There are a number of reasons why children may have additional needs, and a wide variety of health professionals are available to offer support in the local community for families.
Here’s an overview of some of the ways they can help you:
Community paediatrics
Community paediatricians are specialist doctors with particular expertise in looking after children with long term health problems. They assess and treat children with developmental problems and make referrals to other services as required.
Children’s community physiotherapy
Community physiotherapists provide assessments, therapy, practical advice, strategies and equipment to ensure children and young people with disorders or delay in their movement are able to develop and achieve their full potential.
Children’s community occupational therapy
Occupational therapists may get involved in assessing and treating children and young people with disorders and delays that limit their life skills and independence. They also provide support and equipment for families where appropriate.
Speech and language therapy
Speech and language therapists work with children and young people who have difficulties with speech, language and communication skills and /or eating, drinking and swallowing skills.
Nutrition and dietetics
Dietitians assess and treat children who have a nutrition or dietetic concern. They work with families and carers when feeding and hydration issues or clinical conditions are affecting the child’s growth, development and wellbeing. They ensure that children’s nutritional needs are being met and support with organising the equipment and prescriptions required.
Co-ordinating your child’s care
You may have lots of health professionals supporting you and your child. There are services which help to bring everyone together.
These services allocate a key worker to a family who offers support, advice, and organises regular multi-professional meetings for you to make sure the right services are in place and working together for you and your family.
Parent and carer support groups
Various groups are available to support the parents and carers of children with additional needs. Your health visiting team or key worker will be able to let you know what’s available locally. For example:
- Council for Disabled Children
- Contact – for families of disabled children
Emotional support and counselling
Counselling and emotional support for parents with children with additional needs is also available. Again, your key worker or health visiting team will be able to put you in touch with local providers such as local hospices and:
- Scope – emotional support for parents of disabled children
Respite care
At times families require respite care. Discuss this with your key worker or health visiting team, as they will be able to support you with getting in touch with local respite opportunities.
Making adaptations to your home
If you need your home to be adapted to accommodate the needs of your child, you can request an assessment by an Occupational Therapist and Grant Officer by contacting your local council. They can provide you with a Disablement Facilities Grant.
Benefits you can access
Children with additional needs may be eligible for additional benefits designed to help with the cost of their care.
For children under 16, the benefit is known as Disability Living Allowance. For young people over 16, the benefit is called the Personal Independence Payment.
You may also be entitled to claim carers’ allowance if you and your child fulfil certain criteria.
If you need any help completing applications, talk to your key worker, health visiting team or contact your local citizens advice service.
Some charities also offer financial help. For example:
Useful Links
- NHS Personal Health Budget
- National Deaf Children’s Society
- Youngsibs for brothers and sisters of disabled children or adults