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Helping a child understand their diagnosis

How a diagnosis is explained shapes how a child holds it. The aim is understanding and self-knowledge, not a label to live down to.

Explain it as a description, not a verdict

A diagnosis describes how someone’s attention and activity work. It is not a statement about intelligence, effort or character.

Include strengths honestly

Name what genuinely works well for them alongside what is hard. Children notice when only difficulties are discussed.

Expect it to be revisited

Understanding develops with age. A conversation that fits a seven-year-old will need revisiting at twelve and again at sixteen.

Where to go next

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