Report: Exploring concerns in child’s diagnosis of a learning disability

Over the years ENABLE Scotland has become increasingly aware of the gap in services to meet the challenges faced by parents at the early stages of a child’s diagnosis of a learning disability.

The aim of the study was to explore the extent and nature of challenges faced by the parents of children with diagnosed and undiagnosed learning disabilities and access to support after initial concerns about a child’s development are raised.

Jan Savage, ENABLE Scotland’s Director of Campaigns and External Affairs said: “The research shows that all too often families reach crisis point before the support they need is available. This backs up what many professionals and parents have known for many years.  We need to change this.

“The findings of this research lead to some strong recommendations for policy and practice to improve the experiences of families, children, and professionals alike. In particular, the implementation of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 provides a timely opportunity to address issues raised and we make direct recommendations around children’s services planning, to include more support for families affected by disability, and developing specialist skill set for professionals to guide their approach to supporting families and signposting.

“In order to make sure that the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 delivers for children with learning disabilities in the early years and beyond, and addresses the issues identified by this research, we have identified ten key recommendations to ensuring that this universal policy and legislation is enacted to the best advantage of disabled children and their families.” 

The full report Exploring Concerns Around a Child’s Diagnosis of a Learning Disability (Including ASD): Experiences of Parents, Young People and Professionals in Scotland found can be here.