Advice for parents

Parents of disabled children and young people with additional needs realise early on that having the right information is crucial to their ability to make choices about what is best for their kids.  But this information is often hard to come by. The advice and information in this section is based on organisations experiences and that of the many parents who we have been working in consultation.

Health

Health talks about finding out what's wrong, the who and where of healthcare and gives advice about how to get the best out of health services.

Education

Education has information about how your child's special needs will be provided for at different stages of their education; about statements and statutory assessments; about the professionals involved in education who can help you.

Money matters

In Money Matters you will get detailed, up-to-date advice on disability benefits and grants and where to find organisations that will support and guide you.

Help with daily life

Help with Daily Life tells you about social care services such as short breaks, adaptations to the home and parking. It also gives advice on how to access these services.

Leisure

The Leisure section lists local and national leisure opportunities for children with additional needs as well as advice about what to look for when choosing an activity.

Survival strategies

In Survival Strategies we tell you about support from professionals and other parents that may help you to cope as well as offering our own tips.

Becoming an adult

Finally, Becoming an adult revisits most of these subjects from the point of view of the changes that will take place as your child grows up. If you can't find the information you want here, remember IRIS also has e-newsletters and a quarterly magazine you can subscribe to. You can also contact IRIS for more information.