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.
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
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 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.