Noticing that your child is struggling — socially, emotionally, or at school — can bring up a lot of questions. You might be wondering “Is this just a phase?” or “Where do I even start?”
If your child is neurodiverse, or you think they might be, there are supports available in Ireland, and you don’t need a diagnosis to ask for help. This guide, part of our Additional Needs Resources Ireland, explains the first steps, the professionals involved, and what to expect along the way.
Start With Primary Care Services
Primary Care Services (PCS) are community-based health services, meaning they operate outside of the hospital setting. If your child’s needs are non-complex and have a mild to moderate impact on their daily life, support is usually provided through Primary Care.
Primary Care professionals work within their own disciplines, so while they cannot provide multidisciplinary assessments, they can offer valuable early support and guidance. You can ask about accessing these services through your HSE Local Health Office.
Health Professionals in Primary Care Services
Your child may be supported by one or more of the following professionals:
General Practitioner (GP)
Your GP is often the first point of contact. They can listen to your concerns, refer your child to Primary Care or specialist disability services, make referrals to Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs), and refer to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for concerns such as ADHD, significant anxiety, or mental health difficulties.Public Health Nurse (PHN)
A Public Health Nurse supports children throughout childhood and can discuss developmental concerns and make referrals to specialist primary or secondary services. You can contact your PHN through your HSE Local Health Office.Speech and Language Therapist (SLT)
A Speech and Language Therapist supports speech clarity, language understanding and use, and communication and social interaction. For example, an SLT may help a child who struggles to be understood or to communicate their needs.Occupational Therapist (OT)
An Occupational Therapist helps children with everyday activities, such as self-care skills, sensory processing, and play. They support children to participate fully in daily routines.Physiotherapist
A Physiotherapist supports children with physical development, including delays in gross motor skills, balance or coordination difficulties, and musculoskeletal issues.Psychologist
A Psychologist in Primary Care supports children with mild to moderate psychological difficulties, such as emotional or behavioural challenges, sleep or toileting difficulties, or food-related issues.Primary Care Social Worker
A Primary Care Social Worker provides emotional support, practical guidance, and social and family support.
Additional Practical Supports
Continence Care Provision
All children aged four years and over who cannot be potty trained due to a disability are entitled to continence products (nappies) from the HSE. You can access this support by contacting your Public Health Nurse through your HSE Local Health Office.
What Is a Paediatrician?
A Paediatrician is a medical doctor who specialises in childhood health and development. Your child may be referred to a paediatrician for more specialised assessments, investigation of underlying medical or developmental causes, or assessment of issues such as growth, development, or complex health needs. In some cases, a paediatrician may recommend further investigations, such as genetic testing.
Who Can Refer Your Child to a Paediatrician
Your GP
Another health professional (e.g., an Occupational Therapist)
Some private paediatric clinics may accept self-referral
What Happens After a Referral
Once a referral is made, you will usually receive a letter inviting you to an appointment with an assigned health professional. During appointments, the professional may spend time observing your child, use simple tasks or activities, and ask you or other important people in your child’s life about your child’s development. Before seeing a public health professional, you may also be invited to attend a parent programme, such as a parenting course or workshop on supporting language or behaviour.
It can help to prepare for appointments by writing down your concerns, noting examples of what you’ve observed at home or school, and bringing any relevant reports or notes.
What Is an Assessment of Need
If your child has — or may have — a disability, you can apply for an Assessment of Need (AON) under the Disability Act 2005. Children with disabilities in Ireland have the right to an independent assessment of their needs, an assessment report, a statement of the services they will receive, and the right to make a complaint if they are unhappy with any part of the process. Parents can apply directly without needing a medical referral.
It is recommended to apply for an Assessment of Need at the same time as referring your child to Primary Care or a Children’s Disability Network Team. Do not wait for the AON process to be completed before seeking support.
How to Apply
Contact your local Assessment Officer or request an AON application form from your HSE Local Health Office
Once you submit your application, you will receive confirmation by letter and may be contacted for further information about your child
A Liaison Officer will then make appropriate referrals on your behalf
The assessment may involve a team of professionals, such as a Clinical Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, and/or Occupational Therapist, though some children will be assessed by one professional. The Assessment Officer decides what is needed.
An Assessment of Need is not a diagnostic process. You will not receive a diagnosis, but you will receive a statement of your child’s needs and recommendations for the services needed to meet them.
If you are unsure about how the public health services are organised, ask for guidance at your HSE Local Health Office.
Delays in Public Services and What Parents Can Do in 2026
Many families in Ireland experience long waiting times when accessing public health and disability services. Waiting lists for Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams, CAMHS, and other assessments can be quite long. This can feel frustrating or worrying, especially if you want guidance and support for your child as soon as possible.
While you wait, you can continue to work with your GP, school, and local supports, and in some cases, you may choose to explore private options alongside public services. Some families find private assessments helpful for earlier guidance or advice while remaining on the public waiting list.
Private Specialist Health Services
If you wish, you can also access private health professionals for assessments or therapy. It is a good idea to speak with your GP first, as some private specialists may require a referral.
Costs for private assessments can vary, usually ranging from around €450 to €2,000 or more, depending on the assessment type. Waiting times tend to be shorter than those in public services, but they can still exist. In some cases, you can request a screening instead of a full assessment. Screenings are usually less expensive and can give useful guidance or recommendations, though they do not provide a formal diagnosis.
Private assessments and therapies can be costly, but there are some ways to offset costs. Many health insurance plans allow you to claim part of the cost back, sometimes up to 75%. You can also claim 20% tax relief on eligible health expenses through your annual tax return.
Finding the right private professional often involves a little research. Parents often:
search online for clinics in their area
ask their GP or other health professionals for recommendations
talk with other parents
join support groups online
Some clinics offer multidisciplinary assessments, which can be particularly helpful if your child has multiple areas of need. Single-professional assessments can also provide useful recommendations.
Before booking an assessment, it is a good idea to check that the professional is registered with the relevant professional body in Ireland, such as:
If you are unsure, you can ask your GP or contact one of these organisations for guidance. Some public services, like the HSE or Department of Education, may not formally accept private assessments. Depending on your reason for seeking an assessment, it can help to check beforehand. For children with more complex needs, sometimes input from more than one professional is helpful. Multidisciplinary clinics can give a broader picture, though seeing a single professional can still provide valuable guidance.
Support for Parents of Children with Additional Needs
Looking after a child with additional needs can be challenging, and it is normal to feel unsure or overwhelmed at times. Many parents find it helpful to connect with charities and parent-led support groups for guidance, practical advice, and a sense of community.
Charities that provide excellent support in Ireland include:
AsIAm — Ireland’s Autism charity
Social media support groups can also be a valuable way to connect with other parents:
DCA Warriors — supports families affected by disability and provides guidance on financial and educational matters
Autism Mamai Ireland — a friendly space for parents of autistic children to chat and ask questions
@fussireland — an advocacy group founded by parents of neurodiverse and disabled children, providing information and resources
Connecting with these groups can help you feel less alone and provide practical tips for navigating school, therapy, assessments, and daily life.
A Final Word
Trust your instincts. Noticing concerns early is important, and support is based on your child’s needs rather than labels. You do not need a diagnosis to ask for help, and reaching out to schools, health professionals, or support networks is a positive first step.
You are your child’s strongest advocate, and with guidance and support, you can help them access the services and opportunities they need to thrive.
About BetterCare
BetterCare is a private service supporting children with additional needs in Ireland. We provide assessments and specialist services including occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychology, and psychiatry.
If you would like to speak with one of our team, you can book a free consultation with a team member, phone us at 01 556 3335 or contact us here.
We’re here to answer your questions and provide professional support tailored to your child’s needs.
