Parents struggle to find support for children with special needs

Latvia lacks a coordinated system to help parents obtain diagnoses and guidance for children with special needs, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), some parents and medical professionals say, LSM reported.

Families in the regions can struggle to find specialists able to make an accurate diagnosis. Some parents travel more than 100 kilometres to take their children to appointments several times a week. Latvia also lacks an accurate count of how many children have ADHD, the report said. Parents, educators and specialists discussed these challenges at a conference in Sigulda.

Sanita Kubuliņa’s daughter Elza, now six, was diagnosed with autism spectrum and speech disorders at the age of two. The family could not find the specialists she needed in Smiltene, so every three months they travelled to Riga for two weeks.

“At first it was very difficult. We tried to find the specialists we needed, such as a speech therapist, an ABA therapist and an occupational therapist. It is very difficult to find all the specialists she specifically needs in one place,” Kubuliņa said.

Getting a diagnosis does not resolve every difficulty. Doctors do not always tell parents clearly what to do next or whom to contact, while teachers in schools and kindergartens may also be unsure how to support these children.

“Quite a few parents contact me and say that a psychiatrist gave their child a diagnosis, but they do not understand what to do next. They searched Google, found my name and called to ask,” said Dana Skara, a clinical psychologist and representative of the Latvian ADHD Association.

Eva Viļķina, head of social services at the Cerību spārni association, said the state should have a clear support system. She noted that local enthusiasts are setting up services in some places.