Early, targeted help without a diagnostic label

 Whilst parents and teachers often have concerns about a child’s development this does not necessarily result in that child meeting the threshold for a particular diagnosis following a formal assessment. Many children have some difficulties (they can occur naturally on a continuum from mild to severe) but it is only when a group of clinicians reach consensus that a particular pattern of difficulties (sign & symptoms) meets the diagnostic criteria and are significantly higher than expected, that a formal diagnosis is made. This means that many children who are struggling and in need of support are denied it because they did not reach the exact cut-off for a diagnosis.

 Unfortunately overstretched services have been designed to provide support only for the children who get diagnosed. Just falling short of a diagnosis doesn’t mean that the child would not benefit from the clinical skills of occupational therapists, speech & language therapists and psychologists but currently these are just not available. A diagnosis is obviously required before any medication is prescribed but all the other interventions can be helpful to children who fall just below the threshold. Our programs are based on principles from these therapeutic interventions which parents find incredibly helpful.

Parents as the main change agent

We understand every parent wants their child to reach their full potential. That’s why we offer a unique, integrated and needs-based approach, recognising the child’s needs to help make life easier. 

Parents are critical. Parents know their child best, and can observe them in the home environment where children typically don’t need to ‘mask’ or hide their difficulties. Parents are uniquely positioned to tailor the child’s environment, including their own responses, and to help children learn new skills in a familiar environment. There is a strong body of research on the importance of parental involvement in any behavioural or emotional intervention of a child.

We have designed Assembly to empower parents to help their child develop. 

As highly experienced clinicians, we have seen children develop across all of the interconnected dimensions, time and again. With the integrated needs-based approach that Assembly offers, we are confident that every child will be able to do so.