Professionals involved in Early Support Services

When parents embark on the journey of diagnosing and supporting a neurodivergent child, they should expect a collaborative and compassionate approach from professionals. Each professional (speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, etc.) will contribute their expertise to tailor support based on the child’s unique needs. Below is a list of professionals that are commonly involved in early support services.

Role	Support Offered	Parent & Professional Partnership
General Practitioner (GP)	The GP is often the first point of contact. They can refer your child to specialists for further assessment and diagnosis. GPs monitor developmental milestones and help determine if further assessments are needed.	Regular updates to your GP help ensure all health aspects are considered in your child’s care.
Educational Psychologist	They focus on learning and school-based behaviours. Educational psychologists often assess a child’s learning environment and how it may impact their behaviour and development	They collaborate with teachers and school staff to create supportive learning strategies.
Clinical Psychologist	Clinical psychologists assess developmental, emotional, and cognitive aspects of a child’s life. Through in-depth assessments, they help determine if your child meets criteria for neurodivergence.	Clear communication about your child’s behaviour and emotional needs supports accurate assessments.
Public Health Nurse	They monitor early development and can offer health checks and advice on early support. They may observe your child’s development and raise concerns that lead to further investigation.	Regular check-ins with your public health nurse can ensure early developmental support.
Speech and Language Therapist (SLT)	SLTs focus on communication, speech, and language development. SLTs assess language skills, which is a key area of development in all children.	Therapists can suggest activities to support communication at home, creating a consistent learning environment.
Occupational Therapist (OT)	OTs assess and support sensory, motor, and daily living skills. OTs evaluate how children process sensory information and complete daily tasks.	They can help parents implement strategies at home to support their child’s independence and sensory needs.
Psychiatrist	Psychiatrists may be involved for more complex cases, where mental health plays a significant role. They assess mental health conditions and prescribe medications if necessary.	Open communication about behaviour and any changes noticed with medication helps refine treatment plans.
SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)	SENCOs coordinate school-based support for children with additional learning needs. They may work with external professionals to assess and accommodate a child’s needs in the classroom.	Keep them informed of any external assessments to ensure the child’s support is consistent across environments.
Classroom Assistant/Special Needs Assistant (SNA)	They provide direct support in the classroom, helping children with their daily tasks and learning. While they do not diagnose, they offer valuable observations on a child’s progress and struggles.	Share strategies that work at home so they can provide consistent support in the classroom.
Teacher	Teachers adapt lessons to meet each child’s unique needs. Teachers may notice signs of neurodivergence in class, such as challenges with focus or social interaction.	Regular meetings ensure that both school and home are aligned in supporting your child’s learning.

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What Parents Can Expect from Professionals

• Observation & Assessment: There is no biological test for autism or other forms of neurodivergence. Instead professionals will use observations, practical activities or assessments and questionnaires to assess the child’s strengths and needs in areas like communication, sensory processing, and behaviour. During assessments a multidisciplinary team (MDT) might include a psychologist, SLT, OT and psychiatrist.
• Individualised Support Plans: Professionals will develop personalised strategies, keeping the child’s abilities, interests and preferences in mind. These plans should be flexible and evolve as the child grows.
• Clear Communication: Parents should expect clear explanations of the assessment results, including areas of need and how they impact the child’s daily life. Professionals should also provide suggestions on how to best support the child at home and school.
• Collaborative Goal Setting: Parents will be actively involved in setting achievable goals. These may range from improving communication, managing sensory input, or supporting mental health. The process should be dynamic and revisited as needed.
• Tools and Resources: Professionals might introduce appropriate tools, such as communication devices or visual supports, and show parents how to use them effectively in daily routines.
• Ongoing Monitoring and Feedback: Families can expect regular check-ins to review progress, make adjustments, and provide feedback. Professionals will want to find out what is or is not working for the family and will adjust advice and supports based on this information.