Referral for Diagnosis to Schools and Daycare Centers

Sharing a diagnosis means informing a daycare center or school that your child has a diagnosis made by a doctor or psychotherapist. This could be ADHD, an anxiety disorder, a depressive episode, or an eating disorder. You decide whether to do so, whom to tell, and how much information to disclose.

As a general rule, there is no obligation to do so. Health information is considered specially protected data. The doctor or psychotherapist who examined your child may not disclose the diagnosis to the school without your consent, as they are bound by professional confidentiality. Conversely, the decision rests with you as the legal guardian. In the case of older adolescents, the child should have a say in who is informed.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation, health-related information is classified as a special category of personal data. It is subject to enhanced protection. In Germany, the following applies to children under 16: Sharing such information requires parental consent.

In practice, this means two things. First, if you share a diagnosis yourself, you should clarify exactly who will receive it. Does the entire teaching staff need to know, or is it sufficient to inform the homeroom teacher and a trusted individual? Second, any information you entrust to the school may only be used there for the agreed-upon purpose. Teachers and educators are bound by their own duty of confidentiality. A brief written note specifying who receives what information and for what purpose provides clarity for both sides. You can also withdraw consent once it has been given.

A school that understands the situation can interpret behavior differently. A child who stands up during class, daydreams, or gets frustrated easily is then less likely to be labeled as lazy or disruptive. This takes the pressure off the child and the family.

Even more important is access to accommodations. This refers to adjustments such as extra time on assignments, a quieter seat, or assistive technology. In most federal states, parents apply for these accommodations at the school, often with a doctor’s note. The class conference, chaired by the school administration, decides on these measures. There is no uniform nationwide legal entitlement to accommodations for ADHD; regulations vary by state. In cases of greater need, a school support specialist may also be considered. All of this requires that the school be aware of the diagnosis.

A diagnosis can also close doors. Some children are treated differently once their diagnosis is known; they are labeled or lose confidence in themselves. This stigmatization is a serious risk, especially in classes where grades and behavior are discussed openly.

That’s why it’s worth taking some time to calmly weigh your options beforehand. Ask yourself: What specifically should the school do differently once they know? Is it enough to describe a problem without mentioning the specific diagnosis? Not every difficulty needs a label for a teacher to respond. You can also take a step-by-step approach and start by simply describing what your child needs in everyday life. How much openness is appropriate depends on the child, their age, and the atmosphere at the school.

A good conversation starts with preparation. Before the meeting, make a note of what your child does well, where they’re currently struggling, and the two or three things you’d like to see the school do. Ask for a scheduled appointment with enough time set aside—not just a quick chat in passing.

• Start by discussing your child’s strengths, not the list of problems.
• Describe observable behavior using concrete examples rather than technical terms.
• Clearly state who should receive the information and who should not.
• Agree on a few, actionable steps for both sides.
• Briefly document the agreements in writing and set a follow-up meeting.

Professional recommendations for such conversations emphasize a factual, calm tone and the shared goal of providing the child with the best possible support. You can find more information on this under “School Collaboration for ADHD.” If your child is old enough, discuss with them beforehand what you will tell them. This is also part of sharing the diagnosis with your child.

You don’t have to make this decision on your own. If you have legal questions about accommodations, the school’s guidance counselors, the school psychology service, and the regulations of the respective Ministry of Education can provide assistance. For questions regarding data protection, you can contact the data protection officers in your state. For ADHD, the Central ADHD Network compiles resources for parents and professionals.

Parent coaching, such as that offered at Rückenwind, can support you in organizing your thoughts, preparing for the meeting, and managing your own anxiety. The diagnosis itself and its interpretation are matters for medical or psychotherapeutic professionals. It is made and evaluated exclusively by a child and adolescent psychiatrist or a qualified medical or psychotherapeutic specialist.