CP support changes as your child grows — the questions you ask at 3 are very different from those at 13 or 23. This is a quick map of the main issues and routes at each life stage.
| Age / Stage | Main Issues | Support Routes | Bright Steps Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | Early concerns, feeding, tone, milestones, sleep, seizures, parent bonding and early development. | Health visitor, , paediatric referral, physio//, portage, early years support. | Take videos of movement concerns; ask for early intervention. |
| 3-4 | Nursery access, toileting, speech, mobility, play, equipment, transitions to school. | Early years , inclusion funding, health reports, assessment if needs are complex. | Start school transition planning early. |
| 5-7 | Reception/KS1 access, handwriting, fatigue, PE, toileting, playground, stairs, school trips. | Support, , /physio school programmes, reasonable adjustments. | Do not let 'settling in' excuse unmet needs. |
| 8-11 | Increasing curriculum demands, social inclusion, pain/fatigue, independence, puberty preparation. | Annual review, therapy updates, equipment resizing, school transport review. | Prepare for secondary site size and moving lessons. |
| 11-16 | Secondary transition, large buildings, exams, identity, friendships, fatigue, bullying, mental health. | Transition plan, access arrangements, locker/lift/toilet plans, PE alternatives, review. | Secondary is often where hidden physical fatigue becomes obvious. |
| 16-18 | transition, college, apprenticeships, independence, travel training, adult health transition. | evidence, outcomes, adult services planning, Motability review. | Start and adult health planning before 16 if possible. |
| 19-25 | Further education, employment, adult therapies, independent living, care act support. | if in education/training, adult social care, , Access to Work, adult CP clinic if available. | Young people should be involved in decisions. |
| Adulthood | Pain, fatigue, mobility changes, work, housing, relationships, parenting, mental health and independent living. | , adult neurology/rehab, physiotherapy, , social care, , Access to Work, DFG/CHC where eligible. | NICE adult CP guidance supports ongoing access to services. |
Sources: , NICE (NG62 & NG119), Scope, Contact, GOV.UK, , Citizens Advice. Always check linked organisations for the latest information.