Neurodivergence is a term for different thinking styles that affect how people communicate with the world around them. It includes a wide range of differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, Tourette’s Syndrome and literacy and numeracy difficulties.
Neurodivergent conditions exist on a spectrum, a scale of increasing severity or impact of the differences associated, at the extreme end of which a young person may meet current diagnostic criteria for a particular condition.
For example, social communication difficulties exist along a spectrum, at the extreme end of which some people may meet diagnostic criteria for autism. Similarly, attention and hyperactivity problems exist along a spectrum, at the extreme end of which some people may meet criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD.
What’s important, however, is that only a small minority of people will have difficulties and traits that fit diagnostic criteria for a certain diagnosis, but actually other people along the spectrum will still significantly struggle with some aspects of life and could really benefit from support. So, when we talk about neurodiversity in childhood, we’re not talking just about young people who fit into the diagnostic bubble at the end, but about a broader range of neurodivergent young people whose brains work differently, who have unique strengths and find some aspects of life really challenging.
Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child
If you are wondering whether your child may be neurodivergent, you are not alone. There is a wealth of information, guidance and support available to help you understand your child’s unique strengths and needs and to support your family’s journey.
Supporting your Neurodivergent Child – Resource Pack
Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child is a comprehensive, parent‑led resource created by parents, for parents, to help families understand and support children and young people who experience the world in different ways. Drawing on lived experience, the resource brings together practical guidance, reassurance, helpful strategies and evidence‑based information from trusted sources, shared by families across Suffolk and Essex.
The pack explains neurodivergence in a strengths‑based and accessible way, covering autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, specific learning differences, Tourette’s syndrome, OCD and foetal alcohol spectrum conditions, including how these can overlap. It also explores identity, language and neurodiversity, supporting parents to better understand how their child thinks, learns and communicates.
Designed to support you wherever you are on your journey, the resource guides families through:
- early concerns, diagnostic pathways and what to expect
- talking with your child about neurodivergence and diagnosis
- support in early years, schools and further education
- day‑to‑day family life, including routines, sensory differences, sleep, eating and emotional wellbeing
- communication, sensory processing and emotional regulation
- health, mental wellbeing and self‑care for both children and parents
- transitions into adolescence and adulthood
- useful local and national services, resources and further reading
Throughout, the focus is on recognising each child’s unique strengths, understanding their individual support needs, and helping families feel informed, confident and less alone.
The original content was developed collaboratively by Essex Family Forum, Send the Right Message and MyOTAS. With their permission, Suffolk has adapted the resource by replacing Essex‑specific information with local Suffolk services, support and resources. This work has been informed by a wide range of sources and supported by the Suffolk Parent Carer Forum, ensuring the information reflects local knowledge and real parent experience.
Please note that written permission from Essex Family Forum is required for any distribution or duplication of this material that would commercially exploit the content. Graphic design by Essex County Council.
Parent and Carer Workshops: Psychology in Schools Team
The NSFT Psychology in Schools Team offers a free programme of online workshops for parents and carers focused on childhood neurodivergence. These sessions reflect the topics families have told us they find most helpful.
The workshops include:
- Understanding and supporting sensory needs
- Childhood neurodivergence: Supporting Your Neurodivergent Family
- Childhood Neurodivergence: What you need to know as a Parent/Carer
- Childhood Neurodivergence: Managing big feelings (including Anxiety and Low Mood)
- Childhood Neurodivergence: Building Understanding and Supporting your Child with Tourette’s/Tics
- Childhood Neurodivergence: Understanding and supporting sleep difficulties
- Navigating the diagnostic Journey
- Childhood Neurodivergence: Supporting your Child’s Education
- Childhood Neurodivergence: Understanding and Supporting Eating Difficulties
- As well as out conditions such as Tourette’s, OCD and a range of mental health topics.
Noticing differences
You may notice that some of your child’s reactions or development feel different from what you might expect. Trust your instincts — you know your child best. Sometimes others may not share your concerns, and that can be hard. If this happens, it can help to speak with a GP, health visitor, school nurse or a trusted member of school or early years staff.
It’s also okay if you weren’t the first to notice differences. Many parents naturally adapt to their child’s needs without realising, and for some families’ concerns are first raised by others. This is never your fault.
Thinking about assessment and diagnosis
Not all families choose to seek a diagnosis, and that choice is entirely up to you. Some families feel a diagnosis is helpful, while others focus on meeting their child’s needs without one — both approaches are valid.
A diagnosis of autism and/or ADHD is usually considered when a child or young person has ongoing differences across several areas, such as communication, interaction, attention, emotions or behaviour, and when these differences have a significant impact on everyday life. If your child has needs in only a small number of these areas, an autism or ADHD assessment may not be the right next step, but support can still be explored in other ways.
Whatever you decide, support is available to help you and your child, and you do not need to face this journey alone.
Suffolk Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Pathway
The Suffolk Neurodevelopmental (ND) Pathway supports children and young people aged 5 to 18 who live in Suffolk (excluding Waveney) and where there are concerns about autism and/or ADHD.
At the moment, this pathway is only for autism and ADHD. If you are concerned that your child may have a different neurodevelopmental condition, such as OCD or Tourette’s, your GP is the best first point of contact for advice and guidance on next steps.
The NSFT Psychology in Schools Team also offers free online workshops for parents and carers focused on specific conditions such as OCD and Tourette’s.
For children under the age of 5, there is a separate pre‑school pathway. If your child is under 5, please speak to your GP or Health Visitor, who can advise whether this pathway may be appropriate. Information on how to contact your local health visiting team can be found at: Contacting children's health and children's centre services - Suffolk County Council
If your child or young person lives in Norfolk or Waveney, there is a different neurodevelopmental pathway available — please see the Norfolk & Waveney pathway for more information.
To help parents and carers understand how the Suffolk ND Pathway works, the Suffolk ND Pathway Parent Carer Guide has been produced by Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, working in partnership with West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust, and the Suffolk Parent Carer Forum.
Support at Every Stage of Your Journey- ND Support Services
Suffolk offers a range of newly commissioned ND support services to help parents, carers, children and young people before, during and after diagnosis. Local organisations including KIDS, Home‑Start, Suffolk Mind, 4YP, Suffolk Family Carers, Family Action and The Maze provide emotional support, practical guidance and opportunities to connect with other families with shared experiences. Support may include one‑to‑one help, peer groups, workshops, parenting programmes, counselling, social groups and child‑focused activities such as Lego therapy, sensory and creative sessions. Services are delivered face‑to‑face, online or in the community, with a strong focus on wellbeing, confidence and understanding neurodivergence. Access to some services may depend on where your family is on its journey — for example, some programmes are designed specifically for families who have received a diagnosis — but each service aims to offer the right support at the right time.
KIDS – Suffolk Neurodiversity Support Service
KIDS provides flexible support for parents, carers, children and young people, offering a mix of one‑to‑one and group support tailored to each family’s needs. Support is shaped together with you, focusing on what will be most helpful for your child and family.
For parents and carers, support might include regular check‑ins, expert‑led training, online courses and peer support from other parents who understand what you’re going through. The aim is to build confidence, resilience and reassurance, helping parents feel better equipped to support their child now and in the future.
For children and young people, KIDS offers a range of creative, supportive sessions, such as Lego Therapy, Draw and Talk and ‘Understanding Me’ groups. These sessions can help with self‑esteem, emotional wellbeing, managing change and building confidence.
Support is delivered in a flexible way, combining online and face‑to‑face options where appropriate.
KIDS support includes:
- Parent/carer sleep workshops and one‑to‑one sleep support
- Parent/carer sensory workshops
- Child sensory groups (Making Sense of Me)
- Parent/carer groups focused on understanding your child’s sensory world
- Child and young person ‘Understanding Me’ group sessions
- Lego Therapy sessions
- Draw and Talk sessions
Home‑Start, Suffolk Mind & 4YP
Home‑Start, Suffolk Mind and 4YP work together to support families across Suffolk. After an initial conversation, families are offered the support that best matches their needs — this may be one service or a combination.
Home‑Start – Parent and Family Support
- One‑to‑one support for parents/carers of children aged 5–12, with a personalised support plan over up to 6 months
- Virtual peer support groups, meeting weekly, covering topics such as sleep, sensory needs, behaviour, emotions, routines and education
- Parent and child face‑to‑face groups, offering a relaxed space for children to play while parents connect with others and receive guidance
Groups are currently held in Ipswich, Leiston and Bury St Edmunds, with further locations planned.
4YP – Support for Children and Young People
- One‑to‑one counselling for young people aged 7–18, tailored to their interests and needs
- Monthly social groups to help build friendships, confidence and communication skills
Support can be face‑to‑face or online, and parents/carers may be involved when helpful.
Suffolk Mind – Parent and Child Workshops
- Interactive workshops for parent and child pairs (ages 5–11 and 11–18)
- Focus on understanding emotions, stress, and practical coping strategies
- Led by facilitators with lived experience, with a take‑home toolkit
Self‑referrals can be made via Home‑Start Suffolk.
Suffolk Family Carers
Suffolk Family Carers offers one‑to‑one support for families on the ND Pathway, provided at home, in the community, by phone or via video call. Advisors use their lived experience to offer emotional support, information, advice and practical strategies.
Families are supported to identify what matters most to them and to create an action plan with clear next steps. Suffolk Family Carers also offers workshops, respite opportunities, whole‑family activities, parent carer drop‑ins and regular newsletters.
Family Action – Post Diagnostic Teen Life Programme
Family Action delivers the Teen Life Programme, a post diagnostic evidence‑informed course licensed by the National Autistic Society. Designed for parents and carers of autistic young people aged 10–16, the programme offers practical strategies, peer support and guidance to help families navigate the challenges of adolescence.
The Maze
The MAZE Group CIC provides a specialist parenting programme to help families understand how children with neurodevelopmental differences experience the world. Support includes a weekly programme, monthly drop‑in sessions, free workshops and online videos, all focused on achieving positive outcomes for the whole family.
The Maze programme can be accessed in person, online or via recorded sessions, with drop‑ins held in Colchester, Clacton, Harwich and Mistley. They also offer clear guidance on SEND support and navigating the education system.
Which service is right for me and my family?
Every family’s journey is different. The services below offer support at different stages, depending on your child’s age, needs and where you are in the neurodivergence journey.
If you want support while you’re waiting for assessment or diagnosis
- KIDS – Support for parents, carers and children, including sensory groups, sleep support, Lego Therapy, wellbeing sessions and parent workshops.
- Home‑Start – One‑to‑one and group support for parents of children aged 5–12, including peer support and help with routines, behaviour and wellbeing.
- Suffolk Family Carers – Emotional support, advice and guidance for parent carers, including 1:1 support, workshops and family activities.
If you want practical help as a parent or carer
- KIDS – Parent workshops (sleep and sensory), training and peer support.
- Home‑Start – Personalised parent support and peer groups.
- Suffolk Family Carers – 1:1 advice, action planning, workshops and respite opportunities.
If your child or young person would benefit from emotional or social support
- KIDS – Lego Therapy, Draw and Talk, sensory groups and ‘Understanding Me’ sessions.
- 4YP – Counselling and social groups for young people aged 7–18.
- Home‑Start parent and child groups – Relaxed sessions for children to play while parents connect.
If your child has received a diagnosis and you’re looking for post‑diagnostic support
- Family Action – Teen Life Programme – Post‑diagnostic support for parents of autistic teenagers.
- The Maze – Specialist parenting programmes focused on understanding neurodevelopment and navigating SEND and education systems.
- Suffolk Family Carers – Ongoing advice, guidance and support following diagnosis.
- Family Action (Teen Life Programme) – A structured course for parents of autistic young people aged 10–16.
If you want to better understand neurodivergence and education support
- The Maze – Parenting programmes, videos and guidance on SEND and navigating education systems.
- Suffolk Family Carers – Information, advice and signposting.
Not sure where to start?
That’s okay. Many families access more than one service as their needs change. Professionals can help guide you to the right support at the right time, and services will talk with you about what’s most appropriate based on where you are on your journey.
Who can access the ND support services?
These support services are available to help children, young people and families in Suffolk at specific points in their neurodevelopmental journey.
Who can access this support?
You and your child may be able to access this support if your child or young person is aged 5-18, registered with a Suffolk GP and meets one of the following criteria:
- You have received written confirmation that your child has been added to the NHS autism and/or ADHD assessment waiting list.
This means the referral has been reviewed through triage and clinicians have agreed that an assessment is the appropriate next step. - You have received written confirmation that your child has been added to a Right to Choose autism and/or ADHD assessment waiting list with a Suffolk accredited provider.
This also means the referral has been reviewed and an assessment has been agreed as the next step. - Aged 5–18 and your child has received an autism and/or ADHD diagnosis, either through the NHS or through an accredited Right to Choose provider.
- Your child or young person is a child in care or a care leaver supported by Suffolk social care and has been accepted for an NHS or Right to Choose autism and/or ADHD assessment or has already received an NHS or Approved Right to Choose provider diagnosis. Even if they live outside the Suffolk area.
Not sure if this applies to you?
If you’re unsure whether your child is eligible, a professional involved in your child’s care can help guide you to the right support.
Who is not currently eligible?
At the moment, these support services are not available for:
- Children under 5 or young adults aged 18 and over
- Children or young people before their referral has been accepted at triage and an NHS or Right to Choose autism and/or ADHD assessment has been agreed as the next step
- Referrals that have been reviewed at triage where an assessment is not recommended
- Children and young people who are accessing or have received a private autism and/or ADHD assessment or diagnosis
- Children using a Right to Choose provider that is not on Suffolk’s accredited framework
- Children who are not registered with a Suffolk GP
- Children registered with School Lane Surgery or Grove Surgery in Thetford, who should access support through Just One Norfolk and the Norfolk Local Offer
What do I do if I’m not eligible?
If your child isn’t eligible for these services right now, you’re not alone — and there is still support available.
You may want to:
- Speak to your GP, Health Visitor, School Nurse or school SENDCO, who can help you explore other support options for your child
- Ask about Early Help, school‑based support or local voluntary and community services
- Look at your local SEND Local Offer, which lists services, advice and support available in your area
- If your child’s needs change, ask whether a new or updated referral might be appropriate in the future
Even without meeting the eligibility criteria for these services, many families can still access valuable support. A professional who knows your child can help guide you to the right help at the right time.