However, unlike the NICU, they may be in a situation where they know more about certain issues than do some of the people with whom they are interacting. As often as possible, the parent should try to get different members of the team to talk to one another. Doctors may be requested to call each other or write short summaries. Therapists may be able to meet or talk by phone. The parent may need check back to make sure that the connection is made.
Parent now find that they have a new job as translator.
Doctors, teachers, therapists, specialists, support groups, literature and personal observation all provide information which the parent will want to pass on to others on their team. Often, professional jargon, models, and treatment from one area of expertise may not be familiar to an expert in another area. Since the parent can rarely gather the whole team into one room, a major part of the job will be to learn from the specialists and transfer information from one person to another. Your first meeting with a new doctor will be more effective if you can provide the relevant reports, a summary of your child s medical history, current medications, and your questions and goals ahead of time. To continue good communication down the road, many doctors and specialists are willing to answer simple questions over the phone from established clients.