Each week we will post a summary of interesting and representative 211 calls. This week, we have a connection from Newfoundland and Labrador.

Newfoundland and Labrador:

When a child receives a diagnosis, it can be a very emotional time for a parent. There is the relief of knowing what is happening, but many other feelings can come up too. When a parent does not know where to access help for their child, 211 is a good place to start. 211 Service Navigators will listen, assess the situation and find the right services. A parent does not have to go through uncertainty alone.

A woman called 211 and let the Service Navigator know that her son had just received a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The caller was a single mother who needed direction and connections for her child. She was living in a rural area and could not find any agency to connect to for services. The caller was looking for guidance on what to do next. She was feeling overwhelmed because she did not know where to turn.

The Service Navigator showed empathy to the caller – it can be hard emotionally to hear that a child has received a diagnosis, especially when one is not clear on what the next steps should be. The Service Navigator assured the caller that there were services that could help her and her child. The caller was provided with referrals to agencies that they can access for early intervention for ASD in their region. The caller said that she would connect with the agencies provided, and the Service Navigator encouraged her to call if she or her child needed further referrals or support.