The Diagnosis Support Service offers a weekly opportunity for parent/carers to come and talk to a trained peer supporter (a parent who has already been through the process of diagnosis) who will listen to them and provide information about local support services in the area that they live. All our peer supporters receive training before becoming a peer supporter. The Diagnosis Support Service operates in Reading, Newbury and Wokingham. We also offer families an online support service.

It can be a very traumatic time when parents get a diagnosis of a learning difficulty or disability for their child or young person. Families receive diagnoses at different stages, for some pre birth, others at birth, and up to young people and adults. There is often little or no emotional support or information about local and national support organisations. This is why Parenting Special Children has set up a weekly Diagnosis Support Service where families can come and talk.

Parents who have accessed the Diagnosis Support Service tell us that it was invaluable to talk to someone who understood what they were experiencing and the information that was provided helped them to find local support. Parents felt less isolated by coming to the Diagnosis Support Service and information given gave them the opportunity to access support for their child and for themselves. This was empowering for the family.