Tests of traits versus diagnosis – what's the difference?
Understanding the distinction
One of the most common questions we hear from parents and carers is about the difference between trait assessments and formal diagnoses. It's an important distinction that can help you understand what our platform offers and how it fits into your journey.
What are trait assessments?
Trait assessments look at specific characteristics, behaviours, and patterns that might suggest neurodivergent traits. They help you understand your child's unique profile – their strengths, challenges, and the way they experience the world.
Our trait assessments are based on validated research and clinical frameworks, but they're designed to give you insights and understanding rather than medical conclusions. Think of them as a detailed map of your child's neurological landscape.
What trait assessments can help with:
Understanding your child's specific needs and strengths
Identifying strategies that might be helpful
Creating detailed profiles for school staff
Preparing for conversations with healthcare professionals
Supporting EHCP applications with evidence
Reducing family stress through better understanding
What is a formal diagnosis?
A formal diagnosis is a medical conclusion reached by qualified healthcare professionals (usually clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, or paediatricians). It involves comprehensive assessment, often including multiple appointments, observations, and sometimes physical tests.
In the UK, formal diagnoses typically happen through NHS services or private healthcare providers, and they can take years to obtain through NHS pathways.
What formal diagnoses provide:
Access to specific services and support
Legal protections under the Equality Act
Eligibility for certain benefits (like DLA)
Formal recognition for educational settings
Medical treatment where appropriate
Why the difference matters
Trait assessments help you act now While waiting for formal assessment (which averages 1,023 days for SEND support), trait assessments help you understand and support your child immediately. You don't need to wait three years to start helping your child thrive.
Different purposes, both valuable Trait assessments are about understanding and supporting your child day-to-day. Formal diagnoses are about accessing services and official recognition. Both have their place in your journey.
Evidence gathering Our detailed trait profiles can actually support your case for formal assessment. They provide structured evidence of your child's traits and needs, which healthcare professionals often find helpful.
How to use trait assessments effectively
See them as the starting point, not the end Trait assessments give you immediate insights and strategies whilst you navigate formal pathways. They're not a replacement for professional assessment when that's needed, but they don't require you to wait years to start helping your child.
Share findings with professionals When you do access formal assessment services, the detailed profiles from trait assessments can provide valuable background information and evidence of patterns over time.
Focus on support strategies The most important outcome of trait assessments isn't labels – it's understanding what support strategies work best for your child, regardless of formal diagnostic status.
Remember: your child's needs are real whether or not they have a formal diagnosis. Understanding their traits helps you support them effectively whilst you navigate whatever formal processes might be helpful for your family.
Sylva has been developed with clinical oversight, but it is not a diagnostic tool. It provides parenting advice, not therapeutic advice.
