1. Good practice in sharing the news of a
child’s additional needs

2. Our key principle:
“To enable parents to receive a clear,
positive and empathetic diagnosis of their
child’s additional needs with on-going
support and information”

3. However,
Is this true for all parents with a child with additional
needs?

4. Norfolk parents share their
experiences…
Will you be listening?

5. 89% of parents felt
something was not right

6. “I felt he was not
developing like friends
babies.”
“I chased up that something
was not quite right…”
“…Knew something wasn’t
quite right but was unsure
what.”

7. 32% of parents felt their
concerns were not taken
seriously

8. “I knew instantly that she
had down’s but they didn’t
believe me”
“I 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”

9. What was it like to receive the
news?

10. “I always knew
anyway… it was not a
shock.”
“I just didn’t 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…”

11. “I was completely
on my own when
the consultant broke
the news. I feel
angry that the
professional didn’t
let on to me at all
what she
suspected…”
“I felt at long last someone
saw what I saw.”
“Too much to take in.”

12. What about support and
information?

13. “More information should have
been given.”
“Information about local support
groups…”
“…I did not feel the data on the
condition was recent or
accurate.”

14. “To be given a list of websites…
self help groups…”
“…additional emotional support.”

15. As professionals you can make
a difference

16. “I got all the help that was on
offer due to Sure Start and their
special needs mother and
toddler group”
“I had someone to talk to and
cry at without feeling silly or
alone”
“Every stage of the process
felt very co-ordinated”

17. “We appreciated how all the
professionals worked together”
“I was with other parents who
had children with disabilities
at the mother and toddler
group. I felt I wasn’t alone and
they told me about benefits I
could claim”

18. “We were listened to and
dealt with professionally”
“I felt the professionals were
all very respectful of us”

19. “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.”

20. Lets get it…
Right From The Start

21. Parents who help to deliver Right
From The Start training have
kindly given permission for the use
of the photographs.

22. Free training in Right From The Start is available for
professionals in Norfolk by contacting,
Michelle Mould
Right From The Start co-ordinator
NANSA (Norfolk and Norwich Scope Association)
Email: michellemould@nansa.org.uk
Telephone: 07977 178685