{"id":6318,"date":"2022-04-21T16:45:25","date_gmt":"2022-04-21T15:45:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/?page_id=6318"},"modified":"2026-05-13T09:56:46","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T08:56:46","slug":"early-years-support","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-stages\/childhood-and-school\/early-years-support\/","title":{"rendered":"How to support your disabled child in their early years"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">The first years of a child\u2019s life can be a steep learning curve for parents. If your disabled child has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/what-does-complex-disabilities-mean\/\">complex needs<\/a>, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/deafness-and-hearing-loss\/\">hearing loss<\/a> and\/or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/blindness-and-visual-impairment\/\">vision impairments<\/a>, that curve can be even steeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here you\u2019ll find answers to some of the most common questions our expert Sense teams are asked by parents and carers of young children with complex needs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On this page:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-grey-tint-10  align-right  size-large\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sense is here for you at every stage of life<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">We support disabled people of all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">From our free play sessions for children under eight, to our adult residential care services, we\u2019re with disabled people and their families every step of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Get in touch with our team to find out how we could support you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/information-and-advice-service\/\">Contact us<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li><a href=\"#communicate\">Will I be able to communicate with my disabled child?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#make-sense\">How can I help my disabled child make sense of the world?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#play\">How can I play with my disabled child?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#sleep\">How can I help my disabled child with sleeping?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#eat\">How can I help my disabled child with eating?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#washing-more\">How can I approach toilet training with my disabled child?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#support\">How can I get the right support for my disabled child\u2019s education?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#no-diagnosis\">What happens if my disabled child doesn\u2019t have a diagnosis?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#sense-support\">How can I get support for my disabled child and my family?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"communicate\"><strong>Will I be able to communicate with my disabled child?&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The answer is a resounding \u2018yes\u2019, you will be able to communicate with your child!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are so many different ways to communicate and connect, including speech, sign language, touch, movement, gesture, sound, pictures, objects and manual or electronic aids.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We believe in using whatever works for your child, which could be a combination of any or all of the above techniques.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sense offers <a href=\"\/our-services\/support-for-children\/\">support for families to help children with complex needs develop communication skills<\/a>. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/\">Find out more about developing communication skills<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block  slab    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10  align-full\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">  <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"make-sense\"><strong>How can I help my disabled child make sense of the world?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Children with complex needs, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/deafblindness\/\">multi-sensory impairments (MSI)<\/a>, get little information from the world around them. The information they do receive may be inconsistent and distorted.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It means events need to happen very consistently to help children to make sense of what they\u2019re experiencing and to understand what will happen next.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of the ways you can help to make the world more understandable for your child:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learn how to tell your child what\u2019s happening, and what\u2019s going to happen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you do it in a way they can understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Cues can be used to mark the start and\/or end of an event and to prepare your child for an activity.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For example, the same song sung every time you\u2019re going out in the car, a flannel before bath time or an armband before swimming.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Objects used to refer to a person or activity are called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/objects-of-reference\/\">objects of reference<\/a>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Develop set routines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>For example, dressing your child, getting ready for dinner or saying goodbye in the same way every time you do it.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be as consistent as possible, using the same place, the same person and the same object to signal that something familiar is happening or about to happen.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>With family life, this can be a challenge, of course, or even impossible at times! But consistency will help your disabled child recognise and understand what is happening.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Think about the physical environment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Keeping the layout of a room or space the same, with furniture always in the same place can help a lot.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It can help your child to learn and give them confidence to explore safely if they can move around.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The needs of the rest of the family in using the space may not make this possible all the time, of course. Siblings will have their own activities and games to play!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Encourage your child to use the senses they have to take part in an activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Encourage your child to use their sense of touch, smell and taste as well as the sight and hearing they have.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For example, you can hold their hands over yours while you make a drink, mix paint or put the toothpaste on the toothbrush.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is not unusual for young children to explore objects using their feet, so shoes and socks may come off.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Disabled children need to take in as much information as possible in ways that work for them. This takes time and patience.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once you\u2019ve established a routine, it\u2019s important for your child to recognise each different part of the activity.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It can be difficult to keep this up. But if you can allow extra time for everyday activities, it will make a difference.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"play\"><strong>How can I play with my child?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rest assured, there are countless ways you can play with your child, no matter how many barriers they might face.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our toolkit for parents of children with complex needs shows you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-stages\/childhood-and-school\/play-for-disabled-children\/\">the best ways you can engage your child in play<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It brings together our unrivalled depth of knowledge around using all the senses to help your child connect, communicate, learn and have fun through play.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sleep\"><strong>How can I help my disabled child with sleeping?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of the ways that can help your child establish regular patterns of sleeping and wakefulness:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Daily routine&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Establish a regular routine for each day that your child can understand and anticipate.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure your child has opportunities during the day for both exercise and rest.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">End of the day routine&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Introduce a consistent winding-down sequence of events that is enjoyable for you both.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For example, dimmed lighting, a scented bath, being wrapped in a warm soft towel, a sequence of gentle massage and rocking songs.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re relaxed and enjoying your child, they will sense this and pick up these feelings.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A warm drink and biscuit or other light snack before bed may prevent hunger during the night and help to prolong periods of sleep.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prepare the bedroom&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Warm the bed and dim the lighting to limit distractions before taking your child into the bedroom. This can help your child snuggle and settle down.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keeping an eye on your child&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Use a monitor so you can check your child is settling without needing to open the door and disturb them.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Remember: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>It takes a while for all children at a very young age to establish regular patterns of sleep and wakefulness.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For children with complex needs, it can take longer. There may be a number of reasons for this. For example:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your child\u2019s understanding of day and night may take longer to develop, particularly if they have a visual impairment.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your child may need to rest or sleep during the day beyond the first few years, which may disrupt their sleeping at night.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consistency, patience and perseverance over time help to make a difference.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Look out for the small signs and positive steps along the way and be encouraged.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block  slab    is-style-textured-primary-tint-10  align-full\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">  <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"eat\"><strong>How can I help my disabled child with eating?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why your child might find eating difficult&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your child has complex needs and has eating difficulties, it can help to understand why.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It may be due to health issues such as:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Physical problems with your child\u2019s swallowing mechanism or the digestive system.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If your child has a particular syndrome or condition, check with your GP or other healthcare professional involved in your child\u2019s care whether a physical problem that may affect eating is part of it.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical interventions, which may have been painful, uncomfortable or frightening. Your child may generalise these events and associate them with eating.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tube feeding through gastronomy or naso-gastric tubes. Prolonged periods of tube feeding may mean that your child needs to learn or relearn how to suck and feed.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It may be a lack of opportunity to play with food and practise eating like other young children do can also affect your child\u2019s response to eating. Without this, eating and mealtimes may be confusing or even frightening.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ways you can help your child with eating&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of the ways you can help your child with eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before you start&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li>Have a go at identifying the cause of any difficulties. This may help in deciding what to do. It can help you to respond calmly if you understand why your child is behaving in certain way.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remember that eating problems usually develop very gradually and may take some time to remedy.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be comfortable&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Make sure you and your child are both positioned comfortably for eating.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cue your child what is about to happen&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a consistent cue to signal that mealtime is about to start. For example, a bib or a spoon.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Give your child time to smell and feel the food&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li>Use a consistent signal to show that the next mouthful is coming. For example, a touch of the hand.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep it slow&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Slow down your own movements and responses to give your child time to understand the information they\u2019re receiving.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Encourage your child to touch food&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li>Allow and encourage your child to touch food \u2013 they may then take their hands to their mouth.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Playing with soft, sweet foods such as yoghurt or mashed banana sometimes encourages children to smell, touch and taste food in a way that reduces pressure on mealtimes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Give your child choice and positive feedback&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Try putting small bits of liquidised food on your child\u2019s bottom lip (not in the mouth), so that they are left free to decide whether to accept or reject it.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Praise your child when they respond positively. All children love the encouragement and attention it gives them. Behaviour that gets the most attention tends to be repeated the most.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accept it when your child doesn\u2019t want to eat or do something. Hard though it can be, try to stay relaxed. This helps your child to feel they are in control of what is happening and makes it less likely that a negative pattern of behaviour will develop.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"washing-more\"><strong>How can I help my disabled child with washing, dressing and going to the toilet?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some ways that may help your child learn to wash, dress and go to the toilet themselves:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Establish a regular routine for each day that your child can understand and anticipate.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cue your child about what\u2019s going to happen.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For example, you can indicate the stages of dressing through touch while at the same time saying or signing \u2018This is going over your head\u2019.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Try to allow enough time for your child to respond at each stage.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As for all children, begin toilet training when your child is dry for longer periods and seems aware of what is happening.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some children with complex needs, such as multi-sensory impairment, feel insecure in space and do not like sitting on a potty or toilet. Make sure your child\u2019s feet are supported on the floor or on a step, and that they have something or someone to hold on to.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-grey-tint-10  align-right  size-medium\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remember:&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Toilet training is likely to take longer for children with complex needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For some children, bowel and bladder control are hard to achieve because of their disabilities.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Bathrooms smell different from other rooms, and often echo. Your child may find this interesting and experiment with sounds, or they may find it frightening. If they seem anxious in the bathroom, try using things like scented soap and relaxing music to make it feel a more friendly, safe place to be.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Children who are anxious about having a bath may prefer a baby bath so they can feel the edges \u2013 or they may prefer to share a bath with you.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take time.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Disabled children need to take in as much information as possible in ways that work for them. This takes time and patience.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once you\u2019ve established a routine, it\u2019s important for your child to recognise each different part of the activity.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It can be difficult to keep this up. But if you can allow extra time for daily personal care activities, it will make a difference.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Praise your child when they respond positively. If your child doesn\u2019t want to do something, show them that you understand how they are feeling, even if you have to insist that the personal care activity is done.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"support\"><strong>How can I get the right support for my disabled child\u2019s education?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/ukpga\/2014\/6\/contents\">Children and Families Act 2014<\/a>, children and young people with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-stages\/childhood-and-school\/send-education-special-education-needs-disabilities\/\">special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)<\/a> are entitled to extra support with learning at nursery, school or college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-grey-tint-10\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-stages\/childhood-and-school\/send-education-special-education-needs-disabilities\/\">Check out our  guide to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).<\/a> Find out more about what SEND means, what the local offer is, how the support system works in early years settings and in schools and training for those over 16.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"no-diagnosis\">What happens if my child doesn&#8217;t have a diagnosis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s very common for a child with complex needs not to have a diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your child has identified needs, for example, they aren\u2019t developing typically, it\u2019s important to seek support from specialists in identifying need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If this is your situation, then <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/information-and-advice-service\/\">we can support you to try to get diagnosis<\/a> through some observational assessments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Health professionals should do the same thing in order to help you too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#other-orgs\">Contact and Syndromes Without A Name (SWAN) UK also provide advice and support.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block  slab    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10  align-full\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">  <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sense-support\">Support from Sense&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re the national disability charity supporting everyone who is deafblind or has complex needs. We\u2019re here people of all ages and their families. If you\u2019ve not come across us before, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/about-us\/\">find out more about who we are and what we do<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/information-and-advice-service\/\">Get in touch with us<\/a><\/strong> to find out more about how Sense services could support you.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"other-orgs\">Support from other organisations&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/contact.org.uk\">Contact<\/a><\/strong> is a charity for families with disabled children. They provide advice and information for families raising a child with additional needs including benefits, rights and education. They have a listening ear service, workshops and training and run special projects and programmes across the UK. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk\/\">Council for Disabled Children<\/a><\/strong> provides advice, guides and resources for disabled children and their families and professionals. You can access their online library of resources which covers Educational Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and your legal rights around education and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk\/what-we-do-0\/networks\/information-advice-and-support-services-network\/find-your-local-ias-service\">Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS)<\/a><\/strong> commissioned by Council for Disabled Children. SENDIASS provides information, advice and support available for parents of disabled children in your local area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipsea.org.uk\/\">Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA)<\/a><\/strong> provide free legal information and advice for children with special educational needs and disabilities in England. You can access their guides online or call their advice line to get help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Local Offer is the name for the support your local authority should provide for disabled children and young people and their families. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/find-local-council\">Find your local authority.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Sleep Charity<\/strong> has <a href=\"https:\/\/thesleepcharity.org.uk\/information-support\/children\/children-with-send\/\">information and advice for disabled children with sleep issues<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Scope <\/strong>provides an <a href=\"https:\/\/scope.org.uk\/family-services\/navigate\/\">emotional support programme for families called Navigate<\/a>. 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