Informant report

Assessments for ADHD ADHD ADHD is a difference in the way a child's brain works. It affects how they pay attention, how much energy they have, and how easily they act on impulse. Read the full definition of ADHD and autism Autism Autism is a difference in how the brain develops. It shapes how an autistic child sees and experiences the world, how they communicate, and how they respond to things like noise, light and touch. Read the full definition of Autism ask for evidence from more than one setting, so the team gathers informant reports: usually questionnaires from a parent and from a teacher, sometimes reports from clubs or other carers. The criteria require difficulties in more than one setting, which means a school return saying no concerns can stall or end an assessment even when home life is very hard.

If that is your situation, it does not mean anyone thinks you are exaggerating, and there are recognised reasons the two pictures can differ. Many children hold things together at school and release the pressure at home: see masking Masking Hiding or holding in the signs of being autistic to fit in, often without meaning to. It is a big reason a child can seem fine at school and fall apart at home. Read the full definition of Masking . Naming that pattern to the assessment team, with concrete examples, is the most useful thing you can do. You can also ask for your questionnaire responses to be considered alongside school's rather than overridden by them.