Parent carers

If you are looking after a child with a disability, impairment or specific need you may not think of yourself as a carer. You may see yourself as just another parent looking after their child.

The time you spend looking after your child may well go far beyond that of most parents who do not have a child with a disability, impairment or specific need.

You may also find that you may not always be able to access services for your child without the benefit of expert help and may have to face the huge uncertainties, stresses and challenges of managing your child’s condition.

These are some of the issues you may be concerned about as a parent of a child with a disability, impairment or specific need.

• who to contact if you think your child is not developing appropriately
• where to find help and support when your child has been diagnosed
• roles and responsibilities of professionals involved with your child
• benefits for you and your disabled child
• your child’s education

Local support

• Parents Plus: Part of Oxford Carers' Centre, this group supports any parent in Oxford who is caring for a child with a disability, long-term illness, impairment or specific need. 01865 726444 Fax: 01865 242569 Email:parentsplus@carerscentre.co.uk
• Carers' centres
• Oxfordshire Carers' Forum
• Oxfordshire Children’s Information Service - Oxfordshire Services Directory: 08452 26 26 36 Email: enquiries@oxoncis.org.uk.This site has key information for parent carers in the Your Child and You section.
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• ACE Centre Advisory Trust
  The ACE Centre Advisory Trust provides a focus for the use of technology with the communication and educational needs of young people with physical and communication difficulties.
  ACE Centre Advisory Trust 01865 759800
• Afasic
  Afasic is the UK charity representing children and young adults with communication impairments working for their inclusion in society and supporting their parents and carers.
  Afasic 01993 779184
• Autism Family Support
  Supporting families, carers and people on the autism spectrum.
  Autism Family Support 01844 338696
• OxFSN - Oxfordshire Family Support Network
  A support network for all family carers and relatives of people with a learning disability (of any age).
  Adults 01295 811749  Children and Young People 01865 890326

National organisations

• Contact-A-Family  Email: info@cafamily.org.uk  Helpline: 0808 808 3555