Potential concerns

Families reach out to Navigating SEND Together for all sorts of reasons and at different stages of their child’s journey. Some parents just have a feeling that something isn’t quite right but aren’t sure what help they or their child may need. Others may have already received a diagnosis, but want to make the most of these early years and need help to understand how they can support their child's development.

In this section I have listed the most common concerns that parents have raised with me, either as a result of a meeting with professionals or due to their own concerns regarding their child's development.

If you have similar concerns please give me a call and let's chat through how I can help.

Concerned? Let's have a chat

General developmental concerns

Not meeting milestones (speech, motor, social)
Behind in school compared to peers
Struggling with independence (toileting, dressing, feeding)
Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
Not meeting their milestone on their 2-year check or other assessments
Constantly being told to “wait and see” but still concerned
Difficulty with transitions or change
Being told by professionals that there are "Red Flags"

Neurodivergence and Diagnosed Conditions

Autism / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADD) Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder ADHD / Autism and ADHD (AuDHD)
Sensory Processing Disorder or Difficulties (SPD)
Down Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy
Dyspraxia (coordination difficulties)
Learning difficulties (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia)
Intellectual Disabilities

Speech and Communication

Speech delay / not talking as expected
Limited vocabulary or not using words functionally
Echolalia (repeating words or phrases)
Doesn’t respond when spoken to
Difficulty understanding instructions/questions
Nonverbal or minimally verbal communication
Difficulty expressing needs/wants
Social communication difficulties (not engaging in conversations, not making eye contact, not understanding jokes or sarcasm)
Suspected hearing impairment affecting speech

Motor skills & Physical Development

Not walking by 18 months
Falls frequently or struggles with balance
Weak muscle tone / seems “floppy”
Avoids climbing, jumping, or physical play
Struggles with using hands for small tasks (e.g., using cutlery, buttons, crayons)
Still in nappies past expected age
Walking on tiptoes constantly

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

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