Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Autistic Spectrum Disorder, difficulties with social communication, making friends or relating to adults

Behavioural, Emotional & Social Difficulty

For the purpose of the Code of Practice (CoP) a carer is a person named by a local authority to care for a child for whom the social services department has parental responsibility.

A team consisting of various professionals to whom your child may be referred for assessment and therapies.

Hearing Impairment

Luke is Nick and Anne's son who at the time of writing is twelve years old and has just started at secondary school. He loves music and spends a lot of time downloading lyrics from the web and working out the melody. He also enjoys dancing, reading, writing (this is difficult for him), watching films and playing. He has Down's Syndrome which gets in the way at times and at other times, well....

Luke has two brothers and two sisters.

Moderate Learning Difficulties. This includes children who have difficulty with some of the work in school, and with keeping up with other children their age.

Multi-Sensory Impairment

Occupational therapists have a special understanding of the skills children need to play, learn and look after themselves e.g. feeding, drawing, writing etc. They can develop programmes to help children overcome their difficulties in these areas. They can also advise on specialist equipment such as chairs, wheelchairs and any adaptations you may need in your home.

Physical Disability

The method of treatment which employs physical and natural measures, such as light, heat, water etc. Therapists are trained to assess motor abilities and to carry out treatment to promote better movement and bodily strength. They will also advise on aids and appliances.

Profound & Multiple Learning Difficulties

The provision of services which provide breaks for parents of children with special needs. Care may be given in the child’s home, in the home of a respite foster family or in residential establishments. Respite care is provided by social services departments, voluntary organisations or by support groups run by parents.

Speech, Language and Communication Needs. This includes children who have difficulty expressing themselves or understanding what others are saying

Severe Learning Difficulties. This includes children who have difficulty developing basic skills.

Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia)

Visual Impairment

Usually charities, which provide help and advice that is often linked to particular needs