A family has shared how an NHS team empowered them in their daughter's healthcare.

Lauren and Jon Mitchell, parents to two-year-old Callie, had concerns about her developmental challenges including reaching her speech milestones.

These concerns led them to seek support from Callie's health visitor who introduced them to the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) Speech and Language Therapy Team.

When Callie received an official autism diagnosis, Lauren and Jon found relief but felt truly empowered by the shared decision-making process that followed (Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) Callie was assessed by NHSGGC speech and language therapist Emma Gannon who took into account the family's feelings and concerns that Callie may have autism.

She also asked the family questions about Callie's world, her likes, dislikes, and family routines.

When Callie received an official autism diagnosis, Lauren and Jon found relief but felt truly empowered by the shared decision-making process that followed.

Lauren, from Cranhill in the East End, said: "We were completely involved.

"They listened to us — the parents who know our child best."

Emma and support worker Joan McAllister explained the options available to the family to support Callie including groups and neuro-affirming therapeutic relationships.

 

Lauren and Jon Mitchell, parents to two-year-old Callie, had concerns about her developmental challenges, including reaching her speech milestones (Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) Lauren said: "We felt in control.

"We chose what was best for Callie and all of us as a family.

"After a few months with the NHSGGC Speech and Language team, Callie had picked up a couple of cues but was still non-verbal.

"We were given the choice to continue the speech and language sessions, or to work with the tools we had been taught to weave into our everyday routine, such as word repetition at home.

"We chose to end the sessions and integrate at home for now.

"It was empowering to know that the speech and language team have that trust in us to do so and good to know that they are there for us if we have anxieties."

Emma said: "Listening to what the family needs is at the centre of our Speech and Language Therapy team's care as we value what is meaningful to the family.

"We believe it is important to share our knowledge rather than impose it and explain all treatment options to empower families to make informed choices about their care.”