​Waiting for an assessment can feel like you’re stuck in limbo.

You may have lots of questions, very little information and a child who still needs support right now.

It can be frustrating, worrying and exhausting.

But there are things you can do while you wait.

You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to support your child

A diagnosis can help explain your child’s needs, but your child is still your child while you are waiting.

​

You can start looking at what makes everyday life easier for them.

Think about:

• Communication

• Sensory needs

• Emotional regulation

• Sleep

• Eating

• Transitions

• Changes to routine

• School or nursery

• Social situations

• Anxiety or overwhelm

• What helps your child feel safe

Keep a record

Continue to write down things you notice.

This could include:

What happened?
What was difficult?
What happened before?
How did your child respond?
What helped?

You don’t need a perfect diary. Even short notes can help you spot patterns.

Talk to school or nursery

Your child can receive support before a diagnosis.

Speak to the SENCO and explain what you are noticing.

Ask:

• What support can be put in place?

• What adjustments could help?

• Can we monitor how things are going?

• Can we have regular communication?

• What are the next steps?

Look after the whole child

While you’re waiting, try to focus less on the label and more on the child in front of you.

What do they enjoy?

What makes them feel safe?

What helps them communicate?

What overwhelms them?

What are their strengths?

Sometimes understanding why your child is struggling can be just as helpful as knowing the diagnosis.

And look after yourself too

Waiting can be emotionally draining.

You may feel worried, frustrated, relieved, confused or completely overwhelmed — sometimes all in the same day.

You don’t have to become an expert overnight.

Take it one step at a time.

Your child doesn’t have to wait for a diagnosis to deserve understanding, support and reasonable adjustments.