Support your child can receive without an autism diagnosis and things you can do while waiting for an assessment or diagnosis.
Many families spend time waiting for assessments, appointments or specialist services. Waiting can be difficult, especially when you're looking for answers and support for your child.
Support without a diagnosis
Children do not need a diagnosis to receive support. Nurseries, schools and colleges should provide support based on a child or young person's needs.
Support should not be delayed while families wait for assessments or diagnoses.
Read more about other support in education settings.
Neurodivergent Needs Analysis (NNA)
Your child's nursery, school or college can work with you to complete a Neurodivergent Needs Analysis (NNA). An NNA is a shared discussion between a child or young person, their family, and the people who support them. It helps everyone understand the child's strengths, what they may find difficult, what support is already working, and what extra help they might be able to receive.
The information is written down and reviewed regularly so support can be matched to the child's needs.
Support will depend on your child's individual needs. It may include:
- changes to teaching
- support with communication and language
- sensory adjustments
- support with friendships and social situations
- emotional wellbeing support
- support with routines and transitions
- more help through SEND support
Find out more about the Neurodivergent Needs Analysis on the Bristol Parent Carers site.
What you can do while waiting for an assessment or diagnosis
Many families find it helpful to:
- keep a record of their child's strengths and needs
- share information with their child's nursery, school or college
- attend workshops or information sessions
- talk to other families
- learn more about their child's experiences and support needs
You do not need to wait for a diagnosis before making changes that help your child at home or in education.
Advice and support for you
Advice and support are available from local and national organisations:
- Bristol Parent Carers: information, workshops, peer support and opportunities to talk to other parent carers of children and young people with SEND
- Bristol Autism Support: information, support and training for parents and carers of autistic children and young people, including those waiting for an assessment
- National Autistic Society: national information, advice and guidance for autistic people, families and professionals
- Neurodiversity Hub: local information, resources and support for neurodivergent children, young people and families across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Your child's nursery, school, college or health professionals may also be able to tell you about local support.
Looking after yourself
Supporting a child while waiting for assessments or services can be stressful. Parents and carers may feel worried, frustrated, relieved or uncertain.
Bristol Parent Carers provides information, workshops, peer support and wellbeing activities for parent carers of children and young people with SEND.
Many parent carers find it helpful to talk to families with similar experiences. Bristol Parent Carers offers a welcoming place to share experiences, learn from others and get support.
Its wellbeing offer includes activities and events to support parent carer wellbeing, reduce isolation and help families feel more connected.
