PowerPoint Presentation
Good practice in sharing the news of a childs additional
needs
Our key principle:
To enable parents to receive a clear, positive and empathetic
diagnosis of their childs additional needs with on-going support
and information
However,
Is this true for all parents with a child with additional
needs?
Norfolk parents share their experiencesWill you be
listening?
89% of parents felt something was not right
I felt he was not developing like friends babies.I chased up
that something was not quite rightKnew something wasnt quite right
but was unsure what.
32% of parents felt their concerns were not taken seriously
I knew instantly that she had downs but they didnt believe meI
was told I was a first time, young mum and to stop worrying.We were
told to wait and see how he would develop and were not given any
support
What was it like to receive the news?
I always knew anyway it was not a shock.I just didnt want to
hear that news.
Well I just thought I was going to be told my son needed
grommets and then found out he was autistic
I was completely on my own when the consultant broke the news. I
feel angry that the professional didnt let on to me at all what she
suspectedI felt at long last someone saw what I saw.Too much to
take in.
What about support and information?
More information should have been given.Information about local
support groupsI did not feel the data on the condition was recent
or accurate.
To be given a list of websites self help groupsadditional
emotional support.
As professionals you can make a difference
I got all the help that was on offer due to Sure Start and their
special needs mother and toddler groupI had someone to talk to and
cry at without feeling silly or aloneEvery stage of the process
felt very co-ordinated
We appreciated how all the professionals worked togetherI was
with other parents who had children with disabilities at the mother
and toddler group. I felt I wasnt alone and they told me about
benefits I could claim
We were listened to and dealt with professionallyI felt the
professionals were all very respectful of us
The right support from professionals can facilitate the process
of adaptation.
Professionals who are seen to value the child can help parents
feel more in control and help them take a more active role.
Lets get itRight From The Start
Parents who help to deliver Right From The Start training have
kindly given permission for the use of the photographs.
Free training in Right From The Start is available for
professionals in Norfolk by contacting,
Michelle MouldRight From The Start co-ordinatorNANSA (Norfolk
and Norwich Scope Association) Email:
[email protected]: 07977 178685
null400671.28
