Template to record your child’s strengths and concerns

Every child is wonderfully unique. They have their own preferences, strengths, sensitivities, and ways of navigating the world. Some children may communicate differently, learn at their own pace, or need support in specific situations. That’s not a weakness, it’s part of their individuality.

At Nayi Disha, we believe that children thrive best when the people around them truly understand who they are. Whether it’s a teacher, a friend’s parent, a classmate, or someone in a public space, being informed about your child’s needs helps them respond with compassion and care.

That’s why we’ve created a simple, printable tool you can use: the Child’s Strengths and Concerns Profile.

What is the strengths & concerns profile?

This is a personalised form that you can fill out to record your child’s strengths, preferences, and challenges, as well as their support needs and key contact information. It includes:

• Your child’s name, age, and photo
• Their condition or diagnosis (if applicable—not as a label, but to provide context)
• Emergency contact information
• Details about their school, learning setting, or workplace
• A dedicated space to note their core strengths
• A section for additional information, like sensory sensitivities, routines, or calming strategies

This form is not a legal document, but it can play an important role in everyday inclusion and safety.

Why should you use this template?

Here are some important ways this document can support your child:

1. It helps communicate your child’s needs, especially if they are non-speaking or communicate differently.

If your child is non-speaking or finds it hard to express themselves in certain situations, this form can speak for them. It can share their preferences, how they like to be supported, and what to avoid. This helps reduce anxiety and makes it easier for others to understand how to connect with your child respectfully.

2. It supports safety and emergency response

The form includes your child’s emergency contact details. In unfamiliar or crowded places, if your child gets separated from you or is unable to share personal information, this document can help others identify and support them appropriately.

3. It helps teachers and peers support your child at school

Sharing this form with your child’s school or classroom teacher can help create a more inclusive and responsive environment. By understanding your child’s strengths, triggers, and preferred communication style, educators and peers can adapt how they interact and reduce misunderstandings or unintended harm.

4. It highlights your child’s strengths, not just concerns

Too often, support needs are framed only in terms of a child’s struggles. This form encourages you to celebrate what your child does well whether it’s a love for music, problem-solving, kindness, or creativity. This focus helps others see your child as a whole person, not just through a medical or behavioural lens.

5. It encourages inclusion and empathy

Knowing what your child may find difficult like sudden loud sounds, unfamiliar food textures, or changes in routine helps others show empathy and patience. When people understand why a child is reacting a certain way, they’re more likely to respond with kindness and curiosity instead of judgment.

Where and how to use the profile

• Keep a printed copy of this form in your child’s backpack at all times
• Keep another copy at home, and if possible, give one to trusted caregivers or family members
• Before a school trip, a visit to a new place, or a gathering with unfamiliar people, explain what the form is and how it can help
• If your child is old enough, involve them in filling the form and help them understand how and when it can be used. This gives them a sense of agency and safety

This form allows you to mention any diagnosis or condition your child has—but we encourage you to focus on it not as a label, but as a part of their lived experience. Whether your child has autism, has Down Syndrome, ADHD, or another developmental difference, they are not defined by these terms. 

If you’d like to explore and understand your child’s patterns of behaviour more deeply, you can also download the ABC (Antecedent-Behaviour-Consequence) chart. This tool helps record what happened before, during, and after a behaviour of concern. It can be a valuable aid in identifying what your child is trying to communicate and how best to support them.

This template was shaped with the insight and lived wisdom of our incredible Braveheart Moms caregivers who shared their suggestions to make this tool as practical and meaningful as possible. Their experiences have helped us craft a form that is grounded in real-world use and everyday parenting needs.

Need support?

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other developmental differences—or want help understanding how to use this form—the Nayi Disha team is here for you.

Call or WhatsApp us at 844-844-8996
Our helpline is free, and our friendly counselors speak English, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, and Bengali.

Important note

This guide and form are for personal use only. It is not a legal document and is not officially recognised by any government body or authority. It is only meant for personal use.