What happens after my child's autism diagnosis?

Share the diagnosis report with your child's GP and school, then ask the SENCO about SEN Support. A diagnosis doesn't trigger help automatically; you may also need to check DLA and, in England, pursue an EHCP.

Tell your GP and school first

After an NHS or private assessment you'll get a written report and a letter confirming the diagnosis. Ask your GP to record it in your child's notes so it stays on file for future referrals. Then send the report to your child's school. Nothing is shared automatically, so the school often won't know unless you tell them.

Ask the school about SEN Support

Book a meeting with the SENCO (the special educational needs co-ordinator) and ask what they will put in place. In England this first tier of help is called SEN Support, and a diagnosis is useful evidence for it but isn't a legal requirement. The other UK nations use different names:

• Wales: Additional Learning Needs (ALN), with support set out in an Individual Development Plan.
• Scotland: Additional Support Needs (ASN), recorded in a Child's Plan or a statutory Co-ordinated Support Plan.
• Northern Ireland: special educational needs support, recorded in a Personal Learning Plan.

Under the Equality Act 2010, autism counts as a disability, so your child's school must also make reasonable adjustments regardless of any plan.

Check DLA, and consider an EHCP

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a non-means-tested benefit for children under 16 who need more care or supervision than other children the same age. You don't need a diagnosis to claim, but the report can strengthen your case. If your child's needs are greater than the school can meet from its own resources, you can ask your council for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment. A diagnosis on its own does not guarantee an EHCP; the legal test is need, not the label.

If support stalls

If the school says it can't do more, or your council refuses an assessment, you have routes to push back: your local SENDIASS service gives free, impartial advice, and IPSEA offers free legal guidance on EHCP refusals and appeals. The National Autistic Society helpline can point you to local support groups too.

This page is general information, not clinical or legal advice.