Assessment of Need

What is an Assessment of Need (AON)?

An Assessment of Need is an assessment carried out by the HSE for children or young people with a disability. The assessment identifies your child's health needs and what health services are needed to meet your child’s needs.

How do I apply for an AON?

Your application must be in writing. You can download the Assessment of Need application form (pdf) online and post it to your local HSE Assessment Officer.

You can also call your Local Health Office or the HSE information line on 1800 700 700 to get a copy of the application form

What do assessors do?

The assessors decide what health needs arise from your child's disability and what services are needed to meet those needs. The assessors do not give a diagnosis.

The assessment must be carried out in accordance with the standards for the Assessment of Need (pdf). Parents and legal guardians will be encouraged to take part in their child’s assessment.

What is an assessment report?

The assessment report provides you with information on the health needs of your child. The report also lists the services your child needs.

If the report states your child has a disability, the following is included:

• A statement of the nature and extent of the disability
• A statement of the health and education needs arising from the disability
• A statement of the appropriate services to meet those needs
• A statement of the period within which a review of the assessment should be carried out (this must be no later than a year from the date the assessment report is issued)

Who is eligible?

In Ireland, anyone born on or after June 1, 2002, who is suspected of having a disability, or who has a disability, is eligible to apply for an Assessment of Need (AON) under the Disability Act 2005. This process, managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE), determines the individual's health and education needs. Applications can be made by a parent, legal guardian, or the young person themselves if they are 16 or 17 years old.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Date of birth: Must be born on or after June 1, 2002.
• Suspected or known disability: Individuals with, or suspected of having, a disability are eligible.

Who Can Apply:

• Parents/Guardians: Can apply on behalf of their child or young person.
• Legal Guardians: If a child or young person has a legal guardian, they can apply.
• Personal Advocates: Individuals can be represented by a personal advocate.
• Young People (16-17): Young people aged 16 or 17 can apply for their own AON.”