Emigrating with a disabled child

[clarence17]

Hi,

My child is 22 months old and we were told that he has global development delay. All medical exams including MRI done so far proved normal. Specialist say he might recover, but it is hard to tell yet. Bupa medical panel is requesting specialist reports. As to what we can see, he is just slightly behind his peers.

 

What are the chances of being approved? I am migrating under the 190 state nomination Visa after being state nominated. I also have 65 points so it should be enough. Medicals are done upfront before EOI launch to see if we meet the health criteria. Should I talk to the specialist to get a favourable report and what should the specialist report contain to increase my chances of being approved. Since my child is 22 months old, I don't suppose an IQ test can be done yet to ascertain his ability to live independently without a special school, hence burdening the healthcare system.

 

Any comments and recommendations are welcome.

[Quoll]

There are developmental tests like the Griffiths which can be done to assess global delay at that age. It would be wise to consult one of the agents specializing in medical conditions (George Lombard and Peter Bollard usually recommended). I wouldn't be holding back if assessments are offered as often early intervention can be effective but labelling a child as disabled at 2 is not something any professional is keen to do.

[Quinkla]

Your son is an individual and has a value. Hang on to that for your own sanity.

 

But you are entering a world where people are going to see your son only as a diagnosis and a cost. It's not personal but if you let it, it can upset you a lot and emotions are not going to help.

 

DIBP have a maximum cost to society that will let them grant a visa. This is calculated based on the average cost for a typical person with a particular condition over a five year period. If a typical person with global development delay is going to cost more than that threshold, you might find some benefit if you could get medical reports that show why your son is not typical and has a better prognosis or is likely to be less costly than the average - and estimate a cost over the next five years. But if this is still over the threshold then you could still have a problem.

 

You should probably speak to a migration agent who specialises in medical issues as they will know the likely chances of success and will be able to deal with the matter dispassionately.

 

I wish you and your family the very best for your migration and for your future.

[wrussell]

They look a t the likely lifetime cost.