Young people may need support in different ways, at different times. Every young person is unique, but whatever support they need there is a range of organisations that can help.
In Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire we have a ‘needs-led’ approach to supporting young people including those who may be neurodivergent. This approach was developed in partnership with local parent carers and other groups and draws on best practice from around the country.
The needs-led approach focuses on early understanding of a young person’s strengths and challenges and helps them, and their family, access the support and information they need to thrive.
It brings together families, schools and health and care services to work together in a positive and practical way.
The approach provides support without requiring a formal clinical diagnosis first, eg of ADHD or autism. If, having completed the needs-led approach, a formal clinical diagnosis is necessary to help a young person access further specialist support, this can be provided.
Benefits of the needs-led approach include:
Support is provided in four areas.
There is a wide range of information and advice that’s freely available to help young people and their families understand possible signs of neurodivergence, consider their needs and explore practical steps and resources that might help. Use this website to explore the range of help and support available from organisations in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area.
If more support is needed, schools and GPs can help identify education, health and care services that can help. They can also help you to access training on how to support your young person. To find out more, speak to your school Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) or GP.
If existing help and support don’t fully meet the young person’s needs, professionals will work with you to develop a deeper understanding of their strengths and challenges and prepare a personalised support plan.
To support this, a Neurodiversity Needs Analysis (NNA) is carried out in schools and other settings. The NNA is a structured discussion between professionals, families and young people which is used to generate an early understanding of their strengths, differences and areas of need, and identify helpful strategies. To find out more speak to your SENCO, or visit the Sirona website.
If a young person is not thriving following the targeted approach generated through the Neurodiversity Needs Analysis, the local NHS children’s community healthcare service (provided by Sirona care & health), will co-ordinate next steps with you, working with a specialist multi-professional team. A formal diagnostic assessment will be provided if it’s necessary for the young person to access further specialist support and thrive.
To find out more, speak to your SENCO or GP, or visit the Sirona website.
If you think your child or young person may be neurodivergent, we recommend exploring the following websites for details of advice, guidance and support available locally.
Sirona care & health provides local NHS children’s community healthcare services. The Sirona website has lots of advice and guidance for families and parent carers, including a quiz to help you consider whether your child may be neurodivergent.
The councils’ Local Offer websites include information and links to a wide range of services and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Parent Carer Forums work to represent the collective voice and offer support to parent carers of children and young people 0-25 years, with additional needs and/or disabilities. Working alongside the local authorities, education, health and other organisations the forums ensure the needs of the community are being met in the design of services.
The local Parent Carer Forum websites provide information on how to have your say and the types of support available, including workshops, online support sessions and resources.
Barnardo’s HYPE
Barnardo’s HYPE puts young people’s voice at the heart of children’s health and care in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. The service supports four young people’s health councils including Mental Health Voice and Neurodivergent Voice.
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS) offers free, confidential support to families who have children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND.
You may find the following links helpful for further information, advice and support for families and parent carers.
Neurodivergence is not a mental illness, but neurodivergent young people may experience emotional health difficulties just as others do.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Directory of Services for Children and Young People includes information about organisations that provide mental health support to young people in the local area.
Free, confidential support for young people aged 11-18 years. Includes professional counselling, workshops and drop-in hubs. More information on the Off the Record website.
Free, anonymous support for children and young people aged 10-18 years. Includes live online chat, discussion boards and self-help tools. See the Kooth website.
In some cases, neurodivergent children and young people who are experiencing mental health difficulties may be supported by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).
If you are struggling and need to talk, these free services are available at any time, day or night, whatever age you are:
Learn more about mental health and wellbeing for neurodivergent people in our section on mental health and neurodiversity.