Getting started

Finding your first next step

A practical starting point to help you prepare your next conversation.

Write down what you want help with

Bring questions, observations and the person’s own priorities to a qualified professional. You do not need to have every answer before asking for support.

Understand the role of assessment

Screening can indicate whether further evaluation is appropriate; it does not provide a diagnosis. A diagnostic evaluation is a separate professional process.

Prepare a useful conversation

Ask who performs the assessment, what it involves, what records are useful and how results will be discussed. Use our appointment worksheet to organize your questions.

Source & further reading

CDC: screening and diagnosis ↗

Educational guidance, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment recommendation. Tell us if you find an error.

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