If your child's referral is accepted by a children's disability network team (CDNT), your child will be put on a waiting list for services. We do not know how long they will be on a waiting list.
There is no set waiting time. The waiting time varies across the country. It depends on the demand in your location.
Waiting times and what you can do while you’re waiting
First CDNT appointment
When your child’s case is opened, a team member will meet you and your child.
They will explain:
- what the CDNT does
- what it means for you and your child
You will also have a chance to ask any questions.
Contact your CDNT before the appointment if you or your child:
- would like supports such as a social story, photos of the place or a quiet space
- find medical appointments stressful
Tips for medical appointments for autistic people
Working with your family
CDNTs follow an approach called family-centred practice (FCP).
It’s thought to be the best way to support your child’s development, learning and wellbeing.
It involves the people that spend the most time with your child, including:
- you and your family
- preschool and crèche teachers
- teachers
- childminders
- grandparents
We know children learn best in their natural environments, with the people they know best. They learn best when they are doing things they enjoy as part of their normal routines.
The CDNT will help support you with strategies and practices to do with your child as part of their daily routine.
This is so that therapy takes place as often as possible. This will help your child make the best progress.
Support plan to set out goals
You and the CDNT will make a plan about what goals to work towards for your child. This is called an individual family support plan (IFSP).
If you have an older child, they will also input to the plan. They'll be asked about their goals and encouraged to attend their IFSP meeting.
The goals you might include in the plan include things like:
- ways to support better sleep for your child and family
- preparing your child for going to a new school
- getting your child involved in fun activities
These goals can change as your child grows older. They usually include areas of family, school, or community life that you want your child to take part in.
Before your support plan meeting
Think about:
- the way your child is developing
- what is important to you and to your child right now
- things that your child is good at
- things that your child finds more difficult
- what you and the CDNT have agreed to do
Talk to your family about this. Write down any questions or concerns you have. Bring these to your IFSP meeting.
Ways CDNTs support your child
Types of supports CDNTs usually offer include:
- talks and workshops (universal supports)
- group work (targeted supports)
- one-to-one work (individual supports)
The types of supports recommended for your child will depend on the goals in their support plan (IFSP).
Your child's needs may be met using one approach or a mix.
Talks and workshops (universal supports)
These supports are available to all families receiving services, as well as families waiting for services.
Information sessions, talks and workshops for families may cover:
- how to help your child sleep
- toilet training for children who have extra needs
- communication skills
- preparing your child for the move from primary to secondary school
Group work (targeted supports)
Group work is for children who have similar needs. Bringing children together in groups is more fun for them and they can learn from each other.
Group work is also where parents are educated together about how best to work with their child to support their development.
Examples of group work include:
- early bird training programme for parents of children who have recently been given an autism diagnosis
- Hanen programmes for developing communication
- Triple P Positive Parenting Programmes
- Family Lámh Courses.
One-to-one work (individual supports)
Individual supports are for children and young people whose goals are best met through working directly with a clinician.
Not all children with complex needs will need individual supports.
Individual support might be needed for certain clinical needs, such as difficulties with:
- postural management
- feeding
- eating
- drinking
- swallowing
Family Forums
Family Forums are regular meetings held by CDNTs. They help families to come together and discuss issues and ideas about children’s disability services in the area.
The forums are open to families who are receiving or are waiting to receive services from their CDNT.
Parents who attend their local family forum elect two family representatives. These representatives will meet the Children's Disability Network Manager (CDNM) in between each forum to discuss and progress ideas.