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What does a SENCO do, and can a SENCO diagnose autism?

The SENCO's role, how they support autistic pupils, what they can and can't do, and how parents can work with them.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 27, 2026 · 2 min read
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A teacher smiling as he talks one-to-one with a pupil at a classroom desk
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The short answer

A SENCO (special educational needs coordinator) is a qualified teacher who coordinates support for pupils with special educational needs in a school. A SENCO can't diagnose autism, but they can put support in place without a diagnosis, gather evidence, work with outside professionals, and in many areas support or make a referral for an autism assessment.

Key takeaways
  • A SENCO coordinates SEN support in school.
  • A SENCO can't diagnose autism.
  • They can put support in place without a diagnosis and help with referrals.
  • Work with the SENCO as a partner, with specific examples.

What does a SENCO do?

The SEND Code of Practice describes the SENCO's role in coordinating provision for pupils with SEN, including:1

  • Advising and supporting teachers on the graduated approach
  • Liaising with parents
  • Working with outside agencies such as educational psychologists and speech and language therapists
  • Keeping records of SEN support
  • Supporting EHC needs assessments and annual reviews

Can a SENCO diagnose autism?

No. Autism is diagnosed by a specialist assessment team. The NHS says you can ask your child's school or nursery about an assessment referral, and in many areas SENCOs can make or support one.2

What can a SENCO do without a diagnosis?

A lot. Schools must support pupils' needs whether or not they have a diagnosis:

  • Put in visual timetables, breaks and quiet spaces
  • Adapt teaching and communication
  • Share a one-page profile with staff
  • Request advice from specialists

How can parents work well with the SENCO?

Try
  • Sharing what works at home
  • Asking what support is in place and how it's reviewed
  • Agreeing a way to keep in touch
Skip
  • Waiting for a crisis to make contact
  • Assuming nothing can happen without a diagnosis
Free printable: one-page pupil profilePDF · 1 page · strengths, needs and what helps, in the pupil's words
Download Free printable: one-page pupil profile

What can I do this week?

0 of 3 done

Common questions

No. Autism is diagnosed by a specialist team. SENCOs can share observations and evidence, and in many areas can refer or support a referral.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK: SEND code of practice, 0 to 25 years. gov.uk
  2. NHS: How to get diagnosed with autism. nhs.uk
  3. GOV.UK: National professional qualification (NPQ) courses. gov.uk

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Every child is different, so please talk with your child's doctor or care team about what's right for your family. How we write our guides.

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