The Neurodiversity Transformation Programme for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

We’re working with local Parent Carer Forums and other groups and organisations to transform support for neurodivergent children and young people in our area.

Many parent carers tell us they find it hard to access the right support for their child’s needs. There has also been a big increase in referrals for autism and ADHD assessment in recent years, leading to large waiting lists and lengthy waiting times. We launched the Neurodiversity Transformation Programme in 2023 to understand these challenges and explore possible solutions.

You can find out more about the work of the programme in the following pages. If you have any questions that are not answered here, you can email the programme team at bnssg.htpmo@nhs.net

What do we mean by ‘neurodiversity’?

There are different perspectives on what the terms ‘neurodiversity’, ‘neurodivergent’ and ‘neurotypical’ mean. The following are common definitions, but the way the terms are used may vary between different groups.

• Neurodiversity: the concept of natural variations in the way that our brains work – something to be embraced, and celebrated
• Neurotypical: used to refer to brain types that function and process information in the way that society expects
• Neurodivergent: used to refer to brain types that think differently, or process information or interact with the world differently

‘Neurodivergent’ is regularly used to refer to autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia.