If your child needs lots of help with certain activities, they may have special educational needs or a disability (SEND). This is sometimes also known as additional learning needs (ALN).
A diagnosis for SEND can help your child get extra support. You can also get some support for your child without a diagnosis.
It’s useful to understand what a SEND diagnosis will do for your family, and what it might not do.
The support will depend on the nature and level of your child’s needs. An assessment will show whether your child meets the criteria for a diagnosis.
Support as a result of a diagnosis may include:
While a SEND diagnosis will offer some support, it may not meet all your child’s needs. It’s a good idea to think about where your family can get the support they need outside of a diagnosis.
Remember that the diagnosis process could take a few months. It’s also important to know that your child may not meet the criteria. It may help to: