Private development consultant

[ViaRia01]

Hi there
does anyone know if it’s possible to pay someone to come into your home, observe your children’s development and answer various questions around d develop, behavioural challenges, sleep, diet?

I suppose quite similar to the support offered by the health visitor team but more personalised and in depth?

if so what can I search for? Is it occupational therapy?

I don’t have any particular/ major concerns but my sons are both at home with me (ages 2 and 4 months) so I’m aware we may be missing out on some feedback that nursery staff may often be able to provide, e.g if he is showing signs of being ready for toilet training, if his coordination seems lacking for his age, etc.

—- I feel I don’t really get enough back from the health visitors- there’s lots of sign posting to online resources but that’s about it). I’m not here trying to moan about that, I’m just adding this for context to explain why I’m asking for a private option. —-

I don't know about people who come to your home, but have you looked at the Ages and Stages Questionnaires? They cover communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal/social, so would cover things like coordination expected at that age and some self-care skills like using a fork or getting dressed/undressed, so might give you some of the information you're looking for. There's the odd question that's a bit random, but mostly they give a good overview.

https://www.socfc.org/SOHS/Disabilities%20Mental%20Health/ASQ/ASQ%203%204%20Months.pdf is the 4 month one and https://portsmouth.tricare.mil/Portals/130/24%20month%20asq.pdf is the 24 month one, but they also have 27, 30, 33, and 36 month ones that might be more appropriate depending on exactly how old your elder boy is. I also find it interesting to look at the questionnaires one older and one younger than the 'right' one, and do note the scoring sheets at the end – they never expect 6 'yeses' in a section.

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I have the 24 month one for me older boy and it is definitely useful. Good to know where to find it for older children as well.

In fact, seeing these questions is partly what made me start to wonder about all this. Naturally there are some sections he is not yet demonstrating for his age (he is close to 2). So I thought maybe an expert would be able to help me set up a better environment to help him develop in those areas.

thanks so much for your reply. Very useful and helpful advice.

If he's not quite 2, there are 20 and 22 month questionnaires – they're still changing so fast at this age, he may well be exactly where he should be.

When I want ideas for developing particular area, I tend just to browse online – you can always find something that suits you and your child, but sometimes there's so much it's a bit overwhelming. What areas did you want to focus on?