How do I get a diagnosis?

Diagnosis is the formal process by which a learning difficulty  - and indeed other disabilities or conditions - is identified.

Some people will want to find out information as soon as they are told their child has a learning difficulty/ disability  or as soon as they suspect their child may have one. Others will want to take their time to digest the news. Everyone is different. There is no right or wrong way

The process of diagnosing a physical issue such as asthma or diabetes is very clear. The process for diagnosing neuro-developmental disorders such as autism and ADHD, or a mental health issues is much more complex and can feel like no-one is helping.

No-one in school can make a diagnosis, but we can help to identify your child’s difficulties and differences as they appear in school. School can build a holistic profile of the child  and suggest and implement strategies to minimise the impact of  where it is affecting a child's ability to access their education or their wellbeing in school.  . Often, a diagnosis does not change the support a child gets in school.

Where a child has social or emotional difficulties that are severely affecting his or her education, school will discuss with you additional support that can be available through our Cluster Services.