Awareverse — On the Waiting List
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Awareverse
Free Resource
On the Waiting List
What to do while waiting for a diagnosis
Free to download, print and share 💜
awareverse.co.uk
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Awareverse
FREE RESOURCE

Practical support for neurodivergent people, families and learnersawareverse.co.uk

You do not have to wait for a diagnosis to get support

Waiting lists for autism, ADHD and other neurodivergent assessments are long — often years. But a diagnosis is not required to access support in school or elsewhere. Here is what you can do now.

🏫 What school can do now — no diagnosis needed
Schools have a legal duty to support children with SEND from the moment a need is identified — not from the moment of diagnosis.
Put the child on the SEN register
Provide SEN Support with a plan of specific interventions
Make reasonable adjustments for the child's needs
Involve parents in all planning and review
Request an EHCP assessment if needs are complex and not being met
Allow extra time, rest breaks, or reduced demands where needed
📋 What to do while you wait
Get a letter from your GP confirming you are on a waiting list — useful for school
Keep a diary of difficulties — dates, situations, what happened
Collect evidence — school reports, teacher observations, your own notes
Ask school to document their observations in writing
Request referrals to CAMHS, OT, SALT or other services — these do not require a diagnosis
Contact your local IASS for free advice on getting support without a diagnosis
Consider whether a private assessment is accessible — some organisations offer funding
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Awareverse
FREE RESOURCE

On the Waiting Listawareverse.co.uk
💬 What to say to school
You do not need to wait for a diagnosis to have this conversation. Use these points in meetings or emails.
"We are currently waiting for an assessment. We would like school to begin supporting [child] now."
"We understand that a diagnosis is not required for SEN support to begin."
"We would like [child] to be placed on the SEN register and a plan put in place."
"What adjustments can school make right now to support [child]?"
"We would like all concerns and actions documented in writing."
📋 Evidence log — keep a record from now
DateWhat happened / observationWho observed it
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Awareverse
FREE RESOURCE

On the Waiting Listawareverse.co.uk

Need more in-depth support?

This free tool is a starting point. Our guides go much deeper — plain English, lived experience.

A free quick tool gives you the basics. A proper guide gives you the knowledge to understand what is really happening and what to do about it.
🏫
SEN Support Without an EHCP
Getting meaningful support before or without a plan.
📋
EHCP Support Guide
How to get an EHCP and what it means for your child.
🎉
So Your Child Was Just Diagnosed
What happens after the diagnosis — and what to do next.
📢
Advocating Without Burning Out
How to fight for your child without breaking yourself.

All Awareverse guides are written from lived experience — by an autistic, ADHD parent. Plain English. No jargon. No gatekeeping.

Browse all Awareverse guides →
Share this free resource 💜 — awareverse.co.uk/downloads