The mission of the Counselling and Diagnostic Centre is to ensure that children and adolescents with developmental disorders, which later in life can lead to disabilities, receive diagnosis and counselling and have access to resources to improve quality of life.

The Counselling and Diagnostic Centre is a national institution serving children and adolescents from birth to 18 years of age and their families. The Centre operates according to Act 83/2003. The staff are committed to helping children with developmental disabilities achieve their potential and enjoy success in adult life by providing early intervention, multidisciplinary assessment, counselling and access to resources. Furthermore, we are obliged to educate parents and professionals about children´s disabilities and main treatment methods. The staff are involved in clinical research and various projects in the field of childhood disabilities in cooperation with local and international teams.

The work is based on the principles of family-centred services which emphasize sensitivity and respect for the culture and values of each family. Parents are encouraged to take active part in decisions regarding the child´s services and to participate in intervention programs when possible. In preparation for a referral to the Centre a preliminary assessment must be made by a professional (for example a paediatrician, psychologist, pre- and primary school specialists). For further information see Act 83/2003.

The main reason for a referral to the Centre is suspicion of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual Disability and Motor Disorders. Children who are diagnosed with a disabling condition have the right to special assistance in their youth pursuant to laws on disability rights. Furthermore, they have the right for services for the disabled under the auspices of the municipality. Parents of children with a disabling condition are entitled to home-care allowances at the State Social Security Institute (www.tr.is) due to increased expenditure related to the child´s condition. Icelandic Health Insurance (www.sjukra.is) pay for assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers etc.), therapy and travel expenses.

Videos about the diagnostic process

Videos about the diagnostic process, early intervention and resources for children with disabilities in Iceland

1. The video explains the process when suspicions of developmental disabilities awakens and a referral to the Counselling and Diagnostic Centre is needed. With insight into the diagnostic process.
What happens when suspicions of developmental disabilities awakens?

2. The video shows early intervention and provides insight into evidence-based methods recommended for children. Also, the importance of teamwork and active participation of parents.
Early intervention and an insight into evidence-based methods recommended for children

3. The video explains rights and resources in Iceland. According to the law, children with disabilities have the right to general services and assistance to enjoy the same standard of living and equality for all children.
Rights and resources for children with disabilities in Iceland

 

Important to know

Important to know
Please keep these things in mind before you bring your child for an assessment at the Counselling and Centre (Ráðgjafar- og greiningarstöð).

Rest
Since interviews and assessments can be challenging for children it is important that they get enough sleep and are well rested.

Medicines
Parents are asked not to change the child´s routine medicines, including medicines for ADHD and behaviour disorders.

What to bring
When a child comes for an assessment, it is important to bring necessary aids, such as glasses and hearing aids. If motor ability is to be assessed, it is important that the child is wearing comfortable clothes and brings a pair of sneakers. It is good to bring snacks for the child, especially on days with extended program.

Aids
If the child uses aids such as splints, walking aids, special chairs or pillows, communication aids or other equipment, it is important to bring them with you.

If you need to change the schedule
If the family for some reasons can not attend scheduled appointments, it is important to call the Centre ahead, tel. 510 8400

If you have any questions
If parents have other questions it is best to call or send an e-mail to the child’s contact person at the Centre. The name of the contact person is listed on the child´s schedule and in other letters from Councelling and Diagnostice centre.