If you’ve recently been referred for an autism or ADHD assessment, one of the first things you’ll hear is how long the waiting list is. Right now, that can mean anywhere from several months to a couple of years — a reality that catches most families completely off guard.
I hear the same question again and again: “What are we supposed to do until then?”
The truth is, waiting doesn’t have to mean waiting in the dark.
What Usually Happens During the Wait
Once you’re on a waiting list, you’ll typically be sent some general information, and then — not much else — until your appointment comes around. Understandably, this leaves a lot of families feeling stuck, dealing with day-to-day challenges with no extra support and no clear sense of what’s ahead.
What You Can Actually Do in the Meantime
You don’t need a diagnosis to start understanding your child (or yourself) better, or to start putting practical strategies in place. In my experience, some of the most meaningful progress happens during the waiting period, not after it.
That might look like:
- A holistic assessment, to build a broader picture of strengths and needs without waiting for a formal diagnosis
- Sleep support, if bedtime and night waking are affecting the whole family
- Behavioural support, to understand what’s driving certain behaviours and start building a plan around them
Questions Worth Asking
If you’re currently waiting, it’s worth asking your referrer or GP:
- Roughly how long is the wait in your specific area?
- Is there a cancellation list you can be added to?
- Are there any local support groups or services available in the meantime?
You’re Allowed to Ask for Support Now
Whatever stage you’re at, you don’t have to wait for a letter in the post before getting help. If you’d like to talk through where you are and what support might help right now, I’d love to hear from you.