HSE — getting a referral to children's disability services
HSE guidance on professional and parent/guardian referral to children's disability services, including needs-led routing to primary care or a Children's Disability Network Team.
Scope for navigation
Republic of Ireland Practical guide
The reviewed scope identifies the Republic of Ireland and does not include Northern Ireland.
What it is for
Use for child support/referral navigation without making support conditional on autism/ADHD diagnosis or Assessment of Need.
Who or what context
Parents, guardians and professionals supporting children in the Republic of Ireland.
Access
Related topics
Questions that lead here
Limitations and possible poor fit
- This route is to children's disability services, not automatically to an autism or ADHD diagnostic assessment.
- Service destination depends on the child's needs and referral information.
- Local waits and service arrangements can vary.
Cost and access notes
- Parents or guardians can self-refer; the reviewed HSE page states a child does not need a diagnosis or Assessment of Need for referral.
Ownership and conflicts
- HSE describes the public services it operates; ND Oracle records the needs-led referral route without assuming eligibility or outcome.
Evidence status
This listing makes no efficacy or safety claim. It records what the resource is, what it is for, how to reach it and what limitations are already known.
Page provenance and review state
HSE children's disability referral page checked on 2026-09-04 for parent/professional referral, no-diagnosis requirement and needs-led routing. Listing is descriptive and claimless.