‘Where do I start and how do I get help?’ is the question that parents ask themselves when there is a suspicion that something is not quite right with their child. The flowchart following may help you organise your thoughts and think about what needs to be done and in what order to do it.
Suspicion of a neurodevelopmental disorder
Something is not quite right; could it be an Intellectual Disability?
Document your observations of your child
What are you seeing or not seeing, what comments are you hearing from other people?
Speak with your medical practitioner and ask for a referral for an assessment with:
Paediatrician
Psychologist
Diagnosis is confirmed as Intellectual Disability without any further learning disability:
If your child is under 5 years of age
Register with your local provider to access Early Intervention Services and register with disability services
Cognitive assessment
What was my child’s range- mild range 70 – 55, moderate 55 – 30 or severe range below 30
If your child is school age
Make an appointment with the school principal to discuss implications for educational pathways and adjustments that may be required, provide documentation to the school to obtain further funding for school support
For the young adult
This information will provide information for post school pathways to study and employment for ‘reasonable accommodations’ to be made.
Diagnosis is confirmed as ID with possible associated learning or physical disability:
Referral for further assessment
If you believe your child or the young adult shows signs of – inattentiveness and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, repetitive behaviours, communication and social issues, physical challenges.
If you receive a further diagnosis
and your child is under 5 years of age- register with your local provider to access Early Intervention Services and register with disability services
If your child is school age
Make an appointment with the school principal to discuss implications for educational pathways and adjustments that may be required, provide documentation to the school to obtain further funding for school support and register with disability services
For the young adult
This information will provide information for post school pathways to study and employment for ‘reasonable accommodations’ to be made.