A little preparation helps your child’s assessment go smoothly, and helps us understand your child as well as possible.
Before the assessment
- Gather school reports from as far back as you can, plus any letters from health visitors, speech and language therapists or educational psychologists
- Jot down examples of what you’ve noticed at home, and when it started. Specific examples help more than general descriptions
- Ask school who knows your child best, so we can send the questionnaire to the right person
- Think about what you’d most like to get from the assessment
Talking to your child
Keep it simple and positive. For younger children, you might say: “We’re going to meet a doctor who helps children find out what makes school and home easier for them.” For teenagers, be open about why you’re getting an assessment, and involve them in the decision.
Reassure your child that it isn’t a test. There are no right or wrong answers, and they won’t be in trouble for anything they say.
On the day
- Choose a quiet room with a good internet connection
- Have a drink, a snack and something to fiddle with nearby
- Let your child know they can take a break at any time
- Plan something calm and enjoyable for afterwards
After the assessment
We’ll meet you to explain the outcome and answer your questions, then send a written report and a letter for school. Whatever the result, you’ll leave with practical ideas for what helps.