Template Letters

Re: Request for referral for an FASD assessment for [Child’s name], date of birth [Child’s date of birth]

Dear Dr [GP’s name],

I am writing to ask you to refer [Child’s name] for an assessment for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

[Child’s name] was, or may have been, exposed to alcohol before birth. [Explain what you know, for example from birth records, social work reports or what the birth mother has said.]

[Child’s name] has ongoing difficulties with [for example memory, attention, learning, behaviour, sleep or friendships]. These affect daily life at home and at school. [Add one or two short examples.]

NICE Quality Standard QS204 says that children and young people with probable prenatal alcohol exposure and significant physical, developmental or behavioural difficulties are referred for assessment. SIGN 156 sets out how the assessment should be done.

Please could you:

• refer [Child’s name] to the local paediatric or neurodevelopmental service, and ask in the referral that FASD is considered
• record the prenatal alcohol exposure in [Child’s name]’s medical records
• let me know if there is no local FASD pathway, so that we can talk about other routes, including the National FASD Clinic

I have enclosed [list what you are sending, for example the FASD Compass evidence checklist, school reports or letters from other professionals]. I would be grateful if you could let me know what happens next.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]
[Your relationship to the child]

Re: Please consider FASD in the assessment for [Child’s name], date of birth [Child’s date of birth], NHS number [if known]

Dear Dr [name],

[Child’s name] is [under your care / waiting for an appointment with your service]. I am writing to ask that fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is considered as part of the assessment.

I have information that [Child’s name] was exposed to alcohol before birth. [Explain what you know and where it comes from.] I am not sure this was included in the referral.

SIGN 156 recommends that prenatal alcohol exposure is actively considered when a child has developmental difficulties. FASD can be missed in children who already have a diagnosis of ADHD or autism.

Please could you:

• add the history of alcohol exposure to [Child’s name]’s records
• consider FASD as part of the assessment, alongside any other conditions
• tell me whether your service can assess for FASD and, if not, which other routes are available

I have enclosed [list what you are sending]. Thank you for your help.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]
[Your relationship to the child]

Re: Support for [Child’s name], [class or year group]

Dear [SENCO’s name],

I am writing to ask for a meeting to talk about [Child’s name]’s needs and the support they get at school.

[Child’s name] [has a diagnosis of FASD / is being assessed for FASD / may have FASD because they were exposed to alcohol before birth]. FASD affects the brain. It can cause difficulties with memory, attention, understanding instructions, learning from consequences and managing feelings. It is often a hidden disability, and children can seem more able than they are.

At home I notice [give examples]. I am worried that [describe your concerns at school, for example falling behind, anxiety, exclusions or not wanting to go in].

At the meeting, could we discuss:

• whether [Child’s name] should be recorded as needing SEN support
• a support plan with clear targets that is reviewed regularly
• reasonable adjustments in class, and a named adult [Child’s name] can go to when things are hard
• whether advice is needed from other professionals, such as an educational psychologist or speech and language therapist

[Child’s name] does not need a diagnosis to get SEN support. Support should be based on their needs. I have enclosed [for example a one-page pupil profile, the FASD teacher information sheet or reports].

I am available on [days and times]. Thank you for your help.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]
[Your relationship to the child]

Re: Request for an EHC needs assessment for [Child’s name], date of birth [Child’s date of birth]

Dear [name or Sir or Madam],

I am the [parent or carer] of [Child’s name], who attends [School name]. I am writing to request an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment for [Child’s name], under section 36(1) of the Children and Families Act 2014.

I believe [Child’s name] has or may have special educational needs because [describe the needs, for example a diagnosis or possible FASD, and difficulties with learning, memory, communication, behaviour or managing feelings].

I believe [Child’s name] may need special educational provision through an EHC plan because [explain why current support is not enough, for example little progress despite SEN support, needs greater than the school can meet, exclusions or missed school].

Under section 36(8) of the Act, the local authority must carry out an EHC needs assessment if a child has or may have special educational needs and may need special educational provision through an EHC plan. I believe both parts of this test are met.

Please confirm that you have received this request. I understand that you must tell me your decision within six weeks of receiving it, under regulation 5(1) of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014.

I have enclosed [list your evidence, for example school reports, reports from professionals and a summary of support tried so far].

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]
[Your relationship to the child]

Re: Request for an adoption support needs assessment for [Child’s name], date of birth [Child’s date of birth]

Dear [name or Sir or Madam],

I am the adoptive parent of [Child’s name]. I am writing to ask for an assessment of our need for adoption support services, under section 4 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002.

[Child’s name] [was / may have been] exposed to alcohol before birth. [Explain what you know.] [Child’s name] has difficulties with [give examples], and our family needs help with [for example training, therapy, school support or respite].

Please could the assessment:

• consider whether FASD may explain some of [Child’s name]’s difficulties, alongside the effects of early experiences
• look at whether an application to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund is appropriate [England only]
• include advice on support at school, including from the virtual school

I understand the fund does not pay for a standalone FASD assessment, but it can fund one as part of a wider specialist assessment focused on trauma and attachment.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]
[Your relationship to the child]

Re: FASD assessment for children in [your area]

Dear [name or Sir or Madam],

I am the [parent or carer] of [Child’s name], who lives in [your area] and is registered with [GP practice]. [Child’s name] has probable prenatal alcohol exposure and significant difficulties, and needs an assessment for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

I have been told there is no FASD assessment pathway for children in our area. [Say what you were told, by whom and when.]

NICE Quality Standard QS204 says that children and young people with probable prenatal alcohol exposure and significant physical, developmental or behavioural difficulties are referred for assessment.

Please could you tell me:

• which service the ICB commissions for FASD assessment in children, and how a child is referred
• if there is no local service, how my child can be assessed, for example through a referral to the National FASD Clinic
• whether the ICB plans to commission an FASD pathway in line with NICE QS204

I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]
[Your relationship to the child]