Advice for those waiting for your child to be assessed

As a parent and relative, it can be a difficult process if your child is going through an assessment process. It can be a long process, there may be a waiting period, and many questions may arise: What does it mean for my child if they get a diagnosis? How will they cope later in life? What do we do as a family? Are there things we should do differently? What do we do while we wait? What if my child gets worse?

Whatever your thoughts and concerns may be, it's understandable that the assessment process can seem overwhelming, confusing and scary. We've put together some advice for you as you wait for your child to be assessed:

Your child's age can have a crucial impact on how the assessment process turns out.

For example, children under the age of 18 focus on their developmental stage and future development, whereas adults focus on the current symptom picture. As a parent, you'll also find that if your child is under 18, you're more involved. If your child is over 18, this involvement is less.

Typically, there will be a timeline of what steps your child needs to go through before there is a concrete diagnosis.

Waiting for a diagnosis can be an anxious time for your child. They may be worried about their future and what a diagnosis might mean for them. They may also be afraid that others will start to see them differently.

Whatever your child's concerns are, it's important that you as a parent support them and be patient during the process. You can ask them how they feel about the process and try to listen actively when they talk about their experiences and feelings.

You may find that your child withdraws during the assessment period. It's important that you give them space, but also let them know that you're there for them if they need it - and in all parts of the process. Read more about what you can do when A young person is having a hard time.

We know that the waiting period in the assessment process can be characterized by conflicts and arguments at home. Your child may not want to go to school, not do their homework and there may be a generally bad and dismissive atmosphere at home. You may find that no matter what you do, none of it is right.

As a parent and caregiver, it can be incredibly hard to be in. It can be difficult to work and be present for other family members as your mind is probably somewhere else entirely.

We also know that your child is your everything and that you want them to get better. It's important that you also have energy during this time, which is why you need to take care of yourself. Maybe you can set aside time in your day to do something nice for yourself. You may also need to talk to someone about how you're feeling.

At headspace Family, you can lighten your heart if you have a child who is struggling. With us, you can talk to someone who has been there. Read more about headspace Family here.