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The Diagnosis Journey Companion

Getting answers about your child isn't a verdict - it's a map. This companion helps you gather what you already know, ask what you need to know, and land on the other side of the appointment still standing. Bring pages 1-2 into the room; come back to the rest afterward.

You know your child best: No one in that room has spent the hours you have. This sheet just helps you carry what you already know in with you.

What we've noticed

A place to gather what's been catching your attention - no need to diagnose anything, just describe.

Things my child does that made us curious:

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When do these show up most? (check any, add your own)

  • [ ] At home
  • [ ] At school
  • [ ] During transitions
  • [ ] In sensory-heavy places

Anywhere else / more detail:
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What my child is wonderful at

Start here, and please don't skip it - the evaluation will focus on challenges, so let's write down the good first. At least three.

What my child is wonderful at (at least 3):

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What we've already tried or been told

Previous teachers' comments, pediatrician notes, other evaluations.

Row 1

  • Who said it: ____________________
  • What they said: ____________________
  • What happened next: ____________________

Row 2

  • Who said it: ____________________
  • What they said: ____________________
  • What happened next: ____________________

Row 3

  • Who said it: ____________________
  • What they said: ____________________
  • What happened next: ____________________

Questions for the evaluator

Starter questions - check the ones you want to ask, and add your own.

  • [ ] What exactly will you assess, and how long does it take?
  • [ ] How do you assess kids who mask or camouflage?
  • [ ] Will you tell me my child's strengths, not just deficits?
  • [ ] What do the results mean for school support (IEP/504)?
  • [ ] What happens if the results are unclear?

My own questions:

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Feelings check-in — before

No right answers - just a snapshot of where you are walking in. (0 = not at all, 5 = a lot)

Worried
Rate from 0 to 5: ____

Hopeful
Rate from 0 to 5: ____

Guilty
Rate from 0 to 5: ____

Relieved
Rate from 0 to 5: ____

Overwhelmed
Rate from 0 to 5: ____

The thing I'm most afraid of hearing is...

______________________________________________
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The thing I'm most hoping to hear is...

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Feelings check-in — after

Come back to this after the appointment. Same snapshot, new moment.

Worried
Rate from 0 to 5: ____

Hopeful
Rate from 0 to 5: ____

Guilty
Rate from 0 to 5: ____

Relieved
Rate from 0 to 5: ____

Overwhelmed
Rate from 0 to 5: ____

Something the evaluator said that stuck with me...

______________________________________________
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What surprised me...

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What a diagnosis changes — and what it doesn't

Fill this in once you've had a little time to reflect.

Example — What it changes: The supports we can ask school for · What it doesn't change: Who my child is - they're the same kid they were yesterday

Row 2

  • What it changes: ____________________
  • What it doesn't change: ____________________

Row 3

  • What it changes: ____________________
  • What it doesn't change: ____________________

Our next three steps

Just three. Overwhelmed parents don't need ten.

1.
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By when:
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2.
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By when:
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3.
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By when:
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Same kid, clearer map: However the appointment goes, you'll walk out the same loving parent you walked in as - now with a clearer map. One step at a time.

Go deeper

Ready for more? These lessons pick up where this worksheet leaves off.

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