Paediatric Services

Autism & Learning Disabilities

We provide nurse-led and carer-led care packages utilising a holistic person centred approach. Taking the time to discover your child’s unique needs and then providing the support they need to thrive.

Delivering the right support for your child

Autism and learning disabilities are completely unique to every child. As are people’s experiences of living with them. We understand how hard it is to get those needs understood, and the additional advocacy and time invested by families to obtain the very best support for their loved ones.

We take a holistic approach to ensure that we deliver the best provision for each child under our care. From mental health support, assistance in participating in activities, access to education and the wider community to training on how to manage behaviours that challenge’, we are determined to make a difference for the whole family. Our bespoke approach is focused on providing exceptional levels of care both in the home and in the community, helping children to develop new skills and strengthen independence.

Our expert team provides care for children with the following conditions

Severe communication difficulties
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Genetic Conditions
Learning Disabilities

Behaviours that challenge
Global Developmental Delay

A strong partnership to empower children and their families

First Option is a healthcare provider with our own specialist training division. Our leadership team has over 75+ years of clinical experience between them, we are a leading provider in both paediatric healthcare training and provision. See our Clinical Training division for details on available training for parents and carers.

Our specialist team of carers and nurses provide bespoke autism and learning disability support packages for babies, children and young people.

We also have a NEW dedicated Special Needs Training Center opening later this year – watch this space!

We recognise that every child has specific strengths, aspirations, and challenges. We address the physical, psychological, and emotional impacts of their unique neurodiversity. Whether it’s cognitive development, social anxiety, behaviours that challenge (which may include hurting others or themselves) – or any other aspect, we complete a full assessment leading on to the development of child specific plans and goals to ensure that your child receives the right care and makes positive progress. All techniques are regularly reviewed to ensure their effectiveness.

Working with health and social care teams, we can also ensure seamless transitional care, from paediatric to young peoples’ and on to adult services as needed.

Our team will:

Encourage development – Assist educational provision for schools or colleges or in the home. Find out more here Educational & Activity Support>
Strengthen independence – our carers encourage and enable people with complex or severe learning and physical difficulties to stay active and carry out daily tasks
Keep you connected – providing support to meet friends and family and explore the local community

Support your goals – Empowering children with learning and physical difficulties to enjoy activities, discover new hobbies, and lead purposeful and fulfilling lives
Adapt care and support – Our continuous review process adapts to daily and long-term changes to symptoms and individual abilities associated with autism and learning disabilities
Help with daily life – Providing personal homecare and community services, all tailored to meet each individuals holistic needs

What you can expect:

Our own highly trained and vetted First Option Healthcare staff – we rarely use outside agency staff. An expert team with the correct training that can cover the shifts you need.
Quickest available care provision. From clinical assessment, to care plan and funding agreement in place.
Access to an operational and clinical helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Last-minute cover. Available within 24-hours to cover shortfalls with your current provider.

Fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission and awarded a Good Rating
Family support and advocacy – we work with health and social care teams to ease communication and join up the dots.
Care you can rely on. We will do what we say and are transparent in our communications.
The best and most advanced complex care provided in a ‘hospital at home’ setting.