|
|
|
Starting Out
When
a child is diagnosed
When a child is diagnosed with a disability, or identified as at risk for developmental delay, parents and other family members are understandably anxious. Information and support from other families and from community agencies is important. If you are new to this and don't know where to start, here are some ideas.
Who Does What?
Depending on the needs of your child, your family may require the services of one or more of the professionals outlined below.
| Behavioural Consultants |
| |
design, develop and monitor individualized behavioural intervention plans. |
| Behavioural Interventionists |
| |
implement an individualized behavioural intervention plan on a one-to-one basis. |
| CLBC Facilitators |
| |
provide information, advice and support to eligible individuals and families in creating a personal support plan and can help connect individuals and families with their community, CLBC and service providers. |
| CLBC Quality Service Analysts |
| |
confirm eligibility for CLBC and review and allocate financial resources related to personal support plans. |
| Family Doctors/Pediatricians |
| |
can advise parents about accessing and referral for diagnostic and post-diagnostic services, make referrals to specialists, and help families find supports. |
| Infant Development Program Consultants |
| |
work with families of children under the age of three with, or at-risk of, developmental delay. Infant Development Program consultants provide home visits, assessment, program planning and liaison with other families. |
| Nursing Support Services Coordinators |
| |
work with children, youth, their families and caregivers to provide information, consultation, planning, implementation and monitoring of nursing supports for children with special health care needs in their home, child care and school settings. |
| Occupational therapists |
| |
work with children, youth and their families and caregivers to develop the child’s maximum level of independence in all areas of daily living, such as: dressing, bathing, feeding, play and school related activities. |
| Physiotherapists |
| |
work with children, youth and their families and caregivers to develop the child’s maximum level of independence by addressing physical aspects, such as: movement, muscle strength, coordination, fitness and respiration. |
| Public Health Audiologists |
| |
provide hearing screening, assessments and intervention supports for children with or at risk for hearing loss. |
| Psychiatrists |
| |
may provide diagnostic assessment and reassessment of children, monitor prescriptions and/or medical treatments and family counselling. |
| Psychologists |
| |
offer diagnosis and can address concerns about a child's learning abilities or behaviour. Assessments may be used to identify a child's strengths and abilities, assist in planning goals and strategies to address identified needs. Psychologists are available to provide family-centred treatment and support. |
| Public Health Nurses |
| |
provide information on healthy growth and development of children, immunization and resources, supports and services in their community. |
| Speech-Language Pathologists/Speech Therapists |
| |
work with children, youth and their families and caregivers to develop the child’s verbal and non-verbal communication skills, their understanding of language and their swallowing and feeding skills. |
| Social Workers |
| |
inform and refer parents to services provided by the Ministry of Children and Family Development and link families with community-based supports and services. |
| Supported Child Development Consultants |
| |
facilitate the inclusion of children with special needs in the broader child care system. |
For additional information on who does what, visit:
Eligibility: Programs and services for children and youth with special needs have a range of eligibility requirements. Some programs are universally accessible. Others require income-testing or are determined by a child's age or impairment. To find out eligibility for a specific program, visit the Services and Programs section and click on the program in which you are interested.
|
BC Home
