Does my child need a diagnosis?
No — support does not depend on a diagnosis
Children and young people can receive additional support for learning whether or not they have a formal diagnosis.
Support should be based on your child’s individual strengths, needs and barriers to learning.
What should happen?
Support should start when needed
Schools should respond when a child is experiencing difficulty. Support should not be delayed while waiting for assessment or diagnosis.
Support is based on need
Two children with the same diagnosis may need very different support. Schools should plan around the individual child rather than the label.
A diagnosis may still be helpful
A diagnosis can sometimes help families and professionals understand a child’s experiences and may support access to some health services.
What if my child is waiting for an assessment?
Waiting times can sometimes be lengthy. Your child should continue to receive appropriate support during this time.
Speak to the school about what your child is finding difficult, what support is already in place and when progress will be reviewed.
You can ask for help now
You do not need to wait for a diagnosis before speaking to your child’s nursery or school about additional support.
What should I do next?
Speak to your child’s class teacher or another member of staff who knows them well. Explain what you have noticed and ask what support can be put in place.
Support should respond to your child’s needs, not depend on a label.
-
Most concerns are resolved by your child's school. If you need further advice, Moray Council's Inclusion team can help guide you through the next steps
Email education@moray.gov.uk