Maybe you’ve noticed your amazing child is showing signs of struggle or maybe someone who sees your child regularly has mentioned seeing something. You aren’t sure or maybe you feel so sure that there is something going on but you have no idea where to start or what to do about it. Here I hope to present a good starting point for you.

First off, is it even worth it to get a diagnosis?

The diagnostic process is long, often costly – is it worth it?

I strongly believe that a diagnosis is always better than no diagnosis when you see a child struggling. While it may be a ‘label’, that label opens doors to not only finding resources but also helping you and your child find their tribe of others with similar difficulties.

As ‘OMG I’m Autistic AF’ writes on Twitter:

‘“Why do you need a label?” Bc there is comfort in knowing you are a normal zebra, not a strange horse. Bc you can’t find community w other zebras if you don’t know you belong. And bc it is impossible for a zebra to be happy or healthy spending its life feeling like a failed horse.’

How do you go about getting a diagnosis?

Your first stop needs be your paediatrician if you have one or your GP for a referral to a paediatrician if you don’t. If you can, it’s always better to try and do a little research into finding a professional who has an interest in what you’re concerned about. Of course, this is easier said than done with the extensive waitlists we’re all experiencing. A paediatrician can then refer you to a developmental psychologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist or other professional who can then carry out the necessary assessment for diagnosis. Again, if you are able to, it’s better to try and research the professional you pick and aim for someone who has an interest in your concerns.

Of course, there are costs associated with all appointments – ask questions about public waitlists, low cost options and Medicare options if you need them and don’t be shy! It’s a tough economic time for us all so don’t be afraid to say price is a barrier for you in getting this diagnosis.

What can you do while on those waitlists

While you wait for your appointments, there are lots of things you can do right away to support your child. Extra supports are not going to hurt your child nor make a diagnosis harder to get – in fact it can help support your case for diagnosis by showing those extra supports are helpful.

You can start by chatting with anyone who engages with your child on a regular basis and compare notes – are they seeing the same difficulties you are? Have they tried anything to help and noticed a difference? Can your school offer any help with seeing a professional sooner? You never know until you ask!

You can research more about these conditions and what tools/supports are helpful. For example, a dyslexic font is available on eBook readers and children with DCD find extra back support on their chairs helpful. Join Facebook groups that support parents with learning disabilities – there are TONS – and just sit back and read others experiences to see if you relate.

By doing this you’ll be more than ready for your upcoming appointments and ready to put a plan in place to better support your child if and when they get a diagnosis. If you are in this position of trying to get your child a diagnosis, it can feel like a very long and lonely journey. But please remember that you aren’t alone – there’s loads of support out there with people who have been through what you have, including some of us here at the Gifted Support Network and we wish you all the best through it!

No matter the outcome, remember that your child is still exactly who they were before they got the diagnosis – there’s now just a name for what they are experiencing and that name has as much power as you want to give it. 

With best wishes,
Sabrina, author of the 2E Corner