Does your child have a single-page profile? Sometimes known as a one-page profile, this is an incredibly useful and important document for your child to let people know more about them.
A single-page profile does what it says on the tin; it’s a one-page document, usually divided into sections, giving more details about your child, their needs and wants. This can be given to carers, teachers, professionals and group leaders to enable them to better understand your child and – hopefully – make provisions for them.
When Tink was diagnosed, I’d never heard of single-page profiles, even professionally in my role as Preschool Manager. That was until I went to a local autism group one evening just after Tink’s diagnosis day, and listened to a talk given by another parent and ex-SENCo about the profiles and how to create one. I thought it was a brilliant idea, and went home and made one for Tink straight away!
So, when Tink was due to start school nursery almost three years ago, we were all prepared. I gave them a copy of her profile, and this instantly gave them a breakdown of Tink.
Here’s what goes into a single-page profile:
A photo – a recent photo of your child so they can be identified easily by people who don’t work or see them regularly (helpful for cover staff, for example).
‘How I want to be supported’ – this section is where you write the things your child needs help and support with. For example, they may have personal care needs, or need help with changing for PE, or patience when being asked a question.
‘What do people like about me? What am I good at?’ – this is where you write the nice stuff! What do you and others love about your child? What are their good qualities? What are their strengths? Shout about these!
‘What do I love? What makes me happy?’ – this section is useful for listing the things that your child enjoys doing and playing with, as well as the things that might help when they’re feeling upset or anxious. I remember writing that Tink loves bubbles and they usually distracted her out of an impending meltdown!
‘Anything I’m not keen on?’ – this is where you write about the things your child doesn’t like, or things that might upset them, or cause them anxiety. For example, foods they simply will not (or cannot eat), sensory sensitivities such as sounds, lights or textures, or situations.
A single-page profile doesn’t take long to put together, but is such a helpful document for anyone who cares for your child to have to hand to be able to refer to at a glance.
You can download my FREE editable and printable copy by joining my mailing list – just fill in the form below and it’ll wing its way to your email. Or, I can create a more personalised version just for your child for £1.99.
Kelly is a mother of two – her son H and daughter Tink. H is home educated, Tink is autistic. Kelly is a self-employed Virtual Assistant… Life is busy!
I’d like a copy of the download. I also may be interested in a personalized version. I’d like to add a section for how I communicate. Please advise if this can be done.
Thank you!
I AM A PERSON CENTERED THINKING COACH REFRESHING THE PROFILE FOR AN INDIVIDUAL. WE WANT A CUTE TEEN YEARS LOOK TO PROVIDE A EASY GLANCE FOR THOSE SUPPORTING THIS INDIVIDUAL