Pupil Statement of Difficulties – A Guide for Parents
Pupil Statement of Difficulties – A Guide for Parents
This page is part of the School Issues section.
- Return to main navigation:* School_Issues
Why it matters
Children and young people often understand their own struggles better than anyone else. NICE guidance for autism and ADHD expects clinicians to hear directly from the child, not just parents or teachers. When schools report 'no concerns,' the child’s voice can be the missing piece that shows what life is really like.
What form can it take?
- Short written account — e.g. 'what I find hard at school,' 'what makes me tired,' 'what helps me.'
- Bullet points or diary — brief notes of difficulties or stress.
- Drawings or feelings charts — especially helpful for younger children.
- Audio or video clip — some older children may prefer to speak rather than write.
What to focus on
Encourage your child to describe their own experiences in their own words. Examples include:
- School — noise, group work, PE, tests, remembering equipment/homework.
- Home — exhaustion, meltdowns after school, needing extra help with tasks.
- Clubs and social life — difficulties with turn-taking, following rules, coping in noisy or unfamiliar places.
- Sensory experiences — lights, sounds, textures, smells.
- Feelings — stress, anxiety, or relief when certain adjustments are in place.
Tips for parents
- Don’t edit heavily — let it be the child’s own voice.
- Keep it short and clear — clinicians are more likely to read and use it.
- Add dates if possible — especially for diaries.
- Frame positively — include what helps or what makes things easier.
- Don’t pressure — some children prefer to talk, draw, or record instead of writing.
How to present it
- Label it as a 'Pupil Statement' or 'Pupil Statement of Difficulties' to keep it neutral and clear.
- Submit it with parental evidence — not instead of, but alongside.
- Mention in the covering letter/email: 'This is [child’s name]’s own description of their difficulties, provided to ensure their voice is included in the assessment.'
