Navigating Neurodiversity

Alternative provisions (AP) offer tailored education for students who struggle in mainstream settings, including those with autism, ADHD, or other neurodevelopmental differences.

Autism Team - Nottingham City are a team of specialist teachers and transition support workers who are based in the Nottingham City Inclusive Education Service.

Autism Team - Nottinghamshire County are specialist teachers and teaching assistants with additional qualifications and experience in working with children and young people with a range of special educational needs aged from 0 -19.

Finding the right financial and practical support can be challenging. This section provides links to services for individuals with neurodevelopmental support needs.

The Dynamic Support Register (DSR) is a vital national tool designed to support the needs of people with a primary diagnosis of Learning Disability and/or Autism.

If your child is facing challenges in their education setting, a discussion with the Special Education Needs Co-ordinator officer (SENCO) should be explored to ensure that support is being accessed through the graduated approach, to meet your child’s needs within their school or educational setting.

Neurodivergent individuals bring unique strengths to the workplace, but they may also face challenges in traditional employment settings.

A hospital visit can be overwhelming, especially for individuals with autism.

The Keyworking Service, hosted by the Local Authority has services in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County and are funded by NHS England (NHSE).

Masking is a strategy used by some autistic people, consciously or unconsciously, to appear non-autistic in order to blend in and be more accepted in society. Masking can happen in formal situations such as at school or work and in informal situations such as at home with family or socialising with friends.

The link between neurodevelopmental conditions and mental health challenges can be attributed to several factors.

Rainbow PCF exists to support and empower SEND families to be heard and achieve better outcomes.

Nottinghamshire Parent Carer Forum (NPCF) is a parent carer-led registered charity and independent voice for families who have children with special educational needs and/or a disability (SEND), living or accessing services in Nottinghamshire.

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile of autism characterized by an extreme need to avoid everyday demands and expectations, often due to high levels of anxiety.

Positive Support Group (PSG) has been commissioned by Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB to provide a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) service to Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Puberty is a time of big changes, physically, emotionally, and socially.

Right to Choose Guidance For Adults Seeking An Assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and/or Autism.

Clinical Psychologists work with people of all ages on a wide range of psychological difficulties in mental and physical health. Clinical Psychologists can work with individuals, their families, and as part of a team supporting the person.

We are specialist children’s doctors (Paediatricians), nurses and possibly other specialist professionals who have expertise in a range of medical and developmental conditions, including complex disability.

The Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Speech and Language Service provides care for children across the City and County.

School exclusions can have a significant impact on neurodivergent children, particularly those with autism, ADHD, or other learning differences.

Some children, like those with autism or communication differences, may struggle with sensory sensitivities.

As children grow, understanding relationships, boundaries, and sexuality is an important part of their development, including for those on the autism spectrum.

Caring for a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is rewarding, but it can also be demanding.

Having a sibling with autism can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it can also come with challenges and questions.

Sleep challenges are common for neurodiverse children and adults. As a parent, it can be exhausting trying to find solutions that work.

Tics are unwanted and unplanned movements and sounds which some people experience. These tend to be things that everybody does such as blinking their eyes, stretching their muscles, sniffing, coughing and throat clearing.

Part of preparing for adulthood is planning for transition to adult health services. This will usually begin from around age 13-14 years but can be earlier.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects a person’s ability to focus, control impulses, and manage energy levels.

Autism is a term used to describe a neurological difference in brain development that has an effect on how a person develops.

DLD is when a child or young person has trouble using and understanding language for a long time.

Neurodiversity refers to the idea that differences in brain function are a natural part of human diversity. Neurodiversity celebrates the diversity of human brains and minds. It recognises that neurological differences are natural variations of the population.