Hong Kong Special Needs Service Guides
Choosing where to start can be difficult when service names overlap or mean different things in different settings. These guides explain common approaches and delivery formats, what a service may involve, how it differs from related support, and what to ask providers. They include Hong Kong access information and source-backed timing where available; when there is no shared schedule, they say so. Use them to understand service types—not to diagnose, recommend a provider, or promise suitability or availability.
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Explore support
Learn the purpose of different services before you contact an organisation.
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Ask what matters
Prepare questions about qualifications, fees, referral and current availability.
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Choose a next step
Use sources and practical details to decide what to check directly.
Assessment and professional services
- AssessmentAn assessment is a structured way for a qualified professional or team to understand a person's strengths, needs and daily functioning. The method depends on the question being explored; one assessment does not answer every developmental, learning or health question.Read a service guide
- Speech TherapySpeech and language therapy supports communication. Depending on the person's goals, a speech therapist may work on understanding and using language, speech sounds, social communication, voice or fluency. Some practitioners with relevant training also assess and support swallowing or eating and drinking; confirm the service scope.Read a service guide
- Occupational TherapyOccupational therapy helps people participate in meaningful daily activities. Depending on an individual assessment, this may include self-care, play, learning tasks, hand skills, routines, environmental adaptations or use of equipment.Read a service guide
- PhysiotherapyPhysiotherapy supports movement and physical function. A physiotherapist may assess mobility, strength, balance, posture or movement-related goals and agree a plan suited to the person's circumstances.Read a service guide
- Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a broad approach that studies how context relates to behaviour and uses planned teaching or environmental changes toward agreed goals. Providers differ in methods, training, intensity and goals, so families should review the specific programme rather than rely on the label alone.Read a service guide
- Psychology ServicesPsychology services may include psychological assessment, consultation, counselling or intervention, depending on the practitioner's training and scope. Ask which professional is providing the service and what type of support is offered; the directory does not determine diagnosis or suitability.Read a service guide
Learning and development
- Special EducationSpecial education and additional learning support help students access learning and participate in school. Support may include teaching adjustments, targeted learning support, collaboration with families and professionals, or a specialised placement where appropriate.Read a service guide
- Social Skills TrainingSocial-skills programmes may provide structured opportunities to practise communication, cooperation, understanding social situations or self-advocacy. Content and format vary widely; families should ask how activities respect different communication styles and individual preferences.Read a service guide
- Sensory IntegrationSensory integration can refer to different approaches; Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) is a specific occupational-therapy approach, not a synonym for every sensory activity. Ask which approach a provider means, how it was assessed, what daily-life goal it addresses and what training the practitioner has.Read a service guide
- Early InterventionEarly intervention is a broad term for support during a young child's early years. In Hong Kong, preschool rehabilitation models have distinct ages, eligibility and referral routes. SWD EETCs mainly serve children from birth to under two, with some eligible older children accepted under specific conditions.Read a service guide
- Literacy & Learning SupportLiteracy and learning support helps a learner with reading, writing or related school tasks. Support can take place in school or through other programmes; the approach should respond to the learner's profile rather than assume one method suits everyone.Read a service guide
Family and community support
- Respite CareRespite care provides temporary care so a family caregiver can take a planned break or respond to an urgent need. Service type, eligibility, duration and availability vary; confirm whether the arrangement is day, residential or another form of short-term support.Read a service guide
- Parent Training & SupportParent training and support can help caregivers understand a service plan, practise agreed strategies and find information or peer connection. Formats may include individual coaching, workshops, family sessions or resource sharing; check whether the content fits your family's priorities.Read a service guide
- Community RehabilitationCommunity rehabilitation refers to support that helps a person maintain or develop function and participate in community life outside a hospital setting. The term covers different programmes; check the service unit's target group, referral route, location and actual activities.Read a service guide
- Carer & Family SupportCarer support may include information, emotional support, skills sessions, peer groups, practical assistance or help navigating services. What is available depends on the organisation and the caregiver's circumstances; asking for support is not a commitment to a particular care arrangement.Read a service guide
- Family SupportFamily support can help relatives navigate services, access practical information, build support networks or discuss family needs. It may be provided by social-service organisations, family centres, schools or specialist groups; the scope and privacy arrangements vary.Read a service guide
- Peer SupportPeer support connects people with shared lived experience for mutual understanding, practical ideas and companionship. It may take place in a facilitated group or informally; it is not professional assessment or treatment, and participants should be able to choose what they share.Read a service guide
Participation and access
- Vocational TrainingVocational training develops skills and experience for work or supported employment. Programmes differ in their target participants, training content, work placements and ongoing support; ask how a programme connects with the person's own employment goals.Read a service guide
- Assistive Technology & EquipmentAssistive technology and equipment can support communication, mobility, learning, self-care or access to daily activities. A useful match depends on the person's goals, environment, training needs, maintenance and funding; a product name alone does not establish suitability.Read a service guide
- Employment SupportEmployment support helps a person explore, obtain or maintain work. Depending on the programme, support can include career planning, job matching, workplace communication, reasonable adjustments or follow-up with an employer.Read a service guide
- Accessibility ConsultingAccessibility consulting helps organisations review how people with different access needs use a place, service or digital product. Scope may include a site review, user feedback, design advice or staff guidance; confirm which standards and deliverables the consultant uses.Read a service guide
Eligibility, referral routes, fees, waiting times and availability can change and vary by provider. Confirm current details directly with the service unit or responsible department.
Guide set reviewed: 2 October 2026
This website is for information only and does not constitute medical advice. Please verify eligibility and availability directly with the relevant service provider.