HSE
The Health Service Executive provides health and social services to eligible people living in Ireland. The below services and schemes may be of assistance to Autistic people and the carers.
Disability Services
The HSE provides and funds a range of services for people with disabilities and their carers. These services may include basic health services as well as assessment, rehabilitation, income maintenance, community care and residential care, respite, home care, and daycare.
Some services are provided directly by the HSE and some other services are provided by organisations funded by the HSE.
For information on disability services in your county, see – https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/disability/disabilityservicescounty.html
Progressing Disability Services for Children & Young People (PDS)
In relation to children (from birth to 18 years), A national programme called Progressing Disability Services for Children & Young People (PDS) is changing the way services are provided across the country. For further information, see – https://www.hse.ie/childdisability/.
Primary Care
Primary care is usually the first point of contact that people (both adults and children) have with the health service. Primary Care teams are a multidisciplinary group of health and social care professionals who work together to deliver local, accessible health and social services. A typical primary care team may consist of GPs, Nurses, Home Help, Health and Social Care Professionals and Health Care Assistants.
For further information, see – https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/primarycare/pcteams/.
Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNT)
A children’s disability network team (CDNT) provides specialised support and services for children who have a disability and complex health needs associated with their disability. The CDNT supports a child’s development, wellbeing and participation in family and community life.
The CDNT includes health and social care professionals, each team member specialises in different areas of child development. Who your child sees and how often they see them will depend on your child’s needs, the team will discuss this with you. Referral to a CDNT can be made by a healthcare professional, or you can make the referral yourself.
For an overview of services provided by HSE CDNTs, see – https://www2.hse.ie/services/disability/childrens-services/services/overview/
For information on referrals to HSE CDNTs, see – https://www2.hse.ie/services/disability/childrens-services/services/referral/
To find the details of your local HSE CDNT, see – https://www2.hse.ie/services/disability/childrens-services/services/find-a-cdnt/
Assessment of Need
If your child was born after the 1st of June 2002 and you think they may have a disability, you can apply for an Assessment of Need (a young person aged 16 or 17 years can apply for their own Assessment of Need). The assessment should identify your child’s health needs, as well as what services are required to meet your child’s needs.
An assessment of need is not necessary to access to health services. You can refer your child directly to a children’s disability service.
To apply for an Assessment of Need, contact your local Assessment Officer in your local Health Office and they will guide you through the application process. You can download the Assessment of Need form at – https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/disability/disability-assessment/application-for-assessment-of-need-under-disability-act-fillable-version.pdf and post it to your local Assessment Officer. The details of your local Assessment Officer can be found at https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/disability/disability-assessment/assessment-officers/assessment-officers.html. You can also call your Local Health Office or the HSE information line on 1850 24 1850 to request a copy of the application form.
When your application is sent, you should receive a letter confirming receipt. Your Assessment Officer will contact you for more information about your child. They will look for information that will help to show the nature and level of difficulty experienced by your child. If your child needs an assessment, the Assessment Officer must arrange this referral within 3 months of receiving your completed application. Once this referral is made, there will be a further 3 months to assess your child and complete the Assessment Report. In some cases, there may be a delay. Your Assessment Officer will contact you to discuss any delay in the process.
For further information regarding the Assessment of Need process, see the HSE website at – https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/disability/disability-assessment/.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services is a service that provides assessment and treatment for young people (up to the age of 18) and their families, who are experiencing mental health difficulties.
To access a CAMHS service you need to be referred by your GP. For further information, see – https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/camhs/
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Intellectual Disability (CAMHS-ID)
CAMHS-ID is a specialist mental health service for children and teenagers who have both:
- a moderate to profound intellectual disability
- a moderate to severe mental disorder
For further information see – https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/camhs/camhs-id/
Medical Card
A medical card entitles the holder to a range of health benefits, including GP and public hospital services, free of charge.
Being eligible for a medical card depends on an individual’s circumstances and is means tested. Some people may qualify for a medical card automatically. If you do not automatically qualify for a medical card, an assessment will be carried out during which information must be provided about:
- income
- expenses
- marital status
- dependants
If a person applies for a medical card and is deemed not eligible, they will be automatically assessed for a GP visit card.
For further information, see – https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/
GP Visit Card
A GP Visit Card entitles the holder to visit their GP free of charge. The GP Visit Card is means tested.
Children under 6 years of age, adults over the age of 70, and those in receipt of Carer’s Benefit or Carer’s Allowance (at full or half rate) are automatically entitled to a GP Visit Card.
For further information, see – https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/gp-visit-cards/
Free Nappy Scheme
If your child is above 3 years of age (or 4 years of age depending on which HSE area you are in) and has a disability, you may be eligible for a limited supply of free nappies each month through your local health office.
For further information, contact your local Public Health Nurse via your local health office. For details of your local health office, see – https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/lho/.
