Supporting children and young people with diagnosed or undiagnosed autism and ADHD

What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity recognises that all brains work differently.

People think, learn, communicate, socialise and experience the world in different ways. These differences are a natural part of human variation.

Some people may be described as neurotypical, meaning their brain works in ways that are generally considered typical. Others may be described as neurodivergent, meaning their brain works in ways that differ from what is often expected or considered typical.

Neurodivergent children and young people may experience differences in areas such as attention, communication, sensory processing, movement, learning, organisation and emotional regulation.

These pages focus on autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and other neurodevelopmental differences. However, many of the ideas and resources may be helpful to a wider range of children, young people and families.

Every child and young person is unique. Their strengths, experiences and support needs may differ from those of others, even when they share the same diagnosis.

What is the Neurodevelopmental Transformation Programme?

People across Greater Manchester are working together to make it easier for children, young people, families, and professionals to find information and support about neurodevelopmental differences, like autism and ADHD.

This work is known as the Neurodevelopment Transformation Programme.  You can visit this page to get updates and the latest news about the Programme.

As part of this work, each of the 10 areas in Greater Manchester will have a Neurodevelopmental service.

These services will support autistic children and young people, children and young people with ADHD, and those with related neurodevelopmental differences, as well as their families.

They will offer support in different ways, such as in person, over the phone or online.

The services will help children and young people and their families with autism and ADHD related symptoms get the right support when they need it.

You do not need a diagnosis to get information or support.

Everyone experiences the world in their own way and understanding how your brain works can help you do well at home, at school and in your community.

Please watch the video below where our Bury changemakers explain what is happening with ADHD and Autism assessments in Greater Manchester.

Choose one of the two buttons to find information and support that is right for you.