Neurodiversity

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term used to describe natural differences in how individuals’ brains’ think and process information. It’s estimated that around 1 in 7 people in the UK have neurodevelopmental differences. 

Common neurodiverse presentations include:

  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Dyslexia
  • Dyspraxia
  • Dyscalculia
  • Dysgraphia
  • Hyperlexia

While neurodiverse presentations do not fall under the category of mental health disorders, the impact of living with a neurodiverse presentation can affect an individual’s psychological wellbeing. For example, Mind have proposed that individuals with Autism may have higher rates of depression and anxiety for the following reasons: Autism and mental health – Mind

What support is available?

Whether you (your child) have a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental condition or not, there are services and resources that can support your needs. You can find more information about these services and many others in the Local Offer Website (City of London residents check this link for local services):

  • Children & Family Hubs: are a great place to connect with support services. They can offer guidance and advice on a number of issues and connect you with the right services.
  • Family Coach Service (SEND): needs based service (no diagnosis needed) who provide range of support to families, from universal groups and drop-in sessions all the way to 1:1 support.
  • Targeted Health Outreach Team: service for young people (14-19) who have additional needs (e.g. learning disability, autism, physical disabilities) to develop skills around independence and wellbeing.
  • Specialist Teachers (SEND): they support children and young people with SEND from nursery to year 11 working within schools. They also provide Autism training to professionals in schools.
  • Mind the Gap drop-in Group: monthly drop-in group for young autistic people (12 to 18) to spend time with peers in an adapted space. Run by professionals from Targeted Health Outreach team with an expert by experience.
  • Children & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS): if you have concerns about your mental health (or that of your child) you can talk to a trusted professional (e.g. GP, school staff, etc) who will be able to make a referra to the Single Point of Access.

Assessment Pathways

The neurodevelopmental assessment will look at your child’s strengths and weaknesses to provide a full developmental profile. A neurodevelopmental assessment will inform whether the child has or has not got a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder.

As part of this assessment, we aim to gather as much information from a range of sources – this will include liaising with the school and other professionals involved, with the permission of the family and young person. 

For children under the age of 5: Complex Communication Clinic at The Ark

For children 5 to 18: Social Communication Assessment Clinic

Professionals working with the child/young person (e.g. GP, school staff, social worker) can make a referral for an assessment using the Single Point of Access Referral Form.

Before being accepted for an assessment, the parents/carers and the school will have to complete a set of screening documents. Once recieved, these will be reviewed by a group of professionals and a decision made about whether the child meets criteria for an assessment.

Mental Health Needs: if the child/young person has mental health needs at the point of referral those will be prioritised. The young person will be allocated to the appropriate mental health service based on their needs and the assessment will then be coordinated through the service.

Waiting Times:

Since the COVID-19 pandemic the waiting times for Neurodevelopmental Assessments have significantly increased everywhere in the country. Our services are working non-stop to try and mitigate the long waits, however we know that these are still too long.

Wait times for children and young people in City & Hackney will range depending on the situation of each young person and their needs. For those waiting the longest these can be up to 2 years (Last Upd. 03/26). If you or your child is on a waiting list there are still services and support that can be accessed while you wait.

How We Help