Posted on: 19 June 2026
A project led by the Harrow Community Learning Disability Team has improved access to support for people with learning disabilities.
Beforehand, referrals were often sent straight to psychology, creating long waiting lists and delays. In some cases, people waited months for an assessment, only to discover they needed support from a different professional such as an occupational therapist or speech and language therapist. These delays could lead to crises, hospital admissions and increased stress for families and carers.
The team knew a different approach was needed. Working together across psychology, nursing, psychiatry, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and physiotherapy, they developed a new behaviour support pathway designed to get people the right help much sooner.
A key part of the project was introducing a screening tool and regular meetings between professional groups, where new referrals are reviewed within two weeks.
Rather than working in separate silos, clinicians now discuss cases together, helping to identify the root causes of behaviour earlier – whether that's communication difficulties, physical health issues, sensory needs or mental health concerns.
The impact has been significant. The waiting list has been eliminated and referrals are being assessed more quickly. Staff are also able to intervene earlier, reducing the risk of situations escalating into crises.
The project has strengthened collaboration across the team and led to new training sessions for carers and support staff, giving them the confidence and skills to better support people in their care.
Families have praised the quicker response times, while support staff have welcomed the opportunity to learn from a range of professionals in a single session.