Review each domain and list the challenges that your child has in each area and how much support your child needs to be successful with tasks in each domain. 

Focus on the challenges that your child faces within their home, community, and school settings. 

Remind yourself before, during, and after your meeting that this is your time to talk about your child’s needs, rather than their strengths. It may feel defeating to focus on their struggles, but the end goal is to receive an amount of funding that helps you best address their needs through various therapies and supports. 

Invite professionals to join your meeting. Alternatively, ask them to share important notes and any recommendations they have for you to emphasize in your meeting. 

Book yourself time after your meeting to decompress. 

Sit somewhere comfortable with your notes, a drink, and a snack within arms’ reach.  

Refer to your notes at the end of each section, and if any relevant information was missed take time to share it with your interviewer.  

Focus on your child’s needs and challenges.  

Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question.  

Take your time and focus on the support your child needs in the scenario you are asked about.  

Use simple language whenever possible, such as, “my child needs full support for that.” 

Refer to the professional(s) whenever you need. 

Ask for breaks. 

Take time after your meeting to decompress.  

Review your notes and if there is anything you missed, share this with your interviewer. 

If you are unhappy with the results of the meeting, request the notes with rankings of each domain and share with your service provider(s). If the notes and ranking don’t reflect your child’s needs, consider the appeal process. The appeal process is lengthy, so move quickly on this.  

Core clinical services funding amounts can be found in OAP guidelines.