It’s best practice to categorise your information so that it’s easier to file new documents and find archived documents in the future.
So you’re on your way with assessment and diagnosis. During this journey you’re going to gather a large amount of paperwork which will form your own personal knowledge base. So let’s set about organising this information as it will help you in the immediate present and as you travel forwards in time to support your loved one. Your knowledge base will also serve as a record to demonstrate the history of the diagnosis over time which will be important in the future. It’s best practice to categorise your information so that it’s easier to file new documents and find archived documents in the future. The following file structure may assist you to organise your documents in one place.
Assessments
- All standardised assessments and reports from the diagnosing practitioners:- paediatrician, psychologist, therapists, specialist teachers.
Medical
- Contact details: paediatrician, other specialists involved eg dietician, psychiatrist
- Medical record: immunisations, record of any tests and procedures eg blood tests, surgeries, hearing and vision tests.
Stages of Development
- Birth to 5 years: family history, history of the pregnancy, time of diagnosis, presenting observations, early intervention (EI)/kinder programs observations, reports and assessments, details of family support workers and funding support packages, case management meeting notes.
- 5 to 12 years: assessments for access to education and support services, transition documents from EI/kinder to school, initial and subsequent Individual Learning Plans, school contact details of key personnel, details of family support workers, list of any agency involvement, funding support package details, respite care details, case management meeting notes. If a further diagnosis of a learning disability has been identified include these documents. More information can be found on diagnosis for Intellectual Disability and ADHD within this site.
- 13 to 18 years: updated formal assessments and reports, Individual Learning Plans, Transition Plans, work experience reports, planning documents for post school support options, certificates of achievement, resume, case management meeting notes.
You’re now on your way to building a great knowledge base which will be a support to you and your loved one. You will always be thinking about what your child will need, so organise your information and the process of doing what is needed will be easier.