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Children with a neurodiverse disability and complex needs may be able to get support through the Neurodiversity Education Health Collaborative (NEHCo). Find out what the service does, who it's for and how referral works.
About the Neurodiversity Education Health Collaborative (NEHCo) service
The NEHCo service is for students with diagnosed neurodevelopmental disability and complex needs who may also show behaviours of concern. It looks at all aspects of the student's health and development to find ways to support them better so they can do better in school.
NEHCo support may include:
- developing a summary of your child's unique profile based on observations and informal assessments
- recommending strategies and interventions to support agreed goals
- training and coaching staff as needed
- giving your family information about health and disability
- advocacy and referral services to meet disability and other needs.
The NEHCo program is not an acute mental health service.
For a mental health emergency, contact the Mental Health Triage Service:
- phone: 131465
- available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
If someone's life is in danger or there is an immediate risk of harm, call emergency services on 000.
Criteria for support
Students can be referred for NEHCo support when all the following apply. They:
- have been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disability and complex needs or associated behaviours of concern
- are enrolled in a preschool or school at the time of referral
- are disengaged from education, or at risk of disengagement or behaving in a way that puts themselves or others at risk due to their neurodevelopmental disability and complex needs.
How to access the service – referral process
Government schools and preschools contact their local Student Support Services (SSS) Team. The SSS Team Manager makes the referral (via the Lead, Complex Case Review Panel).
For more information email education.ComplexCaseReviewPanel@sa.gov.au.
Catholic and independent schools can refer directly to NEHCo.
Next steps after the referral
A NEHCo nurse consultant will meet with you and your child, staff from your school or preschool and Student Support Services. That's to better understand your child's individual needs and to establish goals. They may also :
- observe your child in the education setting
- consult with members of the multidisciplinary NEHCo team
- consult with other health professionals.
