Neurodiversity
Often the term neurodiversity is used in the context of autism and ADHD and refers to the natural differences in the way our brains work.
Some people’s brains simply work in a different way. Your child's brain is unique to them, therefore they'll have unique skills, abilities, and needs. They may experience and interact with the world around them in different ways. There's no right or wrong way of thinking, learning and behaving.
Someone who is neurodivergent behaves, thinks and learns differently to those who are neurotypical.
You can find out more about neurodiversity and the support available on the Healthier Together website, where you can find out about local and national support, and you can also watch this video...
There is information about the referral routes for autism and ADHD diagnostic assessments further down the page.
Across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin we have a child and young people’s Neurodiversity workstream, which is a group of people who meet to explore and celebrate neurodiversity. The aim of the group is to make sure children and young people who are neurodivergent are appreciated, understood and well supported. You can find out more about how they share information, good news and consider what could be done to make improvements for children and young people in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin by watching this short video.
In January 2024, the Neurodiversity Practitioner (NDP) Pilot Project offered targeted schools supporting learners in Key Stages 2 and 3 the opportunity to work with the NDPs to enhance their neuroinclusive practice. This offer included individual casework, group / class interventions and support to enable broader neuroinclusive changes across the schools. This was a successful Project, and we are pleased that the NDP team are now permanent roles within the Shropshire Educational Psychology Service and continue to provide a broad, needs-led support offer, which is now available for children and young people from 0-25.
During the Pilot Project, we were impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication our schools were already showing to enhance their neuroinclusive practice and it was a pleasure for the NDPs to further enable them on their journeys towards their neuroinclusive practice aspirations. This Good Neuroinclusive Practice Videos showcase this progress supported by the NDPs and, importantly, the impact it has had on the children as well as the staff within the schools.
Autism and ADHD diagnostic assessments
If you think it may be helpful for your child or young person to have an assessment for autism or ADHD start by speaking with your child’s teacher or the school's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). If your child or young person is not in school speak to another professional involved with them or your child's health visitor or GP.
In Shropshire and Telford, different services offer Autism and ADHD diagnostic assessments depending on the child or young person’s age. For more information about the assessment pathways for the different age groups visit the providers websites using the links below:
Autism 0-5 years - Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust provides assessments for young children displaying autistic traits.
- Information about the assessment pathway for young children (3 years)
- Information about the 4-5 years (school aged) assessment pathway
- Information video about what to expect at your child's Multi-Disciplinary Assessment
ADHD 0-5 years: ADHD is not normally assessed until a child starts school.
Autism and ADHD (ND) (5 to 18 years) – BeeU (MPFT) provides ND assessments in their Neuro Developmental Service
Visit the BEEU website for a frequently asked questions document about the Neuro Developmental Service and a referral form for professionals.
Autism (18 to 25 years) - Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust provides autism assessments for both Shropshire and Telford residents. Telford and Shropshire Autism Hubs offer a first point of contact for autism assessments for adults of all ages. You can self-refer via the Autism Hubs, or a professional can refer you.
ADHD (18-25 years) - There are three organisations commissioned by Shropshire and Telford NHS to provide ADHD assessments for adults. Your GP will refer you to the Referral Management Centre who will talk to you about your choices of provider.
Waiting times for Autism and ADHD assessment can be long. While you are on the waiting list, you can still get needs-led support for your child or young person. Visit the support while waiting pages on the Healthier Together website or the neurodiversity support pages.