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Support for children and young people with neurodivergent needs

Support for children and young people with neurodivergent needs

RESOURCE

A new way to support children and young people

A new approach is being introduced across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) to improve support for children and young people with neurodivergent needs, including Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

This approach shifts the system from a focus on diagnosis to earlier support based on understanding a child’s individual needs.

The needs-led model has been co-designed with families, education and health partners and draws on best practice from across the country. It aims to provide earlier understanding of children’s needs and ensure support is in place sooner, without waiting for a formal diagnosis. The need-led model will be delivered by Sirona care & health.

The approach was successfully trialled in a number of local schools from October 2025 to March 2026, with extensive involvement from education professionals, parent carer forums, and health colleagues. Feedback from education settings highlighted the value of having a structured, practical way to capture needs and support quality conversations with families and it is now being rolled out across the area.

The new model responds to growing need for Autism and ADHD assessments, which has led to longer waiting times and delays in accessing support for many families. It reflects a shared ambition across BNSSG that support should be based on a child or young person’s needs, rather than being dependent on a diagnosis.

The model will work alongside existing assessment services. Additional investment has enabled us to introduce the new needs-led model across education and health services, expand ADHD capacity, and utilise external provider Healios to deliver support to those on the Autism assessment general waiting list. This means children and families can be offered personalised, needs‑led support, providing early advice, practical strategies and specialist input tailored to what matters most. Read Healios needs-led support pathway leaflet for full details.

Children and young people may still be referred for an Autism or ADHD diagnostic assessment if needed.

How does the Neurodivergent Needs Analysis work?

The Neurodivergent Needs Analysis is a shared discussion between the child, their family and professionals. It looks at:

  • Strengths and differences
  • Where help is needed
  • Support already in place
  • What extra help could work

It is written down and reviewed often. It moves with the child if they change school.

School staff are trained by our teams to carry out the Analysis. A Neurodiversity Support Team also helps families, including those whose children are not in school.

Children and families can now get support such as:

  • Changes in school to help learning
  • Advice for families
  • Help from health and community services

This means support can start early, without needing a diagnosis.

More information

Bristol Parent Carers Forum has created a visual guide to the changes with information about the process, what can be used as evidence and where to find more support.

Neurodivergent Needs Analysis – A support pathway for families A Bristol Parent Carer Forum infographic titled “Neurodivergent Needs Analysis: A support pathway for families” with the subtitle “A step-by-step guide to understanding needs and accessing the right support.” A message at the top states: “Every family’s journey is unique. You are not alone – support is available at every step.” The infographic presents an eight-step pathway: 1. Notice & Concerns You notice differences in your child’s development, behaviour, learning or communication. 2. Gather Information Learn more about neurodivergence and local support options. Talk to trusted people. 3. Seek Initial Support Speak to a professional who can listen, offer guidance and help decide next steps. 4. Referral for a Neurodivergent Needs Analysis If appropriate, your professional will refer your child for a Neurodivergent Needs Analysis. (Not all children will need this – it depends on your child’s needs.) 5. Neurodivergent Needs Analysis Process Information for the Neurodivergent Needs Analysis is gathered through observations, conversations and standardised tools (where appropriate). 6. Information Reviewed Over Time Information from the Neurodivergent Needs Analysis is reviewed twice over a period of time to see if strategies and supports are helping and to ensure accuracy and understanding. 7. Review Outcomes & Next Steps You receive a clear understanding of your child’s strengths, needs and supportive recommendations. 8. Plan, Support & Review A support plan is put in place. Progress is monitored and the plan is reviewed regularly. Additional information boxes below the pathway include: Information can be used as evidence After being reviewed twice over time, information from the Neurodivergent Needs Analysis may be used as evidence as part of an autism and/or ADHD assessment where needed. Not every child needs a Neurodivergent Needs Analysis Some children with higher levels of need may move straight to specialist assessment or other support. The pathway is based on your child’s needs. Autism & ADHD assessment (if more help is needed) If an assessment is important for your child, you can still request an autism and/or ADHD assessment. Support continues while waiting for assessment. Where can I get help? Your local Parent Carer Forum – information, support and guidance. School, nursery or college – talk to your SENCO or key worker. Health Visitor (under 5) or GP – speak to your Health Visitor or GP. School SENCO – for support within school. Sirona – questions about waiting times or appointments. Local Offer – information about local services and support. You may be asked to provide Information about your child. Examples of strengths and needs. Your goals and concerns. Information from school or nursery (where available). Remember Every child’s pathway is different. Support is based on need, not diagnosis. Trust your instincts – you know your child best. If an assessment is important for your child, you can still request one or explore your Right to Choose options. At the bottom of the infographic are three key messages: This pathway is needs-led and flexible. The right path depends on your child. We are here to help. The Bristol Parent Carer Forum logo appears at the top alongside the slogan “Shaping the Future Together” and an illustration of a family.

Click the image to see a larger version.

Resources and support

The Neurodiversity Transformation Programme is focused on improving access to support for neurodivergent children, young people and their families.

The NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Neurodiversity Hub is a website developed in response to local feedback calling for clearer, more accessible information about support for neurodivergent people.

Our Advice and signposting for neurodiversity pages has resources and information to support children, young people and families.

Resources from parent carer forums in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire