ASD diagnosis in children
: from suspicion to support
This guide explains, step by step, the journey for parents of a child on the autism spectrum: what signs to look out for, what the diagnosis process involves, what documents you will receive following the diagnosis, how to obtain a statement from a Public Psychological and Pedagogical Counselling Centre, and what forms of education and support are available.
Six stages of the parent and child’s journey
A diagnosis is not the end, but the beginning. The stages are outlined below, and each is described in detail later in this guide.
Suspicion
Noticeable signs in the child’s behaviour.
Diagnosis
Consultation and diagnostic appointments.
Psychiatrist
Medical diagnosis and certificates.
Public PPP
Application for a decision or opinion.
Decision
KS, WWR or disability.
Support
Education and therapy tailored to individual needs.
Signs to look out for
The autism spectrum manifests itself differently in different children. The signs listed below do not in themselves constitute a diagnosis, but if several of them are present and interfere with day-to-day functioning, it is worth consulting a specialist. Look out for whether your child:
has difficulty forming relationships with peers or understanding social rules
avoids eye contact or rarely shares their emotions and interests
reacts very strongly to changes in plans, routines or daily habits
has intense, narrow interests to which they devote a great deal of attention
repeats specific movements, words or behaviours (e.g. waving their arms, arranging objects)
is particularly sensitive to sounds, light, touch, smells or other stimuli
prefers to play alone or plays in a formulaic and repetitive manner
reacts with severe stress or withdrawal in new social situations
develops speech or communication in a way that differs from their peers
Individual traits can sometimes be a natural part of development. We speak of a possible autism spectrum when behaviours are pronounced, persist for longer and occur in various situations (at home, at nursery or school, amongst peers). This can only be determined by a reliable diagnosis using standardised assessment tools.
Do you have any concerns? A professional diagnosis will address them thoroughly and reassuringly.
What the diagnosis process involves
An ASD diagnosis is based on standardised tools, observation of the child and an interview with the parents, rather than on a single conversation. The entire process includes an initial consultation and four diagnostic sessions, and is usually completed within a few weeks.
Pre-diagnostic consultation
A meeting between the parent and a specialist, during which a detailed history is taken. This enables the diagnostic process to be tailored to the child’s individual needs. The consultation takes place without the child present.
Developmental interview with parents
ADI-R questionnaireA detailed interview with the parents, which helps to assess the child’s development and identify characteristics typical of the autism spectrum, based on information dating back to the first days of life.
Observation of the child
ADOS-2 TestA standardised diagnostic tool based on observing the child’s behaviour and communication in a playful setting.
Cognitive development assessment
Stanford-Binet V TestA detailed assessment of the child’s intellectual development and cognitive potential. The assessor may also request a report from the child’s educational institution regarding how the child functions amongst their peers.
Summary
Discussion + written reportDiscussion of the results with the parents and provision of a written report with specific recommendations for further work.
Check available dates and details of the diagnostic process.
The results are in – what next?
Discussing the results and answering questions is still part of the diagnosis itself. The proper path ‘after diagnosis’ begins with a visit to a psychiatrist, which opens up access to documentation and support within the education system.
A consultation with a child and adolescent psychiatrist
Based on the psychologist’s assessment, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prepares the necessary certificates; where indicated, they also consider pharmacological treatment.
The path to a special educational needs assessment or opinion
With a psychological assessment and a psychiatric diagnosis, you can apply for a special educational needs certificate or an opinion on the need for special educational support (WWR), which is issued by the relevant Public Psychological and Pedagogical Counselling Centre.
This is the first step, which opens the way to further support.
What you receive following an ASD diagnosis
Once the diagnosis is complete, the parent will have a full set of documents, which form the starting point for obtaining certificates and support.
In the diagnostic package
Issued as part of the diagnosisPsychological report
A description of the psychological test results, together with recommendations for further work.
Outside the diagnostic package
Issued during a consultation with a psychiatristCertificate regarding the child’s state of health
For the purposes of applying for a special educational needs (SEN) assessment.
Certificate indicating the need for WWR
For children from birth until the end of pre-school education.
Certificate for the disability assessment panel
Issued at the parents’ request, regarding the child’s health.
Valid for 90 daysVisit to the Public Psychological and Pedagogical Counselling Centre
In order for a child to receive official support within the education system, a visit to the District Public Psychological and Pedagogical Counselling Centre is required. Only these centres issue assessments and opinions. Having a diagnosis already in place significantly shortens this procedure.
Booking an appointment at the PPP
- Given the long waiting times at public centres, it is advisable to book an appointment whilst the diagnosis is still being carried out.
- When booking, you should state that the child already has a professional psychological diagnosis of ASD, together with a medical certificate.
- The application can be submitted in person (on paper) or electronically. If you wish to obtain both documents, a single application is sufficient.
Formal requirements regarding documentation
- Most counselling centres accept medical certificates provided that no more than 6 months have passed since they were issued.
- To obtain a decision, an assessment of the pupil’s functioning from the school is required, along with additional assessments: speech and language therapy, educational and sensory integration.
- The counselling centre may carry out these assessments itself (usually 2–3 visits), but providing ready-made reports shortens the processing time for the application.
Deadline for issuing documents
Once the documentation has been finalised and the necessary consultations have been carried out, the counselling centre issues a decision on the need for special educational needs or an opinion on WWR.
⏳ The centre has 30 days to issue the documentTypes of certificates and opinions
These documents grant the child access to adapted education, free therapy and financial support. Here are the three most important documents.
On the need for special educational provision
It obliges the school to provide education tailored to the pupil’s needs and psychophysical abilities, and to provide specialist assistance and care.
Issued for every stage of education. On the basis of this, the school draws up an IPET (Individual Educational and Therapeutic Programme) within 30 days. Among other things, it enables a personalised educational pathway and small-group lessons.
On early developmental support
It is available from birth until the child starts school. It entitles the child to free sessions at early support teams, counselling centres or Early Intervention Centres.
The Early Development Support (WWR) can only be used at one location. Subsidy rates for the Capital City of Warsaw are updated quarterly. Details can be found on the city’s website.
On disability
The assessment usually involves a psychiatric and psychological consultation. The aim is to assess the extent to which the child requires support from a carer and greater care than their peers.
It provides access to various forms of financial and organisational support for the family.
Important: change from 2 March 2026
In accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Education of 2 March 2026, counselling centres are required to forward information regarding the certificate or opinion directly to the child’s educational institution. A parent’s refusal to consent to the disclosure of this information will result in the application for a disability assessment being rejected.
Types of educational institutions
A special educational needs (SEN) assessment opens up access to various forms of education. Here are the options available at pre-school and school level.
Mainstream
up to 25 childrenA teacher co-organising special educational provision, dedicated to a child with a special educational needs certificate, must be employed.
Inclusive
Up to 20 childrenIncluding up to 5 children with a special educational needs (SEN) certificate. Usually two permanent teachers in one group.
Therapeutic
Up to 6 childrenSmall groups, education individually tailored to the child’s needs. Often non-state institutions. Requires a special educational needs certificate
Mainstream
up to 25 pupilsPrimary and secondary schools. There is a requirement to employ a co-teaching teacher for pupils with a special educational needs certificate.
With inclusive classes
special classesSpecial classes dedicated to pupils with a special educational needs certificate, within a mainstream school.
Inclusive
up to 20 pupilsIncluding a maximum of 5 with special needs. Often equipped with therapy equipment and tools on the premises. Requires a special educational needs assessment
Special
Up to 6 pupilsClasses tailored to the type of difficulty, with teaching fully adapted to the pupil’s individual needs. Requires a special educational needs assessment
Forms of therapy and support
Following a diagnosis, it is crucial to put in place support that will help the child function better at home, at school and in their relationships with peers. Expand this section to see the most commonly used forms of support for the child and the whole family.
Psychological therapy. Regular sessions to support the child’s emotional, cognitive and social development.
Psychotherapy. Long-term work to help understand the sources of difficulties and change unhelpful patterns.
Psychoeducation. Sessions explaining the nature of the difficulties and coping strategies to the child and their loved ones.
Observation at the child’s setting. A visit by the therapist to the nursery or school to assess the child’s functioning in their natural environment.
Parenting guidance. Consultations focused on specific parenting issues and strengthening parenting skills.
Family therapy. A series of sessions involving the whole family to improve communication and rebuild bonds.
Parenting Skills Training. Workshops teaching positive methods for dealing with challenging behaviours.
Workshops for parents of children on the autism spectrum. Knowledge and practical tools for supporting the daily development of a child with ASD.
Sensory Integration Therapy. Movement-based activities in the form of educational play, helping children to respond appropriately to stimuli.
Hand therapy (SI). Exercises to improve fine motor skills, coordination and grip, essential for writing and self-care.
Snoezelen Room. Activities in a calming and relaxing room, exploring stimuli in a safe environment.
Sensory diet. A personalised plan of short sensory activities to be carried out with the child at home.
Neuro-speech therapy consultation. Focused on the underlying causes of speech difficulties related to the nervous system or the articulatory apparatus.
Speech and language therapy and neuro-speech therapy. Exercises to correct speech defects and stimulate speech. Option available with ENMOT electrostimulation.
Social Skills Training (SST). Group sessions: building relationships, cooperation, and recognising and expressing emotions.
Aggression Management Training (TZA). Workshops to help manage impulsive behaviour and channel anger into constructive skills.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Assessment of mental health, medical diagnosis and possible pharmacological treatment.
ASD diagnosis in a child: questions and answers
Short, straightforward answers to the questions parents most commonly face.
Do you have any further questions? It’s best to start with a professional assessment.
Useful reading
Books recommended for parents and relatives of children on the autism spectrum.
Asperger’s Syndrome: A Complete Guide
Tony Attwood · 2023 edition · Harmonia
A Girl on the Spectrum’s Essential Guide
S. Castellon, A. Sawicka-Chrapkowicz · Harmonia
Autism: A Guide. 9 Approaches to Support the Development of Children on the Spectrum
T. Grandin, D. Moore · Copernicus Centre Press
The Autistic Brain: A Journey into Extraordinary Minds
T. Grandin, R. Panek · Copernicus Centre Press
1,001 Tips for Parents and Therapists of Children with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome
E. Notbohm, V. Zysk · Jagiellonian University Press
Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum
Sarah Hendrickx · Jagiellonian University Press
A diagnosis is the start of the journey, not the end
We hope this guide will help you navigate the next stages: from the first signs, through diagnosis and assessments, to choosing the right education and support. Every child is different, so the forms of support are tailored individually, depending on the child’s needs and those of the whole family.
Take the first step — the rest of the journey will become clearer.