Neurodiversity - supporting needs

Support is available for families of children and young people who may be neurodivergent.

We believe that every child and young person’s needs are unique, and the support provided to them should be tailored to their individual needs.

Not all children or young people need a diagnosis as their needs may be met through personalised support. Our approach prioritises understanding and addressing needs first, rather than focusing on the immediate pursuit of a formal assessment and diagnostic label. You can access resources, strategies and advice for each area of your child or young person’s needs in the following local and national resources that have been designed to support development and wellbeing at every stage.

Our goal is to empower families with the tools and information needed to make informed decisions and ensure every child and young person receives the support that is right for them. However, if you need further support, please speak to your child or young person’s school or healthcare professional.

A diagram showing the stages of the neurodiversity pathway, showing how the pathway is circular.

Understanding needs

This stage focuses on understanding a child or young person's unique strengths and challenges; observing them and gathering information in a non-judgemental way to understand their neurodevelopmental profile. We provide tools, resources and guidance to help with understanding their needs relating to learning, communication, behaviour and emotional wellbeing.

Exploring support options

When there is a clearer understanding of a child or young person's needs, we can guide families through the available support options which are right for them. This will include connecting them with local and national support services.

Implementing support

This includes strategies for home, school or community settings, depending on the child or young person's individual needs. The focus is on providing the right support at the right time, in a way that helps individuals to thrive.

Reviewing progress and next steps

As children and young people receive support, it's important to regularly review their progress and decide on next steps. This could involve adjusting strategies, seeking additional support or considering further interventions which may include formal assessments, to support ongoing progress in a way which meets the child or young person's individual needs.

We recommend the following support organisations locally and nationally:

Contact - UK Charity that supports families caring for children with additional needs

National Autistic Society – UK Charity supporting autistic people and their families

Cheshire East Live Well – Local information about the support and provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities (SEND)

Cheshire East Parent Carer Forum – Local support organisation run by parent carers for other parent carers

Further support

Further support can also be found using the links below:

If you have any feedback on this page please contact enquiries@cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk.

The views and opinions expressed in any external resources, websites, or references suggested within this material do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or position of the National Health Service (NHS). These resources are provided for informational purposes only, and their inclusion does not imply endorsement or approval by the NHS. While every effort is made to recommend high-quality and reliable resources, the NHS is not responsible for the content or advice provided by external organisations. It remains the responsibility of parents, carers, and practitioners to assess the relevance and appropriateness of the information for their individual circumstances.