Step 2 of 8
Professionals you might see
Who's who after a diagnosis, and why overlapping conditions don't need to be sorted out before you get support.
- Paediatrician -- usually leads/coordinates the diagnostic assessment and stays involved for related conditions.
- Speech and language therapist (SALT) -- communication assessment and ongoing support.
- Occupational therapist (OT) -- sensory and motor/coordination needs, including dyspraxia/DCD.
- Educational psychologist (EP) -- provides formal advice if an EHC needs assessment happens, and supports the school's approach before that.
- CAMHS -- involved for some referrals (especially 14+) and for co-occurring mental health or ADHD assessment.
Autism, ADHD, and dyspraxia/DCD are diagnosed through different routes (autism via a multi-disciplinary autism team, ADHD typically via CAMHS/paediatrician, dyspraxia usually via a paediatrician working with an OT) -- so if your child seems to have more than one, expect separate clinical processes, not one appointment that covers everything.
Getting a diagnosis and getting support at school are two different things. You do not need a formal diagnosis for every condition you suspect before requesting help -- the EHC needs assessment process looks at what your child actually needs, not which labels they hold. Don't let a wait for an ADHD or dyspraxia diagnosis delay steps 3-5 below.