Diagnosis

Diagnosis

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What is a diagnosis?

A diagnosis is when someone works out the name of a condition, illness or disability that a person has.

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A learning disability is a diagnosis.

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The person who makes the diagnosis is often a medical professional like a doctor.

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A diagnosis does not always tell you what your child can and can not do and what they will be able to do in the future.

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A diagnosis does not tell you what your child is like and will be like

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or what your life will be like as parents, family or friends.

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You might think it is a good idea to get a diagnosis,

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but it is important to remember that the best way to find out what your child needs, is to be with them, talk with them, and play with them. 

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When will I get a diagnosis?

It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of a learning disability.

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Some pregnant women have tests to see if their child might have a learning disability.

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All of the tests for pregnant women might hurt the baby.

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If you are pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor and to think carefully before you decide if you want to have a test. 

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A baby might have a learning disability if they:

  • find it hard to drink or have food
  • learn to sit or stand later than other babies.
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A child might have a learning disability if they:

  • start to talk later than other children
  • find it difficult to say words and sentences
  • find it difficult to learn new words 
  • find it difficult to read and write
  • find it difficult to understand information.
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Some children find out they have a learning disability when they are a teenager.

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Talk to your doctor if you are worried about your child.

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Some parents never get a diagnosis for their child.

A young boy with a learning disability.

Some parents are told that their child has global developmental delay

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Children with global developmental delay do not start to do things as quickly as other children.  For example:

  • looking at people
  • moving around
  • learning to walk
  • learning to talk
  • holding a toy
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What do I do if my child gets a diagnosis of a learning disability?

There is no right or wrong way to react if your child gets a diagnosis of a learning disability.

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Some people like to try to find out lots of information straight away.

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Some people like to think about how having a child with a learning disability makes them feel and like to take the time to get to know their child.  

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If you want more information about after a diagnosis, visit our after a diagnosis page.

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You can talk to other families in our online community.

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You can also contact the Learning Disability helpline for more information and support: