Please note that this website has a UK government accesskeys system.
A lot of support is available to you and your child, provided by organisations and trained professionals. A network of services for young disabled children is provided by health authorities, education authorities and social services.
People in this network can include doctors, social workers, health visitors, specialists such as speech therapists and physiotherapists, teachers and support staff.
Your local council will be able to tell you about the services on offer and the best range of options for you and your child.
Sure Start is a government initiative for all children, parents and communities and brings together free early education and better childcare. The project has particular commitments to children with disabilities.
Professionals will work with you to:
There are many voluntary organisations and charities that can support you and your child in their early years development. Many of these organisations specialise in helping children with particular disabilities and impairments.
Parent support groups can give you the opportunity to meet with other families with young disabled children. They can offer practical advice as well as emotional support from parents who are going through the same experiences as you.
Charities and voluntary organisations are a good place to start to find support groups in your area.
Your local authority may be able to tell you about support groups for carers in your local area. The following link will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local authority website where you can find out more.
Specialised support is available through schools, pre-schools and local authorities for children with special educational needs - or children who need extra support to help them learn.
If your child can't go to school because of their medical needs or health problems, your local authority has a responsibility to enable them to continue their education, as their condition allows. This could be achieved by lessons in hospital, for example.
