Understanding the system, step by step — in plain English.

You might be here because you’ve noticed something. Maybe your child doesn’t seem to cope like others. Maybe they struggle with changes, loud noises, or unexpected emotions. Maybe their energy is constant, or they disappear into their own world.

Or maybe it’s just a quiet voice in your gut saying, “This isn’t typical.”

Whatever brought you here, this is where many parents begin — with worry, questions, and the deep desire to understand.

This page will walk you through the steps of getting a diagnosis in the UK, one stage at a time.

You don’t need to rush. You just need to know where you are — and what’s ahead.

🧭 Step 1: Speak to the school SENCO

If your child is of school age, the referral for autism or ADHD assessment will usually need to come through school — not your GP.

Ask to meet with the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and say what you’re seeing:

“I’ve noticed some behaviours that make me wonder if my child could be autistic or have ADHD. I’d like to talk about getting a referral.”

You don’t need the perfect language — just your honest concern.

The SENCO should listen, take your worries seriously, and begin collecting evidence for a referral.

🗂 Step 2: The school gathers information

This step takes time. Before the referral can be submitted, the school needs to:

• Complete internal paperwork
• Gather teacher observations
• Track classroom strategies and how your child responds
• Ask you (and possibly another caregiver) to complete detailed questionnaires about your child’s development, communication, behaviour, and emotions

💬 This part can feel confronting. Many parents say the forms made them doubt how much they really knew about their child. That’s normal. You are doing your best — and that’s enough.

Once all the information is collected, the school will usually review it internally, then submit it to your local neurodevelopmental team or CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).

⏳ Step 3: While you wait

The wait begins. And unfortunately, it’s often long.

You may hear nothing for months. Most families wait 12 to 24 months — some even longer.

You’ll be told to wait for your child’s “turn,” while they continue struggling, and you continue second-guessing.

This part is hard — really hard.

That’s why we want you to know this:

Mi-Advice is here, for every parent in the in-between.

While NHS support is limited until a diagnosis is given, you can still:

• Learn about the specific neurodivergence you suspect
• Start adjusting your home life to reduce sensory overload and emotional stress
• Advocate gently for your child at school
• Talk to other parents going through the same thing
• Reconnect with your child without pressure, just understanding

Mi-Advice is always open.

We offer clear, relatable guidance, lived experiences, and safe forums where no question is too small, and no feeling is too much.

🧠 Step 4: The assessment

Eventually, your child will be offered an assessment.

This might take place over several sessions, and usually includes:

• Questionnaires for school and home
• Interviews with you, often about early childhood and development
• Observations of your child in a play or conversation setting
• Input from professionals like paediatricians, psychologists, or speech and language therapists

Some of it may be in-person, some over the phone or online. It depends on your area and your child’s needs.

📄 Step 5: The outcome

Once the assessment is complete, you’ll receive a written report. This might:

• Confirm a diagnosis (e.g. autism, ADHD, both, or something else)
• Describe “traits” without a formal diagnosis
• Say that the criteria were not met at this time

Whatever the outcome, it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions — relief, grief, anger, clarity. Every response is valid.

Even if no diagnosis is given, the report itself can still help:

• It can be used to request school support
• It can strengthen an EHCP application
• It can guide your own understanding of what your child needs

🤍 A message for you, the parent

This process isn’t just about ticking boxes or getting labels.

It’s about seeing your child more clearly — and helping others see them too.

“This is what I did. I took my frustration and turned it into understanding.

I learned how my child experiences the world.

And slowly, I started helping them feel safe in it.”

You are already making a difference — just by showing up and asking questions.

🫂 Mi-Advice is here — through every stage

You don’t have to do this alone.

You’ll find clear, compassionate guidance throughout this site — whether you’re just starting to notice the signs, stuck in the long wait, or navigating the emotions that come after diagnosis.

This is your space. Come back to it whenever you need to.