Physical health and challenging behaviour

Physical health considerations

• Are they able to communicate pain? How do they do this?
• Do they have any allergies?
• Do they have epilepsy?
• Are they washing themselves or being washed thoroughly?
• Are they overweight/underweight?
• Have they had their annual health check? When was the last appointment?
• Do they have discomfort when passing stools or urine?
• Have they had a recent optician appointment? Do they complain of headaches that could be caused by eye pain?
• Have they been to the dentist in the last 6 months? Do they need support brushing their teeth?
• Do they have any rashes, sores, moles, spots/acne on their skin?
• How are their finger/toenails?

Challenges with eating or drinking

• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)

For support with ARFID, a referral will need to be made by your child’s GP or paediatrician.

A dietician can provide support with challenges and concerns around eating and drinking, and a referral can be made by your child’s GP.

What to expect from medication

• Before we look to medication for your child, we look to see if any changes can made in their environment to support them.
• Medication is used if changes in the environment cannot be made without its support.
• For example, if your child is particularly anxious and presents with controlling behaviours, we will look at what strategies can be put in place at home or in school to support with behaviours, before looking at medications for anxiety