If you are worried about your child’s development, then it’s important that you speak to someone. Here you will find some key information about who you can talk to about your concerns.
It can be a difficult time for parents and carers when they feel that their child needs support, and they are trying to work out what to do to help them.
Parents may be aware of the difficulties early on, before or at the birth, or this may be noticeable at a later stage in the child or young person's life, for example when they enter a certain stage of education. If you are worried about your child’s development, then it’s important that you speak to someone.
Who can I talk to about their health
If your child is 0-5 years old you can contact your health visitor and share your concerns about your child’s development. They can work with you to figure out how to identify what is happening and plan support.
If your child is over 5 years old you can contact your GP or school nurse and they may be able to help or refer you onto specialist services if they feel this is needed. Your GP or school nurse may recognise the signs of additional needs straight away, but it will also help if you can talk about what you have noticed such as:
- the way your child interacts
- moves around
- learns
- speaks
To find out more about different types of health professionals and the support they could offer view Health and Wellbeing.
Who can I talk to about their learning
If you are worried about your child’s learning, view I think my child needs help in education, who can I speak to.
For information on support offered as well as to learn about the graduated approach within your child’s school visit What support will my child get in school?
For further support you can contact Wolverhampton Information, Advice and Support Service (WIASS). A statutory and confidential service working with parents, carers, children and young people. The service offers free and impartial information, advice and support on matters relating to a child or young person's special educational needs or disability from birth to 25 years.
You can also contact IPSEA which is a charity in the field of SEND law in England that provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND. They also provide training on the SEND legal framework, and influence policy at both a local and national level.
Help in your local area
Children and young people and their families sometimes need advice, guidance or help with everyday tasks. This could include:
- socialising and making relationships
- living as independently as possible
- moving about (or being moved) freely and easily
- keeping safe
There are support groups, charities and help with care locally as well as links to national organisations that you can contact.
View Support for Families and Young Adults which includes:
You can also find out about what activities you can join through Leisure and short breaks.
If you and your child need more help
Some children and young people have needs which require more specialist services and they may need help in getting more support that a social worker will assess for.
There are different levels of support depending on your child’s needs. Social Care will work with you and your child to understand your child’s needs and decide what support would help.
To find out more view Care Support the council offer.
As a parent or guardian who may be caring for a child or young person with additional needs, you may be eligible for additional support from Carer Support Team.