• Here when things get tough

Potential concerns 

Families get in touch with Navigating SEND Together for all kinds of reasons and at many different stages of their child’s journey.

Some parents simply have a gut feeling that something isn’t quite right, even if they’re not sure what help they need. Others may already have a diagnosis and want to make the most of these early years – looking for guidance on how best to support their child’s development.

Below, you’ll find some of the most common concerns parents have shared with me – whether prompted by a conversation with a professional or their own observations and worries.

If anything here sounds familiar, or if you just need someone to talk it through with, I’m here. Let’s have a chat and explore what support could look like for your family.

1. 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"

2. Neurodivergence and Diagnosed Conditions

  • Autism / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 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)
  • Specific learning difficulties (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia)
  • Learning Disabilities

3. 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

4. Motor skills & Physical Development

  • Difficulty with gross motor skills (crawling, walking)
  • 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)
  • Struggling to learn to use the toilet or leave nappies behind

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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
  • Real families, Real Progress

“Lindsey has a worth of knowledge and experience to offer children and families”

"Most importantly, Lindsey is enormously compassionate and an all-round lovely person."

"I would not hesitate to recommend Lindsey. From the first meeting, she made my son feel comfortable and her interaction with him is superb"

“We have completed the initial block of 6 sessions with Lindsey and we are simply impressed! ”

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