolutely nothing to do with these other conditions. Most people do jump to these wrong assumptions, as I've said he's a 12 yr old boy, if you care to do more research. There is every chance he will work and live independently but thanks for your positivity on his condition. Oh and thanks for 'liking' it Quoll, very supportive and in the know!!!!

Thanks Millie, that's really helpfull

Thanks for the reply Bungo. What I mean by him doing better is that the school he is at haven't been doing that good by him. He has just been left to get on with things really and now that they are putting more time and effort into him hopefully everything will improve, therefore his chances of not needing as much support will be better, ideally he would be able to access mainstream, still with some support but only the amount of a lower ability child would receive.

I understand what you mean Quoll but my problem at the minute is that we're not sure if he needs a special school or could manage in mainstream with support possibly in a unit. The school system here is very different and special school is sometimes an easy option for the education department.Do you think this would still be a problem? I've watched probably too many programmes where children with disabilities have been given visas and keep wondering if they can do it then there could be a chance for us. I am contacting one of the names given but it's good to hear other peoples opinion. Many thanks for any info given Steph

Thanks for your reply. I'm going to contact one of them on Monday.

Can anyone please advise me. My family and would love to move to Australia but one problem that's stopping us seems to be the that my 12 yr old son has special needs. He has a chromosome disorder called chromosome 18. He attends a special school but is thriving. He isn't medical ill and not on any medication. He has a speech delay and is developmentally behind, I'd say the mental age of an 8yr old although I can see more improvement as he gets older. Things are definitely getting better for him. Educationally he's averaging a level 4 but the school has openly admitted if they do more for him and give him better help he could do better!!!Regarding his future I would like to think he will be able to cope on his own but as he's only 12 this is difficult to say. I do claim DLA for him at middle rate which is secured till 2019 but after that I'm not sure if he will still be entitled as I see him be able to do things he can't do now. His ambition is to work with animals, he loves wildlife and is very caring. I would love to give him an environment where he could do what he wants. Also my 15 yr old daughter wants to be a marine biologist so what better place to live. So basically my question is, Will we get a visa? (My husband is a construction manager for a rail company and hopefully will be able to find work) Steph