How Do I Ask for a Sensory, OT or Related Assessment in Wales?

Published 7 May 2026

Learn Without Limits CIC - Sensory Needs and the ALN System - Article 2

This article was checked against published service information on 7 May 2026. Referral routes can change. Always check the current health board, NHS 111 Wales, local authority or service page before submitting a request.

This article provides general information for families in Wales. It is not medical, legal, therapeutic or safeguarding advice. If a child, young person or adult may be injured, unwell, unsafe, at risk, or in crisis, seek appropriate professional or emergency help.

This article builds on our introductory guide: What Are Sensory Needs, and Why Do They Matter in the ALN System?

Quick route finder

Use this table first. Then scroll to the service route you need.

What is happening?	Age	First route to check
Sensory regulation, daily living, self-care, body awareness, school access, safety, unusual pain response, crashing, climbing, bolting	0-18/19 depending on area	Paediatric Occupational Therapy, ideally with sensory processing, sensory regulation or sensory integration experience
Communication difficulty, non-speaking child or young person, difficulty explaining pain or distress, eating, drinking or swallowing concerns	0-18/19 depending on area	Speech and Language Therapy
Balance, falls, gait, coordination, delayed movement, posture, pain, physical function	0-18/19 depending on area	Physiotherapy
Light sensitivity, headaches, visual fatigue, tracking, convergence, copying from the board, eye teaming	Any age	Optometrist first, then orthoptics if needed
Hearing concerns, not responding, difficulty hearing in noise, repeated ear infections, sound tolerance concerns	0-18	GP, health visitor, school nurse or audiology route
Toileting, sleep, nutrition, health concerns, EHE/outside-school child needing health signposting	School age	School nursing, where the local service covers the child’s age and situation
Home safety, adaptations, equipment, supervision, short breaks, carer support	0-18	Disabled children’s social care / local authority occupational therapy
Adult sensory distress, non-speaking adult, stripping, bolting, running into traffic, unsafe community access, daily care needs	18-25	Adult social care, adult OT, GP, adult SALT, adult physiotherapy, adult learning disability/autism route where relevant
Sensory needs affecting access to nursery, school, FE or training	0-25 if still in education	ALNCo, school/FE ALN team, local authority ALN team, plus health/social care reports where needed

If sensory needs affect education: what is ALP?

ALP means Additional Learning Provision.

In Wales, ALP is the additional or different support a child or young person with Additional Learning Needs may need to help them learn. Welsh Government guidance explains that the extra support given to children and young people with ALN to help them learn is called ALP, and that young people with ALN who stay in education may be entitled to an IDP up to the age of 25.

If sensory needs affect access to education, an OT, Speech and Language Therapy (SALT), physiotherapy, orthoptics, audiology or other relevant report may help explain:

what the need is;
how it affects access to learning;
what support or adjustments are needed;
whether the IDP should describe sensory-related needs;
whether ALP should include specific provision.

Before you refer: ask for sensory expertise where sensory is central

In many sensory-related cases, the most useful professional is an occupational therapist with experience in sensory processing, sensory regulation or sensory integration.

Parents should not assume that every OT has specialist sensory training.

When making a request, use wording like this:

I am requesting occupational therapy input for my child. Sensory needs are affecting daily life, safety, education access and family routines. Please can the request be considered by an OT with experience in sensory processing, sensory regulation or sensory integration, or can you advise where such an assessment should be requested?

If a service says it does not offer sensory integration therapy, ask:

Can your service still assess the functional impact of sensory needs on daily life, school access and safety?

And:

If not, which local pathway should assess sensory processing, sensory regulation or sensory-related safety needs?

Paediatric Occupational Therapy route by Welsh health board

OT is usually the main route where sensory needs affect daily activities, self-care, school access, body awareness, play, movement, home safety or family routines.

Health board	Age range where published	Parent/carer self-referral?	What parents need to do	Link
Aneurin Bevan UHB	Children and young people	Public referral/request guidance is available. The page checked does not state the route as clearly as “self-referral” in the way some other boards do.	Use the children’s OT referral/request guidance and referral form. If unsure, ask school, GP, health visitor, school nurse, social care or another professional to support the request.	ABUHB OT files and referral guidance
Betsi Cadwaladr UHB	Children’s OT	No clear new parent self-referral route found. Betsi West NHS 111 Wales listing says new referrals are not accepted from parents, although parents may refer if the child was previously known to the service.	Ask GP, paediatrician, school nurse, health professional, social services, educational psychologist or ALNCo to refer.	Betsi children’s OT and Betsi sensory processing
Cardiff and Vale UHB	Birth to 18	Yes.	Contact Children and Young People OT directly. Cardiff and Vale says anyone can request access without another healthcare professional. Phone: 02921 836910.	Cardiff and Vale OT for Children and Young People
Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB	Children and young people	Yes.	Use the Children’s Occupational Therapy Request for Help Form. The service says it has an open referral system.	CTM Occupational Therapy for Children
Hywel Dda UHB	0-18	No parent self-referral route stated on the health board page.	Ask a health professional who knows the child to refer. Hywel Dda says children and young people aged 0-18 must be referred by health professionals who know the child.	Hywel Dda Paediatric Occupational Therapy
Powys Teaching Health Board	Up to 18; up to 19 where OTs are based in special schools	Yes, according to NHS 111 Wales.	NHS 111 Wales says access is by GP/health professional referral or self-referral by contacting the service by email for more information. No online self-referral is listed.	Powys Children’s OT - NHS 111 Wales
Swansea Bay UHB	0-19	Yes.	Parents/carers, teachers, ALNCos, health visitors and other professionals can request advice by calling 01792 532140. For Swansea home adaptations, NHS 111 Wales directs referrals to urbanrenewals@swansea.gov.uk or 01792 635330.	Swansea Paediatric OT - NHS 111 Wales

What to say when asking for OT

My child is struggling with daily activities and school/home/community access. The concerns include sensory overwhelm, sensory seeking, poor body awareness, unusual pain response, difficulty with clothing, eating, toileting, sleep, movement, personal care, safety or education access. I am asking for occupational therapy input from someone with sensory processing, sensory regulation or sensory integration experience.

Speech and Language Therapy route by Welsh health board

SALT may be relevant where sensory-related distress overlaps with communication, non-speaking presentation, difficulty explaining pain or distress, eating, drinking or swallowing.

Health board	Age range where published	Parent/carer self-referral?	What parents need to do	Link
Aneurin Bevan UHB	Children’s SALT	Referral forms are publicly available. The page checked does not clearly state the route as “parent self-referral”, but it provides referral forms and an admin hub.	Use the children’s SLT referral form or contact the children’s appointments/admin hub. Tel: 01633 431615. Email: abb.speechandlanguageadminhub@wales.nhs.uk.	ABUHB Children’s SLT and ABUHB SLT files
Betsi Cadwaladr UHB	Children’s SALT	Yes.	Betsi has an open referral policy and accepts referrals from parents/carers and professionals. West: 03000 851758 / BCU.SALTReferralsWest@wales.nhs.uk. Central: 03000 855975 / BCU.SALTAdminCentral@wales.nhs.uk. East: 03000 848166 / BCU.SaltReferralsEast@wales.nhs.uk.	Betsi how to access children’s SALT
Cardiff and Vale UHB	Birth to end of full-time statutory education	Yes, according to NHS 111 Wales.	Contact Children’s Speech and Language Therapy. Tel: 02921 836585.	Cardiff and Vale Children’s SALT and NHS 111 Wales listing
Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB	Children’s SALT	Yes.	CTM has an open referral route. NHS 111 Wales lists self-referral accepted. Tel: 01685 351300. Email listed by NHS 111 Wales: CTT_ChildrenSpeechandLanguage@wales.nhs.uk.	CTM Speech and Language Therapy for Children and NHS 111 Wales CTM SALT listing
Hywel Dda UHB	Children and adults; paediatric page covers children	No clear parent self-referral route found on the page checked.	Ask GP, health visitor, school nurse, school/pre-school setting or another involved professional to confirm and support the current route.	Hywel Dda Paediatric SALT
Powys Teaching Health Board	Children’s SALT	Yes, according to NHS 111 Wales.	NHS 111 Wales says the paediatric service operates an open referral system. South: 01874 615820. North: 01686 617422. Email: powys.salt@wales.nhs.uk.	Powys Children’s SALT South - NHS 111 Wales and Powys Children’s SALT North - NHS 111 Wales
Swansea Bay UHB	Birth to 19 for children’s therapies	Partly. Under-4 self-referral route found; school-age route is via school on one Swansea Bay page.	For children under 4, Swansea Bay says Speech and Language Therapy referrals can be self-referred by contacting 01792 517863. School-age children can be referred by school. General children’s SALT contact: SBU.ChildrensSpeechTherapy@wales.nhs.uk, 01792 517863 or 01639 862718.	Swansea Bay Children and Young People SALT and Swansea Bay GDD/LD page

What to say when asking for SALT

For communication:

I am asking for Speech and Language Therapy advice because my child cannot reliably explain pain, distress, sensory overwhelm, fear, hunger, toileting needs or what is happening in the environment.

For eating, drinking or swallowing:

I am concerned about eating, drinking or swallowing. The difficulties include choking, coughing, gagging, very restricted eating or unsafe swallowing. Please advise whether SALT, GP, paediatrics, dietetics or another feeding/swallowing route is required.

Physiotherapy route by Welsh health board

Physiotherapy may be relevant where the concern involves balance, falls, gait, coordination, delayed movement, posture, pain, physical function or access to PE / movement-based activities.

Health board	Age range where published	Parent/carer self-referral?	What parents need to do	Link
Aneurin Bevan UHB	Children and young people	No direct parent self-referral route found on the page checked.	Ask GP, health visitor, school nurse, paediatrician or another health professional.	ABUHB Children’s and Young People’s Physiotherapy
Betsi Cadwaladr UHB	MSK self-referral not available to under-16s.	For children under 16, no MSK self-referral.	Ask GP, health visitor, school nurse or paediatrician. For 16+, check the adult/MSK self-referral route if the issue is musculoskeletal and otherwise suitable.	Betsi Physiotherapy
Cardiff and Vale UHB	Children and young people	Yes, according to NHS 111 Wales.	NHS 111 Wales says parents can refer their child by contacting the administration centre on 02921 836908.	Cardiff and Vale Children’s Physiotherapy and NHS 111 Wales Cardiff and Vale physiotherapy listing
Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB	Children’s physio; children aged 10+ with muscle, bone or joint difficulties are seen by adult service	Yes.	CTM says children can be referred by consultant, GP, health visitor or another health professional, and the service also accepts self-referral from parents. Phone 01656 752237 or 01443 715300, or email CTT_PaedPhysio_Referral@wales.nhs.uk.	CTM Children’s Physiotherapy
Hywel Dda UHB	Babies, children and young people	No direct parent self-referral route found on the page checked.	Ask GP, paediatrician, health visitor or another health professional.	Hywel Dda Paediatric Physiotherapy
Powys Teaching Health Board	Adult/MSK self-referral published; paediatric developmental route not clearly published on the page checked	MSK self-referral available for suitable issues; paediatric developmental route should be checked.	For children with developmental movement concerns, ask GP, health visitor, school nurse or paediatrician. For older young people with MSK issues, check the Powys physiotherapy self-referral information.	Powys Physiotherapy Services
Swansea Bay UHB	0-19 for children’s physiotherapy	Yes, according to NHS 111 Wales.	NHS 111 Wales says children’s physiotherapy has an open referral system and anyone who knows or works with the child can refer, including parents/carers. Referral forms are listed for Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.	Swansea Bay Physiotherapy Service - NHS 111 Wales

What to say when asking for physiotherapy

I am asking for physiotherapy advice because my child has difficulties with movement, balance, coordination, falls, posture, gait, pain or physical function. These difficulties affect daily life, education access, safety and participation.

If you are unsure whether it is sensory or physical:

We are not sure whether this is sensory, motor, physical or a combination. Please advise whether physiotherapy, OT, paediatrics or another route is appropriate.

Vision route: optometry first, orthoptics where needed

For light sensitivity, headaches, visual fatigue, tracking, convergence, copying from the board, eye-teaming concerns or possible squint/double vision, start with eye-care routes.

Parents can usually contact a local optometrist / optician directly for an eye test and eye health concerns. The NHS explains that optometrists examine eyes, test sight, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and refer to a GP or hospital eye clinic where needed.

Orthoptics may be needed if the issue is eye movement, convergence, binocular vision, squint, double vision, visual development or eye teaming.

Health board	Parent route
Aneurin Bevan UHB	Start with optometrist / optician or GP. If the concern is eye movement, convergence, tracking, double vision or squint, ask whether orthoptics or ophthalmology referral is needed. No separate direct parent orthoptics route was found on the official page checked.
Betsi Cadwaladr UHB	Start with optometrist / optician or GP. Betsi’s ophthalmology page says outpatient clinics are normally accessed through GP or optometrist referral, and orthoptics is linked to ophthalmology.
Cardiff and Vale UHB	Direct referral for orthoptics can be made via an optometrist, health visiting team, school nursing team or GP practice.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB	Start with optometrist / optician or GP. If the concern is eye movement, convergence, tracking, double vision or squint, ask whether orthoptics or ophthalmology referral is needed. No separate direct parent orthoptics route was found on the official page checked.
Hywel Dda UHB	Hywel Dda says referral to orthoptics can come from GP, health visitor or local optometrist.
Powys Teaching Health Board	Start with optometrist / optician or GP. If the concern is eye movement, convergence, tracking, double vision or squint, ask whether orthoptics or ophthalmology referral is needed. No separate direct parent orthoptics route was found on the official page checked.
Swansea Bay UHB	Swansea Bay says orthoptics does not take direct patient referrals; referral usually needs to come from a doctor, health visitor or optometrist.

What to say when asking about vision

My child/young person has light sensitivity, headaches, visual fatigue, tracking or copying difficulty, or possible convergence/binocular vision concerns. Please advise whether optometry, orthoptics, GP review or education adjustments are needed.

If symptoms are sudden, severe, painful, linked to injury, or there is a sudden change in vision, use urgent health advice rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Audiology route by Welsh health board

Audiology may be relevant where there are hearing concerns, repeated ear infections, difficulty hearing in noise, not responding, speech/language concerns linked to hearing, or uncertainty about whether the child is hearing clearly.

A child may pass a basic hearing screen but still struggle with sound tolerance or auditory processing. Hearing should still be considered.

Health board	Parent route
Aneurin Bevan UHB	If parents are concerned about hearing, Aneurin Bevan school nursing information says the school nurse can refer to community audiology, or parents can speak to the GP.
Betsi Cadwaladr UHB	Betsi’s children’s audiology page says parents concerned about hearing should discuss concerns with the child’s GP, health visitor or school nurse, who can make a referral if needed.
Cardiff and Vale UHB	Cardiff and Vale paediatric audiology says referrals are accepted from any health professional concerned about a child’s hearing. Parents should contact GP or health visitor for referral.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB	CTM paediatric audiology is for children under 18 and requires referral by a healthcare professional. Parents should discuss concerns with GP or health visitor.
Hywel Dda UHB	Hywel Dda audiology says that if someone has difficulty hearing or concerns about hearing or balance, the first step is to visit the GP to discuss whether referral to ENT or audiology is needed.
Powys Teaching Health Board	Powys children’s audiology says referrals are accepted from GPs, health visitors, school health nurses and other health professionals. If a child is already under audiology and hearing changes, parents can contact audiology directly.
Swansea Bay UHB	Swansea Bay says parents concerned about a child’s hearing need a referral for hearing assessment from the GP, health visitor or another medical professional. If the child is already under audiology and hearing changes, contact audiology directly.

What to say when asking about hearing or sound

My child struggles with sound, listening or hearing in everyday environments. Please can we consider whether hearing, auditory processing, sensory tolerance or another factor needs assessment?

If your child is already known to audiology and you think their hearing has changed, check whether the local audiology service allows direct contact for existing patients.

School nursing route, including children outside school

School nursing can be relevant for school-aged children where sensory-related issues overlap with toileting, sleep, nutrition, hearing concerns, emotional wellbeing, health questions, EHE/outside-school concerns, or help identifying the right referral route.

Some Welsh school nursing services explicitly include children who are home educated, educated otherwise, or not attending school.

Health board	Age range / route where published	Parent route
Aneurin Bevan UHB	School nurses work with children aged 5-16 “no matter where they learn”, including home educated children.	Parent/CarerLine: 07507 330206. Young people aged 11-19 can text ChatHealth: 07312 263262.
Betsi Cadwaladr UHB	School nursing covers children and young people aged 4-18 and says children can access the service whether they attend school or are educated otherwise.	Parents/carers can contact the school nurse for their area. Betsi also has local area school nursing pages, including area contact routes.
Cardiff and Vale UHB	Parentline is for parents/carers of children aged 5-16, including home educated children.	Text Parentline: 07312 263178.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB	NHS 111 Wales lists CTM School Nursing as covering children and young people aged 4-18 and says self-referral is accepted.	Access can be made via the child’s school, or by using the team leader telephone numbers on the service page / NHS 111 Wales listing.
Hywel Dda UHB	NHS 111 Wales lists Hywel Dda School Nursing as covering children and young people aged 4-18 and says self-referral is accepted.	School may have the named school nurse’s contact details. Area contacts listed by NHS 111 Wales include: Carmarthenshire 01554 899094; Ceredigion 01970 635794 / Heather.Whalley@wales.nhs.uk; Pembrokeshire 01646 624632. ChatHealth: Carmarthenshire 07507 327126; Ceredigion 07480 635948; Pembrokeshire 07507 327088.
Powys Teaching Health Board	Powys school nursing covers ages 4-18 and says children and young people can access the service whether they attend school or not.	Use Powys school nursing route.
Swansea Bay UHB	Swansea Bay school nursing provides support for school-aged children and families.	Ring 01639 862801 or email SBU.SchoolNursing@wales.nhs.uk.

What to say to school nursing

My child is school-aged but not currently managing school / is home educated / is educated otherwise. We need advice about health, toileting, nutrition, sleep, hearing concerns, emotional wellbeing, or which referral route is appropriate.

Eating, restricted diet, swallowing and PICA

Do not treat serious eating concerns as “just sensory”.

Possible routes include:

GP;
health visitor for under-5s;
school nurse for school-aged children;
paediatrics;
dietetics;
SALT if eating, drinking or swallowing is involved;
CAMHS/eating pathway where ARFID, anxiety or eating-disorder concerns are relevant;
OT if sensory routines and daily living are part of the picture.

Seek clinical advice if there is:

weight loss;
poor growth;
dehydration;
very restricted food range;
choking;
coughing;
gagging;
vomiting;
distress around food;
suspected ARFID;
PICA or eating non-food items;
nutritional risk;
swallowing concern.

What to say

My child’s eating is very restricted and may have sensory features, but I am concerned about health, nutrition and safety. Please advise whether GP, paediatrics, dietetics, SALT, CAMHS/eating pathway, OT or another service is appropriate.

Children outside school: EHE, EOTAS, reduced timetable or placement breakdown

A child does not stop needing health assessment because they are not in school.

If a child is electively home educated, on EOTAS, on a reduced timetable, not attending because of anxiety, burnout or sensory barriers, at home because placement has broken down, or waiting for a suitable placement, parents can still ask for health and social care routes where the needs affect daily life, safety, communication, movement, eating, hearing, vision or care.

Use:

GP;
health visitor if under 5;
school nurse where the health board covers EHE/educated otherwise children;
ALNCo or school if still on roll;
local authority ALN team if education access or IDP/ALP is affected;
paediatric OT/SALT/physio/audiology/orthoptics route as appropriate;
disabled children’s social care if home safety, care or supervision needs are significant.

What to say

My child is not currently accessing school, but these needs affect daily life, education access and safety. Please advise which health, social care or ALN route should assess the need.

If sensory needs affect home safety, equipment, adaptations, care routines or supervision, the route may be disabled children’s social care or local authority OT, not health-board paediatric OT.

This may be relevant where there is:

bolting;
climbing;
poor danger awareness;
unusual pain response;
sleep disruption;
unsafe movement around the home;
bathing or toileting risk;
difficulty with personal care;
high supervision needs;
need for equipment or adaptations;
carer strain;
need for short breaks.

Social care is a local authority route. In Wales, local authorities have duties under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 to assess adults and children who may need care and support, and carers who may need support.

For children, parents should search their council website for:

“disabled children’s team”
“children with disabilities team”
“children’s social care front door”
“children’s services Information, Advice and Assistance”
“local authority occupational therapy”
“children’s adaptations”

For adults aged 18-25, search the council website for:

“adult social care”
“adult social care front door”
“Information, Advice and Assistance”
“adult occupational therapy”
“equipment and adaptations”
“care and support assessment”
“carer’s assessment”

The Wales-wide Dewis Cymru directory can also help families find local well-being and support services, but urgent or statutory care and support concerns should go through the relevant local authority social services front door.

What to say for a child

My child’s sensory profile is affecting home safety, care routines and supervision. Please can we be advised whether disabled children’s social care, local authority occupational therapy, equipment, adaptations, short breaks or carer support should be considered?

What to say for an adult aged 18-25

My adult child has care and support needs linked to sensory distress, communication, safety and daily living. Please can adult social care advise whether a care and support assessment, adult OT assessment, equipment, adaptations, support planning or carer’s assessment is needed?

16-17: transition age

At 16-17, parents may need to check both child and adult-facing routes.

Do this:

Check whether the children’s service accepts up to 18 or 19.
Ask school or FE learning support / ALN team to record education impact.
Ask whether the IDP / ALP needs updating if sensory needs affect learning access.
Ask health services what changes at 18.
If social care is involved, ask about transition planning to adult social care.
If the young person is in FE, ask the college ALN or learning support team what evidence they need.

What to say

My young person is 16/17 and sensory needs are affecting education access, daily living and safety. Please can you advise which children’s services still apply, what changes at 18, and whether transition planning is needed?

18-25: adult route map

For adults, including 18-25-year-olds, the route usually changes.

A non-speaking 24-year-old who nearly runs into traffic after becoming overwhelmed is not a paediatric OT referral. It is an adult safety, care, communication, health and support issue.

If there is immediate risk, use emergency help first.

Possible routes after immediate safety is addressed:

Need	First route
Immediate risk, injury, running into traffic, acute danger	Emergency services / urgent health advice
Pain, illness, sudden change, medication concern, constipation, infection, seizure concern, mental health change	GP, NHS 111 Wales, urgent health route
Ongoing care, support, supervision, unsafe community access, family sustainability	Local authority adult social care front door
Home safety, equipment, adaptations, daily living	Adult / local authority OT
Communication, non-speaking adult, difficulty explaining pain or distress, swallowing	Adult SALT
Falls, gait, movement, pain, physical function	Adult physiotherapy
Hearing concerns	Adult audiology / GP / primary care audiology where available
Vision, light sensitivity, eye movement, double vision	Optometrist first, then GP / ophthalmology / orthoptics route if needed
Learning disability or autism-related care/support needs	Adult learning disability team or adult autism route where available locally
Parent/carer is providing substantial care	Carer’s assessment via local authority

Powys, for example, publishes an Adult Learning Disabilities OT route accepting self-referrals for adults aged 18 and over. Swansea publishes adult/community OT access through the Common Access Point and adult services online referral route. Other adult routes vary by local authority and health board.

What to say

My adult child is non-speaking and has sensory-related distress and unsafe behaviour in the community. They nearly ran into traffic after trying to remove clothing in the street. We need urgent assessment of risk, communication, sensory distress, health causes, supervision needs and care/support needs. Please advise whether this should go through adult social care, adult OT, GP/adult health, adult SALT, learning disability team or another urgent pathway.

What should parents attach or include?

Whether asking for OT, SALT, physiotherapy, audiology, orthoptics, school nursing or social care, include:

child/young person/adult’s name, date of birth, address and GP;
school, nursery, college, EHE/EOTAS status, adult setting or employment/daytime activity;
diagnosis if any;
current IDP if there is one;
what is happening;
where it happens;
how often it happens;
safety risks;
eating, toileting, sleep or personal care impact;
communication impact;
movement/falls/pain impact;
education access impact;
what has already been tried;
what helped;
what did not help;
reports already available;
whether social care, health or school are already involved;
whether the young person or adult can consent or needs support to communicate views.

If parents are told “we do not assess sensory”

Try asking:

Who can assess how sensory processing and sensory regulation are affecting my child’s daily activities, school access and safety?

Or:

If this service does not provide sensory integration assessment or therapy, can it still advise on the functional impact of sensory needs?

Or:

Which local pathway should we use for sensory processing, sensory regulation or sensory-related safety concerns?

Or:

Can you confirm in writing which service should assess sensory-related daily living, education access and home safety concerns?

A report from OT, SALT, physiotherapy, orthoptics, audiology, paediatrics or another relevant service can help translate the child’s needs into practical support.

For education, the report may help answer:

What is the need?
How does it affect learning?
How does it affect access to the school, college or learning environment?
What adjustments or support are needed?
Is this ordinary inclusive practice, or does it need to be described as ALP?
Should the IDP be reviewed?

For social care, the report may help answer:

What are the safety risks?
What supervision is needed?
Are home adaptations, equipment or practical changes needed?
Are care routines affected?
Is the family’s caring role sustainable?
Is a carer assessment needed?
Are short breaks or other support relevant?

The aim is not to collect labels. The aim is to make the right need visible to the right service.

Key message for parents

If sensory needs are affecting daily life, safety, education access, communication, eating, movement, vision, hearing or care, parents should not be left trying to explain everything alone.

The practical route is:

Identify the main issue.
Check the age route.
Use self-referral where it exists.
Where self-referral is not available, ask the right professional to refer.
Ask specifically for sensory processing, sensory regulation or sensory integration expertise where sensory needs are central.
Use the report to support education, ALP, IDP or social care discussions where relevant.

A good request says:

This is what is happening.
This is the impact.
This is the risk.
This is what has already been tried.
This is the professional input we are asking for.

That is how families begin to move the conversation away from blame and towards support.

References

[1] Learn Without Limits CIC, “What Are Sensory Needs, and Why Do They Matter in the ALN System?” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://blog.learnwithoutlimitscic.org/what-are-sensory-needs-aln-system/

[2] Welsh Government, “NHS Wales health boards and trusts.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://www.gov.wales/nhs-wales-health-boards-and-trusts

[3] Welsh Government, “A guide for parents about rights under the additional learning needs (ALN) system.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://www.gov.wales/guide-parents-about-rights-under-additional-learning-needs-aln-system-html

[4] Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, “Occupational Therapy files: Guidance for Individuals Requesting Occupational Therapy for Children and Young People.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://abuhb.nhs.wales/files/occupational-therapy/

[5] Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, “Children’s Occupational Therapy: Sensory Processing.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/services/hospital-services/occupational-therapy/childrens-occupational-therapy/sensory-processing/

[6] Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, “Occupational Therapy for Children and Young People.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/our-services/children-young-people-family-health-services-cypf/complex-needs-and-disability/occupational-therapy-for-children-young-people/

[7] Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, “Occupational Therapy for Children.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://ctmuhb.nhs.wales/services/occupational-therapy-for-children/

[8] Hywel Dda University Health Board, “Paediatric occupational therapy.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/paediatric-occupational-therapy/

[9] NHS 111 Wales, “Powys Teaching Health Board Children’s Occupational Therapy.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/localservices/ViewLocalService.aspx?+Young+People+Health+Services=&id=138572&s=Children+

[10] NHS 111 Wales, “Swansea Paediatric Occupational Therapy Service for Children & Young People.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/localservices/ViewLocalService.aspx?+Family+Services=&id=35743&s=Child+

[11] Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, “Children’s Speech and Language Therapy.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://abuhb.nhs.wales/hospitals/a-z-of-services/speech-and-language-therapy/childrens-services/

[12] Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, “How to access Speech and Language Therapy.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/services/hospital-services/speech-and-language-therapy/childrens-service/childrens-slt/how-to-access-speech-and-language-therapy/

[13] Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, “Children’s Speech and Language Therapy.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/our-services/children-young-people-family-health-services-cypf/complex-needs-and-disability/childrens-speech-and-language-therapy/

[14] Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, “Speech and Language Therapy for Children.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://ctmuhb.nhs.wales/services/speech-and-language-therapy-for-children/

[15] Hywel Dda University Health Board, “Paediatric speech and language therapy.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/speech-and-language-therapy/paediatric-speech-and-language-therapy/

[16] NHS 111 Wales, “Powys Teaching Health Board Children’s Speech and Language Therapy - South.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/localservices/ViewLocalService.aspx?id=138643&s=Children+

[17] NHS 111 Wales, “Powys Teaching Health Board Children’s Speech and Language Therapy - North.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/localservices/ViewLocalService.aspx?+Young+People+Community+Services=&ccp=true&id=138644&locale=en&s=Children+&term=A

[18] Swansea Bay University Health Board, “Children and Young People Speech and Language Therapy Service.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/hospitals/a-z-services/speech-and-language-therapy-services-overview/children-and-young-people-speech-and-language-therapy-service/

[19] Swansea Bay University Health Board, “Global Developmental Delay and learning disabilities.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/children-and-young-people/childrens-health-services-swansea-and-neath-port-talbot/community-services/global-developmental-delay-and-learning-disabilities/

[20] Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, “Children’s and Young People’s Physiotherapy.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://abuhb.nhs.wales/hospitals/a-z-of-services/physiotherapy/childrens-and-young-peoples-physiotherapy/

[21] Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, “Physiotherapy.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/services/hospital-services/physiotherapy/

[22] Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, “Children’s Physiotherapy.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/our-services/children-young-people-family-health-services-cypf/complex-needs-and-disability/childrens-physiotherapy/

[23] Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, “Children’s Physiotherapy.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://ctmuhb.nhs.wales/services/physiotherapy/childrens-physiotherapy-paediatric-physiotherapy/

[24] Hywel Dda University Health Board, “Paediatric physiotherapy.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/paediatric-physiotherapy/

[25] Powys Teaching Health Board, “Physiotherapy Services.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://pthb.nhs.wales/services/adult-and-older-peoples-community-services/physiotherapy-services/

[26] NHS 111 Wales, “Swansea Bay University Health Board Physiotherapy Service.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/LocalServices/ViewLocalService.aspx?id=8966

[27] NHS, “Visiting an optician.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/visiting-an-optician/

[28] Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, “Orthoptics.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/our-services/orthoptics/

[29] Hywel Dda University Health Board, “Orthoptics (eye care).” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/orthoptics-eye-care/

[30] Swansea Bay University Health Board, “Orthoptics.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/hospitals/a-z-services/orthoptics/

[31] Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, “Paediatric Service - Audiology.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/services/hospital-services/audiology/paediatric-service/

[32] Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, “Paediatric Audiology.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/our-services/audiology/paediatric-audiology/

[33] Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, “Paediatric Audiology.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://ctmuhb.nhs.wales/services/audiology/paediatric-audiology/

[34] Hywel Dda University Health Board, “Audiology.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/audiology/

[35] Powys Teaching Health Board, “Children’s Audiology Services.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://pthb.nhs.wales/services/childrens-community-services/childrens-audiology-services/

[36] Swansea Bay University Health Board, “Hearing services for children.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/hospitals/a-z-services/audiology/hearing-services-for-children/paediatric-hearing-services-folder/routine-hearing-screening-for-children/

[37] Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, “School Nursing.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://abuhb.nhs.wales/hospitals/childrens-healthcare-services/school-nursing/

[38] Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, “School Nursing.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/services/hospital-services/children-young-people-and-family-health-services/school-nursing/

[39] Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, “Parentline.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/our-services/children-young-people-family-health-services-cypf/early-intervention-and-prevention-services/school-nursing/parentline/

[40] NHS 111 Wales, “Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board School Nursing Service.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/localservices/ViewLocalService.aspx?+Young+People+Health+Services=&id=34573&s=Children+

[41] NHS 111 Wales, “Hywel Dda University Health Board School Nursing Service.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/localservices/ViewLocalService.aspx?+Family+Services=&id=33187&s=Child+

[42] Powys Teaching Health Board, “School Nursing.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://pthb.nhs.wales/services/childrens-community-services/school-nursing/

[43] Swansea Bay University Health Board, “School Nursing and Looked After Children Services.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/community-primary-care/primary-care/school-nursing-and-looked-after-children-services/

[44] Law Wales, “Care and support for adults and children.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://law.gov.wales/care-and-support-adults-and-children

[45] Law Wales, “Local Authority responsibilities and functions.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://law.gov.wales/public-services/social-care/local-authority-responsibilities-and-functions

[46] Dewis Cymru, “About Dewis.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://www.dewis.wales/the-place-for-wellbeing-in-wales

[47] Powys Teaching Health Board, “Occupational Therapy Adult Learning Disabilities Service.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://pthb.nhs.wales/services/adult-and-older-peoples-community-services/occupational-therapy/ot-adult-learning-disabilities/

[48] Swansea Bay University Health Board, “Occupational Therapy information and resources.” Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/community-primary-care/a-z-community-primary-care/swansea-community-occupational-therapy-service/occupational-therapy-information-and-resources/

[49] Royal College of Occupational Therapists, “Using sensory integration therapy, sensory-based interventions and sensory approaches with children and young people,” Informed View, Mar. 2026. Accessed: May 2026. URL: https://www.rcot.co.uk/sites/default/files/2026-03/RCOT_Guidance%20-%20Using%20sensory%20integration%20therapy%20with%20children%20and%20young%20people%20-%20March%202026_0.pdf

Quick route finder

If sensory needs affect education: what is ALP?

Before you refer: ask for sensory expertise where sensory is central

Paediatric Occupational Therapy route by Welsh health board

What to say when asking for OT

Speech and Language Therapy route by Welsh health board

What to say when asking for SALT

Physiotherapy route by Welsh health board

What to say when asking for physiotherapy

Vision route: optometry first, orthoptics where needed

What to say when asking about vision

Audiology route by Welsh health board

What to say when asking about hearing or sound

School nursing route, including children outside school

What to say to school nursing

Eating, restricted diet, swallowing and PICA

What to say

Children outside school: EHE, EOTAS, reduced timetable or placement breakdown

What to say

Social care and local authority OT: home safety, adaptations and care support

What to say for a child

What to say for an adult aged 18-25

16-17: transition age

What to say

18-25: adult route map

What to say

What should parents attach or include?

If parents are told “we do not assess sensory”

How reports can support ALP, IDP and social care

Key message for parents

References