Working with professionals

There are a wide range of professionals who may work with your child and family over the years. The number of professionals and their roles are largely dependent on the complexity of your child’s needs, the amount of support your family needs and sadly your postcode! For more information on the range of professionals and their roles, check out our free resources here.

Top tips for working with professionals

Whilst the roles of professionals vary, there are basic rules to having a successful working relationship with them and to make the best of what they have to offer. Here are our top ten tips!

People sat at a table with cogs moving in their heads to show they are thinking

1. Always give new professionals a concise and clear background history.

2. Prepare before the meeting - make sure you know what you want from the appointment, why you want that outcome and why you are entitled to that outcome. If you want to show patterns of behaviour, you can find our free diary templates in our shop here.

3. Treat professionals with respect and listen to their viewpoint, even if you don’t agree with it.

4. Know your rights and don’t be scared to complain.

5. Remember you know your child better than anyone else and you are their main advocate.

6. Don’t feel ashamed to accept help - having support isn’t a sign of weakness.

7. Don’t be scared to ask for a second opinion, you are entitled to it.

8. If you don’t understand something ask - whilst you are the expert on your child, you are not a trained professional and things should be explained to you in a clear way.

9. Make sure they are aware of any disabilities that you may have so that reasonable adaptations are made if necessary.

10. Allow yourself time after any meetings to process. Meetings are exhausting, as is the admin that is linked to them, so it is important to look after your own well being.