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 child access further specialist support, this can be provided.
Benefits of the needs-led approach include:
- Early understanding and support for a child’s needs, without having to wait for a formal diagnostic assessment first.
- Support is tailored to a child’s unique challenges and needs, rather than being focused on a specific condition or diagnostic ‘label’.
- Professionals from health, education and social care, work with families to develop practical support plans which can evolve with the child.
There are four areas of the approach.
Information and advice
There is a wide range of information and advice that’s freely available to help families understand possible signs of neurodivergence, consider their child’s needs and explore practical steps and resources that might help. This website brings together a range of resources and links to relevant organisations in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area.
Support in schools and other settings
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 child. To find out more, speak to your school Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) or GP.
Targeted support
If existing help and support aren’t enough, professionals will work with you to develop a deeper understanding of your child’s strengths and challenges and prepare a personalised support plan.
To support this standardised needs identification approach, the Neurodiversity Needs Analysis (NNA) is carried out in schools and other settings. The NNA considers nine developmental areas — including speech and language, sensory processing, and emotional regulation — to generate an early understanding of your child’s needs and identify helpful strategies. To find out more, speak to your SENCO or GP, or visit the Sirona website.
Specialist support
If the targeted approach generated through the Neurodiversity Needs Analysis is not enough for your child to thrive, 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 your child to access further specialist support and thrive.
To find out more, speak to your SENCO or GP, or visit the Sirona website.
