Useful for families who do not know which professional does what.
| Professional/Service | Role | What to ask for | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| First point for health concerns, referrals, prescriptions, annual health checks and care coordination. | Ask for referrals if hearing, sleep, pain, reflux, thyroid, mental health or infection concerns appear. | Health | |
| Paediatrician | Coordinates child health needs, surveillance, development and specialist referrals. | Ask for a clear health plan and review schedule. | Health |
| Health visitor/school nurse | Early years and school-age health, development and family support. | Can support referrals, safeguarding, toileting, sleep and health plans. | Health |
| Cardiologist | Assesses and manages heart conditions. | Essential where congenital heart condition is suspected/confirmed. | Health |
| Audiologist/ENT | Assesses hearing, glue ear, ear infections and related impact on language. | Ask for updated hearing evidence for // if needs affect daily life. | Health |
| Ophthalmologist/optometrist | Vision checks and eye conditions. | Keep up-to-date glasses and reports. | Health |
| Speech and language therapist | Communication, speech clarity, language, feeding/swallowing and AAC. | Ask for quantified therapy and school carry-over advice. | Health/Education |
| Physiotherapist | Gross motor skills, walking, posture, strength, mobility and low tone. | Can advise on exercises, mobility, orthotics and PE adjustments. | Health/Education |
| Occupational therapist | Fine motor, sensory, self-care, seating, equipment and home/school adaptations. | Useful for handwriting, toileting, dressing, feeding and access. | Health/Education/Social Care |
| Dietitian | Nutrition, feeding, weight, constipation/reflux and specialist diets. | Ask if growth, eating or gut symptoms are concerns. | Health |
| Educational psychologist | Assessment of learning, cognition, adaptive functioning and school provision. | Important evidence for and teaching strategies. | Education |
| School lead for special educational needs support and coordination. | Ask for written plans, review dates and provision mapping. | Education | |
| Portage worker/early years inclusion | Home/early years developmental support for preschool children. | Ask local authority about referral criteria. | Education/Early Years |
| Children with disabilities social worker | Social care assessment, short breaks, direct payments, safeguarding and family support. | Ask for child in need/social care assessment if caring needs are significant. | Social Care |
| Learning disability nurse/team | Adult support with health access, communication, reasonable adjustments and complex needs. | Useful during transition to adult services. | Health/Social Care |
| Benefits adviser/welfare rights | Helps with , , UC, mandatory reconsideration and appeals. | DSA, Contact, Citizens Advice and local welfare rights may help. | Benefits |