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  • Breadcrumb

    1. Home
    2. Health and wellbeing
    3. Care and support
    4. Caring for a child with disabilities

    Support services for you and your child with disabilities

    If your child is disabled, there are often different healthcare professionals, organisations and support groups can offer support to you and your child. Find out what they do and how they can help.

    Health and social care

    Your doctor

    Your doctor can tell you about your child's condition and treatment.

    If this is not the case, your doctor can refer your child to a specialist.

    Your doctor can also refer your child for any tests or hospital treatment that might be necessary.

    They can tell you about any clinics or organisations.

    • Your local doctor (GP)

    Key worker

    Some families have a key worker.

    A key worker will see you regularly and make sure you have all the information you need.

    They will also make sure that services from all the different areas, including health, education and social services, are well co-ordinated.

    A key worker can act as a central point of contact for professionals working with your family and share information where necessary.

    Paediatrician

    Paediatricians are doctors who specialise in working with children.

    Your doctor may refer you to a paediatrician if you are concerned about your child's development.

    A paediatrician can give you a diagnosis about your child's condition, answer any questions you may have and refer your child to specialist services.

    Paediatric occupational therapist

    Paediatric occupational therapists specialise in working with children.

    They carry out assessments to see if your child would benefit from using specialist equipment like adapted cups, buggies or chairs and provide advice on lifting and handling your child safely.

    Paediatric occupational therapists can also help children improve skills such as:

    • eating and dressing
    • co-ordination
    • using their hands - often known as fine motor skills
    • perception -  for example awareness of their body and space
    • Who's who in health services  

    Communication support worker

    A communication support worker works alongside teachers to provide sign language for young deaf children in nursery or school.

    Support in education

    Support for children with special educational needs

    Specialised support is available through schools, pre-schools and the Education Authority for children with special educational needs, or children who need extra support to help them learn.

    • Special educational needs  
    • Special educational needs in under fives  

    Special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO)

    A SENCO is a member of staff at a nursery, playgroup or school who co-ordinates special educational needs activities and services within that school.

    In a small school, the head teacher or deputy may take on this role. In a larger school there may be a special educational needs co-ordinating team.

    • Special educational needs
    • Getting help for children under five with special educational needs
    • Helping and supporting children with special educational needs

    Educational psychologist

    An educational psychologist is a qualified teacher also trained as a psychologist.

    They can assess your child's development, provide support and advice and can help plan for future activities and services.

    If your child can't go to school

    When your child can't go to school because of their medical condition or health problems, the Education Authority is responsible for enabling your child to continue their education, as their condition allows. For example, your child could get school lessons while in hospital.

    Parent support groups

    You may find it useful to talk to other parents who have children with disabilities.

    At parent support groups, you can meet other families who have young children with disabilities.

    Some charities and organisations offer support for people with specific impairments or needs.

    Parents who are going through the same experiences as you, can give practical advice and emotional support.

    Charities and voluntary organisations are a good place to ask about support groups in your area.

    You can ask your health or social worker about support groups in your area.

    Sure Start

    Sure Start is a government initiative for all children, parents and communities, bringing together free early education and better childcare.

    Professionals will work with you to:

    • define the nature of your child's needs and the impact on your family
    • look at the support needed and agree the type of the equipment, medical care, therapy, information and practical advice you may need
    • agree how, where and when support will be provided to you
    • Sure Start Services

    Carer support groups

    Your Trust may be able to tell you about support groups for carers in your area.

    • Support services for carers
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    Caring for a child with disabilities

    • Childcare for a child with disabilities
    • Direct payments for children with disabilities
    • Disability Living Allowance for children
    • Support services for you and your child with disabilities

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