06/20/2012
Who Does What?
November 2009
Depending on the needs of your child, your family may require the services of one or more of the professionals outlined below. Behaviour Consultants Design, develop and monitor individualized behavioural intervention plans. Behaviour Interventionists Implement an individualized behavioural intervention plan on a one-to-one basis. Family Doctors/Paediatricians Can advise parents about accessing and referral for diagnostic and post-diagnostic services, make referrals to specialists, and help families find supports. Infant Development Program Consultants Work with families of children under the age of three with, or at-risk of, developmental delay. Infant Development Program consultants provide home visits, assessment, program planning and liaison with other families. Nursing Support Services Coordinators Work with children, youth, their families and caregivers to provide information, consultation, planning, implementation and monitoring of nursing supports for children with special health care needs in their home, child care and school settings. Occupational therapists Work with children, youth and their families and caregivers to develop the child’s maximum level of independence in all areas of daily living, such as: dressing, bathing, feeding, play and school related activities. Physiotherapists Work with children, youth and their families and caregivers to develop the child’s maximum level of independence by addressing physical aspects, such as: movement, muscle strength, coordination, fitness and respiration. Public Health Audiologists Provide hearing screening, assessments and intervention supports for children with or at risk for hearing loss. Psychiatrists May provide diagnostic assessment and reassessment of children, monitor prescriptions and/or medical treatments and family counselling. Psychologists Offer diagnosis and can address concerns about a child's learning abilities or behaviour. Assessments may be used to identify a child's strengths and abilities, assist in planning goals and strategies to address identified needs. Psychologists are available to provide family-centred treatment and support. Public Health Nurses Provide information on healthy growth and development of children, immunization and resources, supports and services in their community. Speech-Language Pathologists/Speech Therapists Work with children, youth and their families and caregivers to develop the child’s verbal and non-verbal communication skills, their understanding of language and their swallowing and feeding skills. Social Workers Inform and refer parents to services provided by the Ministry of Children and Family Development and link families with community-based supports and services. Supported Child Development Consultants Facilitate the inclusion of children with special needs in the broader child care system.
