What is diagnosis?
Diagnosis is the formal process by which 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.
- and indeed other disabilities or conditions - is identified.
Some people will want to find out information as soon as they are told their child has a learning disability or as soon as they suspect their child may have one. Others will want to take their time to digest the news. Everyone is different. There is no right or wrong way.
About diagnosis
Diagnosis can sound like an overly medical term; and, in some ways, it is.
It is primarily delivered by a health professional – usually a paediatrician – and is often based on a child’s medical symptoms.
Getting a diagnosis
It is important to remember; diagnosis often does not give you an accurate impression of what your child can and cannot do and how they will develop.
It does not tell you what your child is and will be like or what your life will be like as parents, relatives or friends.
It is, by and large, guess work. So, while you may feel that getting a diagnosis is something you would value, it is also essential to remember that nothing helps you understand your child’s needs better than your interactions with them.
More about diagnosis
The Learning Disability Helpline
Our free helpline service offers advice and support for people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.