Getting more help
The actions, strategies and reasonable adjustments identified from the Knowing ME profiling tool should be trialled for a sustained period of over 12 weeks. This helps to ensure children and young people access the right help, as soon as possible, and any remaining difficulties can be explored with the knowledge that this support is in place.
Professionals completing the profiling tool are required to follow 4 steps:
- Complete the profile with the child/young person and parent/carer to understand the child/young person’s needs and implement and record strategies, adjustments and any specific interventions that are agreed and put in place in a plan.
- Each plan will have a minimum 12-week implementation period, which should be reviewed to reflect on what has worked well, and whether there are any gaps in support.
- If the plan is having a positive impact and the child and young person is thriving and learning, a consultation could be accessed at a later date or may not be needed at all.
- If there are ongoing concerns or gaps, the professional should meet with the child/young person and their parent/carer and complete a review of the profiling tool to discuss additional support options. This may include the decision to refer for diagnostic assessment.
The best way to help children, young people, and their families to better understand their needs, and ensure that any adjustments or early help support is in place, is through completion of the Knowing ME profiling tool as a first step if this is available. This approach enables the people who know the child to work in collaboration and try out strategies over time to see if this helps meet their needs.
We do acknowledge that some children and young people will need to access a specialist diagnostic assessment. By following our new pathway, we will ensure the right children and young people can access this.