Facing a long wait for your child’s autism assessment? How to support them in the meantime

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “The assessment process begins with a lot of form filling, this is to get a picture of the child from several different perspectives, including school and home,” said Charlotte Cook, a trainee clinical psychologist working in child and adolescent mental health services, and also the founder of The Thinking Pod. “Looking after your wellbeing while waiting for the assessment can take its toll, especially when you can feel like you are struggling to manage behaviour that you don’t understand.” But for Cook, parents are also the experts on their child and should be consistent and caring. However, taking care of yourself and your mental health is just as important.” Join support groups Parents need to remember that receiving a formal diagnosis will not mean that their child will suddenly change overnight. “You don’t need to wait for the diagnosis to reach out for additional support from organisations such as schools or speech and language therapists,” said Cook.