FAQ

How do I know if my child has special educational needs, and where can I get an assessment?

If you notice difficulties with learning, communication or behaviour, start by speaking to your child's kindergarten or school teacher. Children under six can usually be referred by a Maternal and Child Health Centre or a doctor to the Department of Health's Child Assessment Service. School-age children are usually assessed through the school's educational psychologist. Private assessments are also available, and fees vary.

Source: Education Bureau parent guide (PDF)

Is there financial help while my child is waiting for preschool rehabilitation services?

Yes. The Social Welfare Department's Learning and Training Subsidy supports children under six on the waiting list for subsidised preschool rehabilitation services. It provides up to HK$3,549 or HK$6,904 a month, depending on the service the child is waiting for. A means test usually applies (household income at or below 75% of the median for the same household size); children waiting for a Special Child Care Centre place are exempt. SWD writes to eligible families to invite them to apply. Enquiries: 3791 2711.

Source: Social Welfare Department leaflet, May 2026 (PDF)

Where can I find free or subsidised SEN training courses in Hong Kong?

Actually Answered's service directory brings together training, assessment and therapy services from many organisations. You can filter by 'Free' and 'Subsidised', then narrow down by district and SEN type. Course details may change, so please confirm the latest information with the provider before enrolling.

Source: Actually Answered service directory

What support do mainstream schools in Hong Kong give students with SEN?

The Education Bureau uses a three-tier support model. Tier 1 is quality teaching in the classroom for students with mild or short-term difficulties. Tier 2 adds extra help, such as small-group or after-school support, for students with persistent difficulties. Tier 3 gives intensive, individual support, including an individual education plan, for students with severe difficulties. Parents are encouraged to talk to the school's student support team early.

Source: Education Bureau parent guide (PDF)

What exam accommodations can a child with dyslexia get?

Common arrangements include extra time, enlarged papers, having questions read aloud, or adjusted dictation. Each school decides its own arrangements, so start with the class teacher or the SEN coordinator (SENCO). For public exams such as the HKDSE, candidates can apply to the HKEAA for special examination arrangements through their school.

Source: HKEAA: special examination arrangements

How do I pass on my child's SEN information when they move to primary school?

With the parents' consent, the kindergarten or preschool service can pass the child's SEN information to the primary school, so support can start early. The Education Bureau provides consent forms for this. You can also arrange a meeting with the class teacher or student support teacher around the start of term and bring a one-page summary of your child's strengths, needs and what helps.

Source: EDB parental consent form for transferring SEN information (PDF)

My child has ADHD and finds homework hard. What can parents do?

Parents often break homework into small parts, use a timer (for example 15 minutes of work and a 5-minute break), use a checklist and tick off each task, and keep a fixed time and place for homework. Every child is different, so ask the teacher or a professional if you need more help. You can also read other parents' experiences in the Actually Answered parent forum.

How do I choose an SEN training course or therapy centre?

Things to consider include the qualifications of the instructor or therapist, whether the course suits your child's needs and age, the fees and any subsidy, the location and schedule, and other parents' experiences. Before enrolling, ask how the provider handles assessment and progress updates.

Where can SEN parents in Hong Kong connect with other parents?

Actually Answered has a parent forum where you can ask questions and share experiences, openly or anonymously. There are also community services such as the SWD-subsidised Parents/Relatives Resource Centres and parent support groups run by NGOs.

Source: SWD list of Parents/Relatives Resource Centres (PDF)

What is Actually Answered, and is it free?

Actually Answered is a free online platform for parents and caregivers of children with special educational needs in Hong Kong. It combines a parent forum with an SEN service directory and was developed by ISV Lab with HKU undergraduates. Families without a formal assessment or diagnosis are welcome.