Your First Appointment
During the initial interview, the therapist will gather information about your child or young person and your family, to gain a better understanding of your child’s current development and the nature of your concern. They will also ask for some background information. This will include birth details, any health issues, your child’s general development and family history. They will record this information. If the child is young, they will be able to play while the therapist gathers information. If they are older, the therapist may talk to them about what they think the difficulties are.

Assessment
During the assessment process, the therapist will use different methods to assess your child or young person’s relevant skills. These methods may include observing your child, playing with toys, looking at pictures, formal assessments or undertaking physical activities. The therapist may also wish to talk to your child’s nursery/playgroup or school teacher, to get a clearer idea of how your child functions in that environment.

Discussion
Following the assessment, the therapist will discuss their findings with you and, possibly, with other professionals involved, for example preschool or school staff. The therapist will explain their conclusions. Part of this discussion will include the intervention, if any, that your child needs and who will carry it out. A report will be written and, with your consent, will be sent to you, the person who referred your child and any other professionals involved such as the school, Health Visitor or G.P. The report will state the therapist’s conclusions and give advice and recommendations for supporting your child’s development.

What Next?
We would expect that children and young people move in and out of our service rather than remain under continuous monitoring.  Our therapists aim to support you, other relatives, carers  and staff in your child’s educational setting to develop your child’s health needs and become independent of our service.

The following are examples of what may happen following the assessment. Depending on your child’s needs, one or more of these options may be selected in a discussion between you and the therapist and, possibly, with your child’s school or pre-school:

• a programme of activities to carry out at home
• a programme of activities to be carried out in school or preschool
• training for yourself or other professionals to meet your child’s needs
• a review appointment to check your child’s progress after a few months
• a block of regular individual or group therapy sessions
• referral to a more appropriate service
• advice and discharge from further follow-up with the CYPTS.

We would aim to send a copy of the report or intervention plan to you within six weeks of the appointment.

The therapist may also recommend that your child is seen by another member of the Children and Young People’s Service.

Where to find us:
When attending your child’s face-to-face clinic appointment, you will attend the appointment at your local team’s clinic.  The list of clinic locations can be found on the right hand side of this page.