Son with mild Autism - a medical fail?
 

My 11 year old son is mildly autistic and has a teaching assistant at school and has a Statement of Educational Needs.

He is only mildly autistic and needs help keeping focussed and with instructions sometimes. He is pretty intelligent and keeping up with the level of other children that dont have special needs.

However, has anyone had any difficulties with the medical part of applying to get into NZ because of one of their children having mild autism, as one of the rules regarding medical is that the applicant (or dependants) wont need significant help regarding special needs services.

In 2 years time (when I apply) my son will probably need even less help, but still may need some.

Thanks so much in advance.

KurlyK :thumbsup:

Re: Son with mild Autism - a medical fail?
 

Hi there

I was very interested to read your thread although I,m not sure how much I can help at this stage. Our 12 year old son has mild aspergers and a developmental co-ordination disorder. He also has a Statement. He is at main stream school and like your son very bright but held back by his difficulties.

We are looking to move back to NZ hopefully early next year and dont see any immigration problems because my husband is a Kiwi. However, what worries me is that my son gets really good support at his school here and we want to replicate it there.

My mother-in-law is very switched on and when we give her the go ahead she is going to have a good look around schools in and around Auckland and do lots of probing and questioning to find out how they accommodate special needs.

If she sends any useful information our way that might be useful to you I will try to pass it on.

Good luck to you. Martyc.:)

Re: Son with mild Autism - a medical fail?
 

Aww thanks Martyc, thats really kind of you.

Re: Son with mild Autism - a medical fail?
 

Awkward one to answer KurlyK. Each application is on a case by case basis.

It won't be the medical side as such. It will be about possible education costs.

I can't link or quote to you right now as the NZIS site is down.

Re: Son with mild Autism - a medical fail?
 

Hello there

Not sure about the immigration process but there are a few families who are migrants with children who have ASD.

Getting additional support for children with additional needs varies.

There are some really good organisations around : Autism NZ is one that is a national organisation and Parent to PArent another. Here in Tauranga they offer a fantastic service but I can't comment for other areas. Children with additional needs( if assessed as such ) still have IEP's here but resources may be limited.

Happy to help if you want to pm me.

Re: Son with mild Autism - a medical fail?
 

Hi KurlyK

I just wanted to let you know about little family's situation. My eldest daughter is in the same boat as your son...a statement, a certain number of hours supported in a small class at school etc ..

We are approaching the end of the apication process now. Our application has taken a little longer to process than others (answer expected from ma in next few weeks), because my daughters information was sent to Nz for an assessment by ministry of education regarding her ability to access funding if in Nz. They have a very different way of assessing kids over there.

If u want to apply discuss your situation with an immigration lawyer, as they can assist you with things like a medical waiver for your child.

Pm me if you want anymore details

Ali :D

Re: Son with mild Autism - a medical fail?
 

Are you needing a medical waiver then?

This is all about funding costs.

If you are using an Immy Lawyer. Which one please?

Re: Son with mild Autism - a medical fail?
 

Hi bevs

No not yet...will know in two weeks or so as all her "file" has gone back to ma again last week.

The immigration lawyer is lane neave, and they have been great. Was cheaper to use them from start to finish than to get them involved for just the medical waiver bit if needed ...so I did, but it did cost about 3500 Nz $....not cheap but worth it as they have been pricelss with their advise!

Despite her statement here my daughter has been deemed not eligible for orrs funding in Nz (which for her application is a good thing)

Everything back to ma now, who will assess how she can live independently as an adult.

Further expenses linked to her application have been getting independently done education psychology assessments, and had an internationally recognised ot assessment done to identify how well she performs daily living tasks ... Those together were £500.

Did I miss out anything??
Hope that helps

Ali

Ali

Re: Son with mild Autism - a medical fail?
 

Briefly. Excellent choice.

Re: Son with mild Autism - a medical fail?
 

The best people to help you accurately on this one is INZ. Please give them a call and have that verified. However, IMO, this should not be a reason for a medical fail. The principal applicant can include all dependent children even there are special circumstances.

I wish you all the best and hope your son is doing well and gets better. Best wishes.

Re: Son with mild Autism - a medical fail?
 

Robbyarg ! :ohmy: That really is a very poor and inaccurate post indeed !:thumbdown:

Those with dyslexia, asperger or autism do not 'get better'. They learn coping mechanisms and simply see the world in a way that is different to most of us.

The OP , KurlyK , has stated

and so wouldl probably have the case referred to a medical assessor.
If it is determined that her son would require ORRS funding (link) , then her application could be refused

If your son is still statemented nearer the time of your application, then I would suggest you engage a reputable Immigration Consultant. Lane Neave have an excellent reputation

Re: Son with mild Autism - a medical fail?
 

Flip ! I remember now. sorry. Any news or update please?

It is great news for your application that she is deemed to not need ORRS funding

Re: Son with mild Autism - a medical fail?
 

Hi Bevs!!

No still going I'm afraid... Been back n fore to the ma 3 times now, each time requesting further details about the implications of future independence, as an adult!

Just keep swimming, keep up with the perseverance, and buttering up the future employer... Who are being remarkably patient!

Ali

Re: Son with mild Autism - a medical fail?
 

Hi KurlyK

When we applied for PR we sent all the necessary paperwork, as we thought, but we were later asked for more information - reports from school, school psychologist, GP, etc. - which delayed our application so much. Whatever information you have about your son, his situation, his progress, his education, etc., just send it. The more details you supply the quicker they can deal with your case. My sons details were sent to NZ to be assessed and it slowed down the process but it all went through in the end with no problems, it just took longer than we wanted it to. We didn't have any assistance with our application (no immigration advisers or lawyers) so if you can do it without any help, do it - you will save so much money.

Lotsa luck

Gay :thumbsup:

Re: Son with mild Autism - a medical fail?
 

I enlisted an immigration specialist with a large Aukland firm to help with my immigration from the US about 7 months ago. During this timeframe, my son was given a diagnosis of autism.

Just today, I received a decision from the immigraion service stateing that my son is not of an acceptable standard of health (likely to require ORRS funding).

I will discuss my options with the immigrain specialist early next week. I will have to decide whether to apply for a wavier or just abandon my dream of moving to NZ with my wife and 3 kids.

I am on the long term shortage list, and have an excellent high level job in Christchurch waiting for me. I was actually offered the job before the first earth quake, at which time my son was normal. My employer has been waiting a long time, and would like me to start the job while applying for the wavier. Of course, I could not bring my family until we got the wavier.

I do not have a good idea of my chances of success while applying for the wavier. Can you help me to access this dificult situation?