Local Support for Young People with a Neurodiversity Diagnosis

<strong>Local Support for Young People with a Neurodiversity Diagnosis</strong> image

Home » Local Support for Young People with a Neurodiversity Diagnosis

Getting a neurodiversity diagnosis– which can include conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – for your child can leave families with lots of questions, including what they should do next.

Families that use the community paediatric services across Bedfordshire and Luton provided feedback via focus groups, parent panels, and family and friends surveys, and they indicated that there was a need for more information, resources and support following a diagnosis.

During 2021, work was undertaken across Bedfordshire and Luton Children’s Services on a project to create a ‘Neurodiversity Diagnosis Support Pack’. The support pack aims to be a one-stop shop for parents and carers to access information and support following a neurodiversity diagnosis. The pack includes a variety of information including videos, infographics and animations. It can also be translated into a variety of languages, audio options or Easy Read at the click of a button.

The project was co-produced by parents/carers and young people, and the project group included Bedfordshire and Luton Community Paediatrics Services, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), our three local authorities, Parent Carer Forums and Autism Bedfordshire.

From the initial discussions, feedback revealed that language commonly used during the diagnosis process – such as “disorder”/“lack of”/“problems” – is seen as negative, which was having an impact on the young people and their families. The project team took this on board and ensured that the support pack identified and promoted the positives of neurodiversity.

This resulted in the inclusion of a dedicated section sharing lived experiences from local young people, inspirational role models, and a series of interviews with young people, parents and clinicians sharing the positives of neurodiversity for them.

Following the support pack being distributed, one of our local schools said:

“This is fantastic. Thank you very much, this is very important to see the positive approach and detailed information. I have shared with parents and staff, and have had many great responses from parents, as well as staff, who have children with a neurodiversity diagnosis. So please pass our thanks on.”

View all news

Latest news and highlights

News

1 November 2024

Thousands receive winter vaccinations as NHS campaign gets off to a brisk…

More than 284,000 vaccinations have already been given in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes this winter amid an NHS drive to protect against the flu…

News

30 October 2024

Six priority work programmes unveiled to help local residents live longer, healthier…

Six priority work programmes for health and social care will help residents in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to live longer, healthier lives, a new…

News

28 October 2024

NHS staff join series of talks to mark Black History Month

Around 50 NHS staff in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have taken up the opportunity to learn more about the experiences of Black and Black British people through an October…

News

24 October 2024

Facial recognition technology improves pain management in local care homes

Innovative facial recognition technology is helping staff at residential and nursing homes in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to provide better care to patients and reduce reliance on medication. Innovative…

News

24 October 2024

Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board achieves Living Wage Employer…

Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) has been officially accredited as a Living Wage Employer. This prestigious recognition underscores BLMK ICB’s commitment to ensuring that all…

News

23 October 2024

Dr Rima Makarem to stand down as Chair of Bedfordshire, Luton and…

The Chair of the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Integrated Care Board, Dr Rima Makarem, will stand down as Chair at the end of the year. Dr Makarem has…