New to Intellectual Disability

Ask questions, learn all you can about your child’s disability and support programmes that are available. Connect with other parents who have experienced having a child with a disability

Connect with organisations who have expertise with your situation

Ask your GP and any medical specialists you are referred to about the relevant tests associated with your child’s disability. Make appointments quickly as waiting lists can be long. This is a time when you can get overloaded with information, so consider taking a support person along with you so you can recall and discuss new information afterwards

Contact your local Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) organisation to see what disability support you may be able to access. Freephone 0800 693 342 to find your local NASC

Read “A Guide for Carers” available from Work and Income Freephone 0800 559 009

If your child is attending an early childhood centre or school, make an appointment to meet with the Principal to discuss accessing support such as the Early Intervention Service to assist your child’s learning and participation

Join the IHC library and ask for assistance finding relevant and reliable information. We also provide a free book service as a way of supporting families. Click here to get your free book.

Making financial arrangements early can be very helpful later on. IHC recommends opening a bank account, enrolling your child in Kiwisaver and registering your child with Inland Revenue as soon as possible

Contact WINZ regarding eligibility to the Child Disability Allowance.