Your Neurodivergent Child’s Support Team

CREATING A WELL-ROUNDED SUPPORT TEAM

Prioritise Needs First – If sensory challenges are impacting daily life, an occupational therapist (OT) is a great starting point. If speech or communication is a concern, a speech therapist should be consulted first.

Ensure Collaboration – Encourage professionals to share insights with each other for a more cohesive treatment approach.

Check Medical Aid Coverage – Many South African medical aids cover certain treatments, but benefits vary. Discuss Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) with specialists to understand your options.

KEY PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN HELP

Child Psychiatrist / Paediatric Psychiatrist

Role: A medical doctor with a specialisation in child psychiatry who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions.

When to Consult: If your child has emotional, behavioural, or mental health challenges such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, or mood disorders. They also prescribe medication if necessary.

What to Expect:

• Pre-appointment forms covering medical and developmental history.
• Initial consultation includes an in-depth assessment of behaviour, family dynamics, and developmental milestones.
• Follow-ups every 2–6 months, depending on treatment needs.

Treatment Approach:

• Medication management (if required).
• Collaboration with therapists, teachers, and other specialists.

Educational Psychologist

Role: An expert in psychological and educational challenges who supports children in academic and emotional development.

When to Consult: If your child is struggling academically, socially, or emotionally. They also assist with school placements, exam accommodations, and Individualised Education Plans (IEPs).

What to Expect:

• Cognitive, emotional, and educational testing.
• Observations and feedback from teachers.
• Therapy sessions using play-based interventions for younger children.

Treatment Approach:

• Weekly therapy sessions.
• Coordination with teachers and other health professionals.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Role: Helps children with motor skills, sensory processing, and daily life activities.

When to Consult: If your child struggles with sensory sensitivities, fine/gross motor skills, or daily tasks such as dressing and handwriting.

What to Expect:

• Initial assessment of motor, sensory, and coordination skills.
• Play-based therapy sessions tailored to the child’s needs.
• Possible recommendations for sensory diets or environmental adaptations.

Treatment Approach:

• Sensory integration therapy.
• Exercises to improve coordination and motor skills.
• Parent training for home-based interventions.

Paediatric Neurologist

Role: A specialist in nervous system disorders affecting children.

When to Consult: If your child has conditions such as epilepsy, Tourette’s syndrome, developmental delays, or severe ADHD.

What to Expect:

• Developmental and neurological assessments.
• Possible tests like EEGs, MRIs, or CT scans.
• Coordination with other professionals for a multidisciplinary approach.

Treatment Approach:

• Diagnosis of neurological conditions.
• Medication if required.
• Further referrals for therapy and intervention.

Speech and Language Therapist (SLT)

Role: Assesses and treats communication, speech, and language difficulties.

When to Consult: If your child has delayed speech, difficulty understanding or expressing language, or social communication challenges (e.g., in autism).

What to Expect:

• Observation and testing of language comprehension and articulation.
• Play-based therapy sessions.
• Collaboration with teachers and therapists.

Treatment Approach:

• Exercises to improve articulation and pronunciation.
• Social skills training.
• Use of visual aids and communication devices if needed.

Play Therapist / Child Psychologist

Role: Supports children’s emotional and social well-being through structured play therapy.

When to Consult: If your child is experiencing emotional trauma, anxiety, or behavioural difficulties. Particularly beneficial for non-verbal or young children.

What to Expect:

• Play-based techniques such as drawing, storytelling, or role-playing.
• Emotional regulation strategies.
• Parental guidance sessions.

Treatment Approach:

• Therapy focused on emotional expression and problem-solving.
• Support for social skills development.
• Regular sessions with ongoing assessment.

Dietitian

Role: Provides nutritional guidance for children with dietary concerns, including food intolerances and eating difficulties.

When to Consult: If your child has restrictive eating habits (e.g., ARFID), allergies, weight concerns, or requires a special diet.

What to Expect:

• Dietary assessment and meal planning.
• Monitoring growth and nutritional intake.
• Guidance for parents on balanced eating habits.

Treatment Approach:

• Tailored diet plans.
• Support for food exposure therapy.
• Nutritional supplementation if needed.

Developmental Paediatrician

Role: A paediatrician specialising in developmental conditions.

When to Consult: If your child has suspected neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities.

What to Expect:

• A comprehensive developmental assessment.
• Input from teachers and therapists.
• Multi-disciplinary coordination for a holistic approach.

Treatment Approach:

• Behavioural support plans.
• Parent training.
• Medication and therapy referrals as necessary.

Final Thoughts

Each professional plays a vital role in supporting your child’s unique needs. Ensuring open communication among practitioners, teachers, and family members leads to better outcomes. With the right team in place, parents can feel confident in providing their child with the best possible support system.

References

South African Speech-Language-Heaing Association (SASLHA). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.saslha.co.za 

South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sasop.co.za

 Autism South Africa. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aut2know.co.za