Sources of evidence

Information Provided

Limitation of Evidence

Claimant / Carer

First source of information and associated evidence e.g. Statement of SEN or Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) or an Individual Education Plan (IEP) etc.

Does not have specialist knowledge.

Multidisciplinary community team (Community / Hospital Paediatrician, Consultant psychiatrist, Consultant psychologist, specialist nurse – learning disability, Associated Health Specialists e.g. Occupational Therapist, speech and Language Therapist, Physiotherapist)

(if child is under their care)

Clinical features, treatment and information about disability and needs.

Also request a copy of a completed standardised assessment (e.g. the Adaptive Behaviour Scale) and a copy of a Statement of Special Educational Needs if available.

N/A.

Special Needs teacher/coordinator

(if child has one)

Resulting disability or needs.

May not have information about symptoms, investigations and treatment, but this may vary depending on the type of school the child is attending.

Educational psychologist

(if child has seen one)

Educational features, educational intervention required and information about disability and needs.

Also request a copy of a completed standardised assessment (e.g. the Adaptive Behaviour Scale) and a copy of a Statement of Special Educational Needs if available.

May not have up to date information if assessment not recent, but this may vary depending on the type of school the child is attending.

Social worker/local authority

(if child has one)

Resulting disability or needs. Also request copies of previous assessments including educational assessments if available.

May not have information about symptoms, investigations and treatment.

GP

Clinical features, treatment and some information about disability and needs.

May be the only source of information if no other professional involvement.

Does not have specialist knowledge.

Unlikely to have detailed or recent information about resulting disability or needs.