Potential concerns 

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DIFFICULTIES

• Prefers to play alone or struggles to make friends

• Doesn’t understand emotions (their own or others’)

• Doesn’t respond to social cues (waving, smiling, greeting people)

• Avoids physical touch or cuddles

• Gets anxious in social settings or large groups

• Doesn’t seem to care when parents leave/return

• Emotional outbursts with no clear cause

• Struggles to cope with disappointment or change

SENSORY PROCESSING CHALLENGES

• Easily overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or busy environments

• Covers ears or avoids certain sounds

• Hates certain textures (food, clothing, surfaces)

• Avoids touch or seeks excessive touch

• Constantly moving, fidgeting, or seeking pressure (hugs, jumping, spinning)

• Unusual pain tolerance (high or low)

SCHOOL AND LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

• Struggles with reading, writing, or numbers

• Difficulty following multi-step instructions

• Cannot focus or complete tasks

• Messy handwriting or struggles with fine motor tasks

• Needs extra support but isn’t getting it

• Teacher/school raising concerns but no action taken

MEDICAL & REFERRAL CONCERNS

• Long waiting lists for referrals (paediatrics, speech therapy, OT, CAMHS)

• GP/Health Visitor says “wait and see” but no improvement

• Difficulty accessing an EHCP or school support

• Told child is “too young to assess” but concerns persist

• Confusion about next steps or where to seek help