# 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.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/what-does-a-senco-do
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**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

**Go in with examples.** "She covers her ears and leaves the dinner hall every day" helps a SENCO act faster than "she struggles at lunch."

## 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

**Becoming a SENCO.** New SENCOs in England complete the NPQ for SENCOs.
  [3] See [What does a SENCO do day to day?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/senco-role-and-npq)

Free printable: [Free printable: one-page pupil profile](https://theautismkit.com/printables/pupil-profile.pdf)

## What can I do this week?

- [ ] Email the SENCO to ask for a short meeting
- [ ] Write down 3 specific examples
- [ ] Bring a one-page profile of your child

## Common questions

### Can a SENCO diagnose autism?

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

### Does every school have a SENCO?

Mainstream schools in England must have a SENCO, who must be a qualified teacher.

### What qualification does a SENCO need?

New SENCOs in England must complete the national professional qualification for SENCOs (NPQ) within 3 years of taking up the role, unless an exemption applies.

## Sources

1. GOV.UK: SEND code of practice, 0 to 25 years. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25
2. NHS: How to get diagnosed with autism. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/getting-diagnosed/how-to-get-diagnosed/
3. GOV.UK: National professional qualification (NPQ) courses. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-professional-qualification-npq-courses

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.