Diagnosis
Diagnosis

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

A
learning disability
A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things.
is a diagnosis.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

When will I get a diagnosis?
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of a learning disability.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Some children find out they have a learning disability when they are a teenager.

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

Some parents never get a diagnosis for their child.

Some parents are told that their child has global developmental delay.

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

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.

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

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.

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

You can talk to other families in our online community.

You can also contact the Learning Disability helpline for more information and support:
- email Helpline@mencap.org.uk
- phone 0808 808 1111