Some benefits like Universal Credit are means tested which means that DWP will take savings and income into account. Other benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are not means tested which means any savings you have are not taken into account in the calculation.

Managing finances? Often the Appointee & Deputyship Team of a local council will manage the finances of clients with severe learning disability who lack capacity. This is difficult as it means that the client does not have control over their monies. Also, savings can build up and then the client loses their benefit as the cost of care is then impacted.

HOLIDAYS: the cost of a holiday for someone with DS or LD is HUGE as the cost needs to include paying for two members of staff to go on holiday with the client.

An ultrasound can detect fluid at the back of a fetus's neck, which sometimes indicates Down syndrome.

The ultrasound and blood test is not full proof, especially if the mother is pregnant with twins or triplets.

Diagnostic testing for Down syndrome involves removing a sample of genetic material. The sample is checked for extra material from chromosome 21, which may indicate that a fetus has Down syndrome.

Prenatal diagnostic testing does involve some risk to the mother and fetus, including a slight risk of miscarriage.

A learning disability will become apparent in the first weeks following birth:

The early signs of a learning disability can be difficult to spot, but may include the following: babies may have trouble feeding, for example sucking and digesting. babies may be delayed learning to sit or stand.

Ref: How do health care providers diagnose Down syndrome? | NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (nih.gov)

Occupational therapy support might include one-off advice and guidance, targeted training for care staff and families, or tailored one-to-one approaches for people with more complex needs or circumstances.

Occupational therapists can be involved with individuals for a short period of focused work or over a long period of time. They also have a consultative role, helping to ensure the rights and needs of people with learning disabilities are acknowledged, understood, and supported.

An advocacy organisation can help people with learning disabilities speak up and take action about the things that matter to them.

• Impact Initiatives (East and West Sussex)

• Speak Out (Brighton and Hove)

• NHS – get advice on different health conditions

• Mencap – get information and support on lots of things, including relationships, housing, travel and wellbeing

• Grace Eyre – local support for people with a Learning Disability