Getting a diagnosis
Email this pageIf you think your child may have additional needs, it is normal to feel unsure about what to do or even to feel overwhelmed. As a parent, you will hear lots of advice and sometimes this can be confusing or even conflicting. You might disagree with your partner about what to do or feel worried about your child being labelled with a diagnosis.
Taking the step towards seeking diagnosis can often be a relief to both parent and to a child who might be feeling different, but not understanding why. However, it is your personal choice, and the following questions may be helpful:
- What does my child say, do they notice they are different and how is this affecting them?
- What are the alternatives, i.e. can we support my child without a diagnosis? (Talk to school, GP and any other professionals involved).
- What will be the impact of going ahead with a referral, e.g. will a diagnosis mean we can access support?
Some parents decide to request a referral and then wait and see – using the waiting time (which can be lengthy) as additional time to decide.
In education settings, support for SEN is not dependent on a medical diagnosis. A diagnosis does not always indicate the level of level of support or provision that is needed to effectively support a child with special educational needs. A person-centred approach should be used to identify each individual need and provision put in place to support and ensure progress and full potential is being met.
Sometimes a setting, the local authority or health professional are unsure how to support your child. In this situation they might suggest you consent to a referral to a specialist service for advice so they can better understand your child's needs.
You should have the opportunity to speak with or meet any specialist that sees your child. They will:
- explain their role
- explain any observations or assessments they will carry out
- tell you what will happen next.
Healthcare is divided into areas in Essex and each diagnostic pathway can vary, see below for further details:-
Mid and South Essex
My Care Bridge, the online portal for new referrals for children and young people’s autism and ADHD services in mid and south Essex, is now live.
The portal is easy to use and secure. It has been developed in collaboration with healthcare and education professionals, and families.
The following professional can make referrals:
- education settings (including nurseries, schools, and colleges),
- GPs, health visitors, and other health professionals
Parents and carers will be sent a login when a referral has been made. They will then be able to:
- provide information for their child’s referral
- track the referral
- access a library of local support available
The portal is for children and young people who are aged up to 18 years old and registered with a GP in mid and south Essex.
Find out about the NHS Referral process
West Essex
Essex Family Wellbeing Specialist Services
North East Essex
More Information
Action for Children
Information for children with sleeping difficulties
Action for Children
Information for children with eating difficulties
Autism Central
Autism Central aims to make it easier to learn more about autism and services available to you
Community child health referrals for neuro-development
from NHS
Essex Kids Autism Hub
An online hub offering advice and support to young people aged 12 to 25 and their families.
Essex Short Breaks
Essex Short Breaks are now open to children and young people awaiting assessment for autism.
NHS - The Learning Disability Register
By being on the Learning Disability Register your child will be able to get a free Annual Health Check from the age of 14 upwards together with a Health Action Plan
Right to Choose NHS
Right to Choose (RtC) means that you can choose the healthcare provider you want to provide an autism and ADHD assessment.
STRM - SEND the Right Message
Pre-diagnosis and Post-diagnosis support plus what to do ‘while you are waiting.’
Workshops for parents with a child waiting for ASD assessment
SENDIASS are holding workshops with an Autism specialist - find more information on our news and events page