Getting a Diagnosis
For some families, getting a diagnosis feels like turning point where things begin to make more sense. For others, the path to diagnosis can be long, confusing, or frustrating. Either way, a diagnosis is just one part of the story. It doesn’t define your child, but it can help open doors to support and services.
What does diagnosis mean?
A diagnosis is a medical or developmental label that describes a condition or disability. It can explain why your child may learn, behave, or interact in certain ways, but it doesn’t tell you everything. A diagnosis doesn’t predict your child’s future, limit their potential, or define who they are.
What’s involved?
Diagnosis often involves:
- seeing or more specialists
- answering questions about your child’s development, learning, or behaviour
- observations or assessments at home, school, or in a clinic
- collecting reports or input from teachers or therapists
How long this process takes varies. Sometimes it’s a few months, sometimes longer. It can depend on waitlists and access to specialists in your area, the age or complexity of your child’s needs, and whether signs are clear or overlap with other explanations.
Importantly, you can ask for support even without a diagnosis.
Relevant resources:
It is not unusual to feel stuck in limbo, especially if you’ve had multiple appointments, long waitlists, or unclear reports. But even without a diagnosis, your child’s needs are real, and support is available.
Practical steps while you wait
There are several things you can when a diagnosis is unclear or delayed. This includes:
- asking your school or early learning service to make adjustments based on your child’s needs now
- contacting community health services to see what support or group programs might be available
- talking to a health professional about temporary supports
Taking care of yourself
Waiting for answers or support that you need can feel draining. You might feel frustrated, sad, stuck, or angry. This is a sign that it’s time to take steps to look after yourself as a parent or caregiver. Reach out to friends, seek counselling or caregiver support, or just spend time doing something you enjoy.
For tips on self-care, check out [page number] of our Parent Handbook [LINK]