TOP 5 – All About Me information sheet
Contact
Contact us for further Information about the 'All About Me Top 5' or the 'All About Me Hospital Passport'.
- Email: cdu-schn@health.nsw.gov.au
- See the Child Development Unit
Introduction
TOP 5 – All About Me is a tool that helps staff to be aware of your child’s communication abilities, signs, likes, dislikes, routines and rituals.
TOP 5 – All About Me is a tool that helps staff to be aware of your child’s communication abilities, signs, likes, dislikes, routines and rituals.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only. For further information regarding this topic, please talk to your child's health care team.
What is 'TOP 5 – All about Me'?
TOP 5 is a tool developed to help health staff better understand the individual needs of your child during a health care encounter. That could be a visit to an outpatient appointment or an admission to hospital.
TOP 5 - All About Me is used for children with special needs. This includes children with an intellectual disability, developmental disability, or autism who have difficulties with speech, chronic health issues, or challenging behaviours and require extra reasonable adjustments when coming to a health encounter.
The unique and specific care tips provided help staff when working with, and assisting your child.
How does it help?
As a carer and parent no one knows your child better than you do. You know their personality, their ‘must haves’, their likes and dislikes, their fears and their routines. You also know how to comfort and soothe them when they are frightened, anxious or upset.
The information that you can provide health staff is so valuable. This assists with staff’s understanding of your child’s behaviour and how they communicate their needs.
How does it work?
The information you share with staff about your child’s special needs is written into a special section of their electronic medical record called TOP 5 - All about Me.
Once saved, this activates the information to appear in your Child’s Electronic Medical Record, allowing all staff who play a role in your child’s care to learn about your child’s special needs.
The All About Me information should prompt staff to put in place reasonable adjustments when caring for your child.
What information should I include?
You will be asked to share the five most important things you think health staff need to know when caring for your child. If you can only think of two or three that is fine, more can be added later as needed.
A staff member will discuss your top 5 tips, also known as strategies, with you.
Things to consider
- What helps your child feel reassured and settled?
- Are there any specific behavioural signs or language that indicate feelings or needs?
- How can staff encourage communication and engage your child in activities or procedures?
- Are there any situations that may cause distress to your child?
- What are their “must haves” items or comforters?
- Are there any routines or rituals that staff should be aware?
- What are their favourite books, games, toys etc?
Examples tips
Ryan Clicks his tongue when he is thirsty.
Lucy doesn’t like people looking at her. When talking to her, pretend to look at something else. When she is ready, she will look at you and then you may look at her.
Jack has unique sign for YES: He taps his head with a closed hand.
Ben likes to have his ‘Blanky’ (blue blanket) on his bed.