FAQs

Q. How do I access the services?

A. To access one of our services you must contact one of the following:

• A Paediatrician
• A member of your Child Development Clinic e.g. Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Social Worker

Q. We have been told about various interventions that are recommended for our child and are unsure about the best one.

A. At Forward Steps the underlying autism intervention employed by staff with children has been the TEACCH approach. However, through its evolution the service has learned to incorporate the best of a number of interventions or combinations of these into its work including, PECs, Icon to I Can, Principles of Sensory Integration and Keyhole and very soon Applied Behavioural Analysis and Interactive Play - Floortime; See Glossary.

Essentially it is your child's needs, your views, and those of key staff and therapists that dictate the most appropriate content of his/her Individual Development Programme at Forward Steps.

Q. Is there a cost for the services?

A. Our services are free to the children and families we work with, however at present we only take referrals from Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust, North and West Belfast Health and Social Services Trust and South and East Belfast Health and Social Services Trust.

Q. I live quite some way from Belfast. Is it possible for someone to call at our home?

A. In addition to the services on site at 230 Belmont Road, we provide a home based programme. We also work with staff in other playgroups and nurseries in respect of children referred to us.

Q. Is there a waiting list?

A. Yes and no. When we receive a referral we contact the family right away to confirm this and to answer any initial enquiries. An invitation is then extended to join our mum's, dad's and toddler's group. After this initial contact all referrals are considered against Trust/Service priorities and criteria and where possible children and families are allocated the service of their choice as soon as possible.

Q. Do children stay over at Forward Steps?

A. No. We do not provide a residential service.

Q. I don't live in Greater Belfast or the North Down and Ards area. Can my child use your services?

A. No. However PAPA or your local Child Development Clinic should be able to advise you what services are available where you live.