Pathway to Diagnosis & Support

The journey to diagnosis is different for everyone. For most families, the GP is often the first point of contact. They can refer your child to specialists for further assessment and diagnosis, they can also advise on free support services within your local community.

Below is a short list of a few sources of free support for families with children within the early years age group (0-6 years).

Northern Ireland Support

ADD NI is a charity in Northern Ireland for families and young people with a diagnosis of ADHD.

Autism NI Support Groups are based in local communities across Northern Ireland offering support to thousands of parents, carers and autistic people

Family Fund helps families with disabled children across Northern Ireland with grants. Grants can be awarded for essentials including computers, tablets, kitchen appliances, much needed family breaks and much more. Family Fund receives support from the Department of Health. 

Family Hub – Mencap is an online community designed to enable you to share stories, practical tips and other information

Family Support NI is an online directory of support services for families across Northern Ireland.

Home Start NI visits families in their own homes and offers support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children

Your Health Visitor helps you to learn about being a parent, and supports you to raise a healthy, happy child . Health visitors work closely with midwives, practice nurses, and GPs. Your Health Visitor is a qualified nurse or midwife who has gone on to do further training.

National Autistic Society provides In-depth advice and guidance about autism and the challenges autistic people and their families face. Topics include what is autism, diagnosis, communication, mental health, education, and more.

Parenting Focus aims to provide parents and carers with the support and resources they need to ensure the most positive upbringing for their children and young people.

Parentline NI is a free advice, support and guidance telephone service. Freephone 0808 8020 400 and is open from 9am to 9pm Monday to Thursday, 9-5pm Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.

SureStart programmes support parents with children aged under four years old, living in disadvantaged areas in Northern Ireland. The programme can help a parent from pregnancy until their child starts school.

Republic of Ireland Support

The Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (PDS) programme works to improve the way services are provided across the country to make it equitable and consistent for all. The PDS webpage contains important information on what to do if you think  your child might have a disability or if you want to learn more about children’s disability services and find services in your area.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth provide information on a wide range of resources available to assist parents and families. Supports include AIM, Autism supports, ADHD support and services for parents and families.

AIM is a model of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities can access the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, a universal two-year preschool programme available to all children within the eligible age range. AIM is a child-centred model, providing levels of progressive support based on the needs of the child and the preschool setting. Learn more at aim.gov.ie.

AsIAm is an autism charity providing information, advice and advocacy support to families and professionals.

The Changing Lives Initiative is a community-based project creating a better understanding about ADHD and providing support for families with children (3-7 years).

Enable Ireland provide a range of services including clinical and therapy services, day, residential, respite and family support services.

Health and medical services for children  Provide information on the general entitlement of children to health services in Ireland and the specific services available.

Early childhood education Provide information on childhood education, including the role of the Department of Education.

The HSE Ireland’s public health and social care service provide a range of useful information and links to services for families.

Tusla – the Child and Family Agency is the State agency responsible for improving the well-being and outcomes for children.