Supporting children with complex needs

Introduction

Sometimes I think it would help to start with a blank piece of paper instead of sharing so much information about what they can and cannot do. Just get to know the child and you’ll learn what they like to do.

Pamela – parent

This quote is taken from an interview with Pamela, the parent of a child with complex medical needs. Pamela’s words highlight that the usual approach to learning how to support a child with complex needs often starts with discussions about the child and involves completing extensive reports and plans. Of course, it’s important to include these forms of communication, but Pamela’s view is that it may be more productive to take a different approach. She suggests that by meeting and observing the child, practitioners will be able to learn about the child and make their own assessment of what a child can do and what he or she may need support with doing.

Working with children with complex medical needs can be daunting – it may seem that you have a great deal to learn and you may lack confidence in your knowledge and ability at first. However, it’s important to remember that you will be part of a team that is likely to include other health professionals who will help you build your knowledge.

Working with parents and other health professionals involved in the care of children with complex medical needs is especially important. It will also be important that you and other practitioners in your setting can work together as a team. Teamwork involves developing good communication skills and listening carefully is a key skill that you may need to develop.

Figure 5.1  Eilidh, who has complex needs, receiving assistance

The content of Week 5 links to module learning outcomes (LO) 4 and 5:

  • LO4  Be aware of the sources of support for ELC staff working with children with ASN.
  • LO5  Identify the specialist and cross-professional support that is available to support children with complex ASN.

By the end of Week 5 you will be able to:

  • know more about meeting the additional support required by children with complex medical needs
  • identify how you can show leadership in meeting the needs of children with complex needs.

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5.1  Children with complex needs