Before adding a new strategy, the team should clarify what has changed, where the difficulty occurs, and whether foundational skills are available.
Read the six questions
What exactly has stopped progressing? Name the skill or participation goal in observable terms.
Is the child regulated and engaged enough to learn? Consider arousal, attention, connection, and recovery.
Does the child understand what is expected? Review receptive communication, cues, and task clarity.
What is the behavior accomplishing? Look at the pattern before, during, and after the behavior.
Do all settings use the same priorities? Inconsistency can make progress appear weaker or more variable.
What evidence would show the plan is working? Define a small number of meaningful outcomes and review dates.
Consultation preparation
How to prepare for a focused case review
A consultation becomes more useful when the materials are organized around the referral question rather than sending every available record.
Preparation checklist
Write the primary question in one or two sentences.
Identify who requested the consultation and who is responsible for direct care.
List current services, settings, and professionals.
Summarize what has been tried and how the child responded.
Select the most relevant recent assessments, plans, and progress data.
Note the family’s priorities and practical constraints.
Confirm location, consent, and secure record-sharing procedures.
Referring professionals
What makes a physician or professional referral useful?
The referral should identify the decision the team needs help making and the gap that current services have not resolved.
Useful referral elements
The specific concern and how it affects daily functioning or treatment progress
Relevant diagnoses and medical considerations, shared securely after authorization
Current services and treating professionals
What has changed, plateaued, or remained unclear
The referrer’s question and the type of feedback requested
Whether the family and local team are willing to collaborate
Educational information only
These resources are general and do not establish a professional relationship or replace individualized assessment, medical care, emergency services, or advice from appropriately licensed professionals in the reader’s location.
Have a specific case question?
Use the consultation form without names, medical records, or sensitive health information. Secure next steps can be arranged after fit is confirmed.
