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Rehabilitation - Autism spectrum disorders in children and young people

There are significant individual differences in children's development. Nevertheless, there are some expectations about what children usually learn at different ages. When a child does not develop as expected in terms of interacting with other people, language development, learning and social skills, and this causes concern for parents, the family doctor, nursery or school, the child may be referred to the Children's and Young People's Rehabilitation Service (HABU) for an assessment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

REFERRAL CHECKLIST – REHABILITATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

The purpose of a checklist is to help ensure that referrals contain accurate and sufficient information, so that services can assess eligibility for care based on the “Prioritisation Guide – Rehabilitation of Children and Young People in Specialist Healthcare Services”. The checklist identifies factors that are particularly important for efficiently planning assessment and further follow-up.

A multidisciplinary assessment is expected to have been carried out by the municipality before referral, and information about this assessment should accompany the referral:

  • Patient's name, national identity number, address and, if applicable, telephone number.
  • Any need for an interpreter; language/dialect.
  • Names, telephone numbers and correct addresses of the parents/guardians.
  • Specify who has parental responsibility
  • Confirmation that the parents/guardians consent to the referral
  • Siblings, half-siblings and others in the family's care. State their names, genders and ages.
  • Diagnosis(es) at the time of referral.
  • Current issues and the desired objective of the referral.
  • Relevant findings and results from medical examinations.
  • Medications currently in use.
  • Key services (child health clinic/school health service, physiotherapy/occupational therapy service, nursery, school, respite care, PPT, BUP, child welfare services), including the name and telephone number of a contact person.
  • Attach relevant reports from the services concerned.
  • Has a municipal coordinator been appointed? If so, provide their name and telephone number.
  • Has a care coordination group been established?
  • Has an individual plan been prepared? If so, provide the coordinator's name and telephone number.
  • Is work relating to Chapter 9 of the Health and Care Services Act relevant? (Legal safeguards in the use of coercion and force towards certain people with intellectual disabilities)? If so, is the person with overall professional responsibility aware that a referral has been sent?
  • If the patient is referred by a doctor other than their family doctor, provide the family doctor's name, address and telephone number.
    Name and contact information for the co-referrer (if the doctor will not be responsible for ongoing contact with the rehabilitation service).

https://helsedirektoratet.no/retningslinjer/henvisningsveileder
 

Before

Before bringing your child or young person to an assessment appointment at HABU, you should think about, and preferably make notes on, what you consider relevant regarding the child's or young person's development and functioning in relation to:

  • language, play and interaction with others
  • movement/motor skills
  • activities of daily living – such as eating and getting dressed
  • sleep
  • leisure activities
  • previous illnesses

The child's or young person's hearing should be examined by a specialist before the assessment at HABU.
We would like two adults to attend the appointment. If someone other than the parents/guardians accompanies the child or young person, they should be people who know them well.

A medical examination may involve the child or young person being as undressed as possible. It may therefore be a good idea to bring, for example, shorts and a sleeveless top.

During

When you arrive at HABU, you will be welcomed and given information about what will happen and whom you will meet.
The assessment may consist of conversations, tests, observations and examinations of the child or young person. You will usually meet professionals from different backgrounds, such as a psychologist, social educator and doctor.
An observation of the child or young person during interaction activities in the home, nursery or school environment is usually carried out.

During the assessment, it may become apparent that examinations at other hospital departments are needed. If so, HABU will arrange a further referral.

After

Parents/guardians will be informed of the assessment results. Children and young people also have the right to information about their own health that is adapted to their needs.

The municipality/district where you live is responsible for further measures and adaptations. In addition, follow-up from HABU may be needed for shorter or longer periods. The need for follow-up will be assessed in consultation with the parents/guardians and those responsible for providing services in the municipality/district.

A report summarising the assessment will be prepared. If further follow-up at HABU is relevant, this will be stated in the report. The report will be sent to you as parents/guardians and to the person who made the referral.

Last professionally updated 04.03.2025

Contact

  • Waiting time: 12 weeks

    Contact the Child and Adolescent Rehabilitation Service (HABU), Arendal

    Location

    HABU is located on the 6th floor of the hospital’s main building.
    Sørlandet sykehus Arendal sett fra luften.

    Sørlandet Hospital Arendal

    Sykehusveien 1

    Sykehusveien 1, 4838 Arendal

    Find your way

    Transport

    You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder public transport to find your route:akt.no

    You may be entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses when travelling to and from your place of treatment.

    As a general rule, you should use public transport, and you must pay a co-payment. To be reimbursed for travel expenses you have paid, you must complete a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient travel.

    Waiting time

    12 weeks for outpatient care

    Choose a treatment location (helsenorge.no)

    Practical information

    At the hospital pharmacy in Arendal, you can fill prescriptions and buy pharmacy products.
    You’ll find us on the 1st floor of the main building, just inside the entrance.
    Open weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

    Arendal Hospital Pharmacy

    Is the appointment inconvenient? If you receive your appointment letter digitally on helsenorge.no, you can now send a message directly to the department you are visiting if you need to reschedule. You must be a registered user on Helsenorge to access the service.
    You can also contact the department where you have an appointment or call the switchboard on: 38 07 30 00
    ​

    Children and young people are affected when someone in the family is ill and need to understand what is happening. You may be a patient, a relative, or a parent of sick children who have siblings. We at the hospital will help ensure that the children and young people in your family are well cared for.

    Children as next of kin


    Visiting hours may vary between departments and locations. Please contact the department where you have an appointment for more information.

    See an overview of the hospital’s departments

    General visiting hours:

    Arendal:
    5:00 pm–7:00 pm on weekdays
    2:00 pm–4:00 pm and 6:00 pm–7:00 pm on weekends and public holidays

    Flekkefjord:
    2:00 pm–3:00 pm and 6:00 pm–7:00 pm
    Maternity ward: 5:00 pm–7:00 pm (quiet time/no visitors: 2:00 pm–4:00 pm)

    Kristiansand:
    5:00 pm–7:00 pm on weekdays
    2:00 pm–4:00 pm and 6:00 pm–7:00 pm on weekends and public holidays

    Postnatal ward: 4:00 pm–6:00 pm every day for the newborn’s healthy siblings.

    The patient library in Arendal is in the basement of the main building. It is self-service and open 24 hours a day. You can borrow books and read newspapers and magazines here.

    Many people like to bring flowers when visiting a patient in hospital, but due to allergies and the risk of infection, several of our departments are flower-free. If you would like to bring the patient a gift, we would appreciate it if you chose something other than flowers.

    Some patients are also allergic to perfume or perfumed creams. Please be considerate.

    Many patients and relatives wish to take photos or videos or blog about their time in hospital. Of course, you may do so as long as you respect the privacy of other patients and staff.

    Here are a couple of helpful tips on using social media for patients and relatives:

    • Be considerate of others. You must have consent to take photos or videos of patients or staff. All patients are entitled to privacy while in hospital.
    • Parents/guardians decide whether you may take photos of children or publish photos of their children online. Parents should consider what is best for the child. Once the child has turned 12, their views must be given considerable weight. Once the child has turned 15, they decide for themselves whether they agree to being photographed and whether the photo may be published.
    • Remember that staff must also give their permission if you want to publish photos you have taken of them.
    • You should remove content you have published if the person concerned asks you to. If someone has posted photos of you online without permission, you can ask them to delete them. If they do not listen, you can contact: www.slettmeg.no.

    Audio recording
    It is not illegal to record conversations that you take part in for private use. However, publishing and sharing the recording requires the consent of the person you are speaking with. Secretly recording conversations that you do not take part in is illegal.

    Sometimes we need a room for rest and reflection. We have three such rooms available for you and your relatives. The rooms are open to everyone, regardless of their beliefs or faith.

    In Arendal, the hospital’s quiet room/chapel is on the basement level of the main building. In Kristiansand, the room is on the ground floor of the main building, north entrance. Both rooms are open 24 hours a day. In Flekkefjord, the chapel is by the car park to the left of the main entrance.

    It is also possible to hold a memorial service in the chapel in the event of a death. To arrange this, contact the hospital chaplains.

    Eg Church in Kristiansand is open on weekdays from 08:00 to 18:00 for those who want a room for quiet and reflection. Open from 10:00 to 18:00 at weekends.

    Kiosk
    The kiosk is in the lobby on the ground floor.

    It sells kiosk items such as newspapers, weekly magazines, fruit, chocolate, biscuits, ice cream, soft drinks, cards, flowers, some toiletries and various gift items.

    You can also buy sweet buns, chicken wraps, rolls, salads, calzones, panini and hot dogs.

    Opening hours:
    Monday–Friday: 07:00–21:00
    Saturday and Sunday: 09:00–20:00

    Parking at Sørlandet Hospital is subject to a fee Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00. Anyone wishing to park on hospital grounds must follow the signs and instructions on the payment machines.

    At the hospitals in Arendal and Kristiansand, you can pay for parking with EasyPark (mobile app) or by card at other locations. Check the signs for payment options and time limits.

    At the hospital in Kristiansand, you can register your parking through the EasyPark app, at the machine where you park, or on the Flowbird website.

    Register payment online

    Map of parking spaces at Eg in Kristiansand
     

    At the hospital in Arendal, cameras read vehicle registration numbers as vehicles enter and leave the parking garage through the Autopay service. Follow the signs and read the instructions.

    Pay at the payment machine

    If you have not created a profile onAutopay.io, you can pay at the machine by the main entrance. Enter the vehicle registration number. You can pay by card.

    Pay automatically

    Register as a customer with your vehicle registration number and bank card at www.autopay.io. Once registered, you will be charged automatically each time you park in the garage.

    At certain times, for example when there is a lot of snow, it can be difficult to find a parking space. We therefore recommend that you allow plenty of time.

    For electric cars:

    Electric cars are subject to a fee from the first hour.

    Need to charge your car? Not all our hospital sites have charging stations, and those that do have a limited number. You should therefore not count on being able to charge your car while you are at the hospital as a patient or visitor. You can find all charging stations here:

    All charging stations on one map – Norwegian EV Association​

    Blood donors can park free of charge at the hospital.
    For more information, contact the blood bank.


    Guardians of children (under 18) who are admitted to hospital for more than 14 dayscan park for free for the remainder of the child’s stay. This also applies if the child’s stay begins at another hospital. Contact the hospital department for more information.

    A valid disabled parking permit entitles you to free parking in designated spaces.
    Contact the Service Desk to register your disabled parking permit. Vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit are exempt from time limits unless otherwise stated on the sign.

    Parking for expectant mothers in Kristiansand
    Free parking is available for expectant mothers outside the Women’s Department at the hospital in Kristiansand. The maximum parking time is 2 hours.

    Care benefit compensates for lost income when you care for a child who needs continuous supervision and care due to illness or injury. Read more aboutcare benefit, assistance allowance and basic benefitandNational Insurance benefitsat NAV.

    The Service Desk in Arendal is right by the main entrance. You can ask questions here about your hospital appointment.

    Opening hours:
    Weekdays: 07:00–21:00.
    Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 09:00–20:00.

    Need someone to talk to? Our hospital chaplains have extensive experience supporting people in different life situations. They meet you on your terms, regardless of your faith, beliefs or outlook on life. The hospital chaplains are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for patients, relatives and staff.

    Would you like to get in touch? You can ask hospital staff for help or call the switchboard on 38 07 30 00.

    The hospital chaplains can also put you in touch with other faith and belief communities.

    If you need an interpreter, please notify the hospital well in advance of your appointment. The cost of the interpreter is covered by the health service.Helsenorge.no

    Patients not fluent in Norwegian are entitled to an interpreter.Helsenorge.no/interpreter

    All visitors can use free wireless internet at the hospital.

    Look for HSO-Gjest on your network and follow the instructions to log in.

    If you cannot find the network, you are in an area where it has not yet been installed.

    If your child has been exposed to chickenpox or has chickenpox, please contact us. The scheduled appointment/admission must then be postponed. This also applies if you are planning to visit the paediatric and adolescent department. Exposure to chickenpox can be dangerous for some of our patients.

  • Contact Child and Adolescent Rehabilitation (HABU), Kristiansand

    Where to go

    HABU premises, building 41 at Eg. Located on the left-hand side of the road after you have passed through the yellow administration building.

    Egsveien 100, building 41

    Egsveien 100, building 41

    Egsveien 100, 4615 Kristiansand

    Find your way

    Transport

    You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder public transport to find your route:akt.no

    You may be entitled to reimbursement of necessary expenses when travelling to and from your place of treatment.

    You should generally use public transport, and you must pay a co-payment. To get reimbursed for travel expenses you have paid, you must fill in a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient travel.

    Practical information

    Does the appointment not suit you? If you receive your appointment letter digitally on helsenorge.no, you can now send a direct message to the department you are going to if you need a new appointment time. You must be a registered user on Helsenorge to access the service.
    You can also contact the department where you have an appointment or call the switchboard at: 38 07 30 00
    ​

    Children and young people are affected when someone in the family is ill and need to understand what is happening. You may be a patient yourself, a relative, or a parent of sick children with siblings. We at the hospital will help ensure that the children and young people in your family are well cared for.

    Children as next of kin


    Visiting hours may vary between departments and locations. Please check with the department where you have an appointment for more information.

    See an overview of the hospital's departments

    General visiting hours:

    Arendal:
    17:00–19:00 on weekdays
    14:00–16:00 and 18:00–19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Flekkefjord:
    14:00–15:00 and 18:00–19:00
    Maternity ward: 17:00–19:00 (quiet time/no visits: 14:00–16:00)

    Kristiansand:
    17:00–19:00 on weekdays
    14:00–16:00 and 18:00–19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Postnatal ward: 16:00–18:00 every day for the newborn's healthy siblings.

    Most inpatient wards in Kristiansand have a small collection of books that patients and relatives can borrow. Contact your department for more information and assistance.

    Many people wish to bring flowers when visiting a patient at the hospital, but due to allergies and the risk of infection, several of our departments are flower-free. If you wish to bring a gift for the patient, we would appreciate it if you chose something other than flowers.

    Some patients are also allergic to perfume or perfumed creams. We ask you to take this into consideration.

    RIB offers the option of accommodation in our family house. The family house is associated with HABU/RIB and has two apartments and four family rooms that can be used free of charge during your stay.

    All rooms in the family house have a private bathroom with a shower and cooking facilities. Internet access, a telephone, TV/radio and a refrigerator are also available. During the day, you can use a washing machine, tumble dryer and iron. Bed linen and towels are provided.

    There is an adapted outdoor area with play equipment next to the family house.

    If you need accommodation during your stay, you can contact the HABU reception (see contact information).

    Many patients and relatives wish to take photos/videos or blog about their time in hospital. This is of course permitted, as long as you respect the privacy of other patients and staff.

    Here are a few tips on using social media for patients and relatives:

    • Be considerate of others. You must have consent if you want to take photos or videos of patients or staff. All patients are entitled to privacy while in hospital.
    • It is the parents/guardians who decide whether you can take pictures of children or publish pictures of their children online. Parents should consider what is in the child’s best interests. Once the child has turned 12, their opinion must be given considerable weight. Once the child has turned 15, they decide for themselves whether it is acceptable to be photographed and whether the photos may be published.
    • Remember that employees must also give their permission if you want to publish pictures you have taken of them.
    • You should remove content you have published if the person concerned asks you to. If others have posted pictures of you online without permission, you can ask them to delete them. If they do not listen, you can contact: www.slettmeg.no.

    Audio recordings
    It is not illegal to record conversations you take part in for private use. However, publishing and sharing recordings requires the consent of the person you are speaking with. Secretly recording conversations you do not take part in is illegal.

    Have you worked in healthcare or received healthcare outside the Nordic countries during the past year?

    This could include, for example, a hospital admission, extensive outpatient treatment or a visit to the dentist. In that case, your GP must test you for bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics (for example, MRSA).

    Ask your GP to send you the test result before your appointment with us, and bring it with you when you come to the hospital.

    For a day visit or hospital admission, please bring the following with you:

    • Bring indoor shoes, a change of clothes and toiletries
    • Bring your regular medication. It may take time to obtain equivalent medication from the pharmacy.
    • Bring a list/overview of your regular medication
    • Medical equipment for daily use

    If you have a serious illness that requires treatment or follow-up over a period of time, you may be entitled to be assigned a contact doctor in the specialist health service.

    The contact doctor scheme in the specialist health service is intended to ensure that your follow-up as a patient is better, safer and more effective. Having a contact doctor is your right as a patient and an obligation for the specialist health service.

    The contact doctor’s duties

    The contact doctor has a particular responsibility for following up with you during treatment or follow-up in the specialist health service. The contact doctor’s duties are to:

    • be your regular medical contact throughout your entire course of care
    • be involved in your treatment or follow-up
    • stay informed about the status of your treatment
    • help ensure that your course of care proceeds as planned
    • contact the relevant staff / treatment unit if there are challenges with your course of care
    • inform you and your next of kin
    • be available to you and healthcare professionals for medical questions
    • A contact doctor does not replace your GP

    Guide for contact doctors in the specialist health service

     

    Parking spaces at Sørlandet Hospital are subject to a fee Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00. Anyone wishing to park on hospital premises must follow the signs and instructions on the payment machines.

    At the hospital in Kristiansand, you can pay for parking with EasyPark (mobile app), by card or with coins at other locations. Check the signs for payment options and time limits.

    At the hospital in Kristiansand, you can register your parking via the EasyPark app, at the machine where you park or via the website.

    Kristiansand parking website

    A valid disabled parking permit entitles you to free parking. 
    There are three disabled parking spaces and several regular parking spaces at the entrance to the HABU building. Disabled vehicles are exempt from time limits unless otherwise indicated on the sign.

    Care benefit compensates for lost income when you care for a child who needs continuous supervision and care due to illness or injury. Read more about, among other things,care benefit, assistance benefit and basic benefitandbenefits under the National Insurance Schemeat NAV.

    Smoking can cause discomfort to others. Thank you for being considerate and helping Sørlandet Hospital maintain a smoke-free hospital environment.

    The Service Desk in Kristiansand is located right by the main entrance. You can contact them with questions about your appointment at the hospital.

    Opening hours:
    Weekdays: 07:30–21:00.
    Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 08:00–21:00.

    Do you need someone to talk to? Our hospital chaplains have extensive experience supporting people in different life situations. They meet you on your terms, regardless of your faith, beliefs or outlook on life. The hospital chaplains are available around the clock, every day of the week, for patients, next of kin and employees.

    Would you like to get in touch? You can ask hospital staff for help or call the switchboard on: 38 07 30 00.

    The hospital chaplains can also put you in touch with other faith and belief communities.

    If you need an interpreter, please notify the hospital well in advance of your appointment. The healthcare service covers the cost of the interpreter.Helsenorge.no

    Patients not fluent in Norwegian are entitled to an interpreter.Helsenorge.no/interpreter

    All visitors can use the hospital’s free wireless internet.

    Look for HSO-Gjest on your network and follow the login instructions.

    If you cannot find the network, you are in an area that has not yet been covered.

    If your child has been exposed to chickenpox or has chickenpox, please contact us. Any scheduled appointment or admission must then be postponed. This also applies if you are planning to visit the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescents. Chickenpox can be dangerous for some of our patients.

TEST VERSION
Machine-translated copy of sshf.no for testing only. Not official information.