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Your doctor

Your local doctor may be able to tell you about your child's condition and treatment. If this is not the case, your doctor can to refer your child to a specialist.

Your doctor can also refer your child for any tests or hospital treatment that might be necessary and tell you of any clinics or organisations that you might find useful.

Key worker

Some families have a key worker. A key worker will see you regularly and make sure you have all the information you need. They will also make sure that services from all the different areas, including health, education and social services, are well co-ordinated.

Key workers can act as a central point of contact for professionals working with your family and share information where necessary.

Paediatrician

Paediatricians are doctors who specialise in working with children. Your doctor may refer you to a paediatrician if you are concerned about your child's development.

Paediatricians may give you a diagnosis about your child's condition, answer any questions you may have and refer your to specialist services.

Paediatric occupational therapist

Paediatric occupational therapists specialise in working with children. They carry out assessments to see if your child would benefit from using specialist equipment like adapted cups, buggies or chairs and provide advice on lifting and handling your child safely.

Paediatric occupational therapists can also help children improve skills like:

• Occupational therapy (disabled people section)

Communication support worker

A communication support worker works alongside teachers to provide sign language for young deaf children in nursery or school.

Portage home visitor

Portage is a home-visiting educational service for pre-school children with special educational needs, which is usually provided by local education authorities. The aim of Portage is to support the development of a young child's play, communication and relationships.

Portage also supports families by giving parents the practical help they need to share their child's learning and help with their child's day-to-day learning and activities.

A Portage worker may be a teacher, speech therapist, nursery nurse, parent or volunteer with relevant experience.

• National Portage Association Opens new window

Special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO)

A SENCO is a member of staff at a nursery, playgroup or school who co-ordinates special educational needs activities and services within that school.

In a small school, the head teacher or deputy may take on this role. In a larger school, there may be a special educational needs co-ordinating team.

• Special educational needs - school (general parents section)
• Special educational needs - under fives (general parents section)

Educational psychologist

An educational psychologist is a qualified teacher who is also trained as a psychologist. They can assess your child's development, provide support and advice and can help plan for future activities and services.