Supporting your autism and ADHD differences as a child or young person
Neurodiversity: what it means for you
Neurodiversity means people’s brains work in different ways. Autism and ADHD are known as neurodevelopmental disorders. This means you might think, learn, move, or feel things differently than other people.
These pages are here to support children and young people and their families who are experiencing autism and ADHD differences, but the information will be helpful for all neurodivergent children and young people.
Understanding how your brain works can help you discover your strengths and find strategies that make school, home and friendships easier. Remember you don’t need a diagnosis to ask for help.
Need help now?
Quick help
- Explore our range of self-help guides and webinars below.
- Use our autism and ADHD chat messaging service which connects you with professionals who can provide advice, support or signposting to services – coming soon to your area.
- Find out what support is available in your local area or contact your local neurodevelopmental service below.
Urgent help
• If you feel unsafe, call 999 or go to A&E.
• For urgent mental health support, contact your local 24/7 helpline via NHS 111 option 2.
• Speak to an adult immediately.
When and where can I get support?
- Ask about reasonable adjustments such as quiet spaces, flexible timetables, or visual supports – you don’t need a diagnosis to ask for reasonable adjustments.
- Find out if there’s a key worker or mentor you can check in with.
- Tell your parent or carer how you’re feeling and what helps.
- Try self-help guides and resources like sensory kits, planners and apps.
- Connect with local neurodevelopmental services, and support groups.
- Speak to your GP if things feel overwhelming or affect daily life.
- Contact your local neurodevelopmental service to find out what support is available.
What is a Neurodevelopmental (ND) Service?
Each of the 10 areas in Greater Manchester are setting up a new Neurodevelopmental (ND) support service. These services support children and young people who are experiencing autism and ADHD related differences.
Friendly teams work together to give you and your family the right support. This support may be in person, on the phone or online.
They’ll help you and your family find the right support when you need it.
These new services are being set up as quickly as possible. You can find out more about the support available in your local area below.
Find support in your area
Each area in Greater Manchester is sharing information about local support.
Click your local area below to find support, activities and services where you live.
Welcome to Manchester Local Offer | Help & Support Manchester
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) – MFT
padlet.com/Thesocialcommunicationpathway/manchester-neuroprofiling-padlet
padlet.com/Thesocialcommunicationpathway/the-young-person-s-padlet
padlet.com/Thesocialcommunicationpathway/the-social-communication-pathway
Self-help guides and resources
Explore our easy-to-use self-help guides and resources which can help families with common autism and ADHD related differences.
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Riding the Rapids is an evidence-based intervention course for parents and carers of children. The course runs for 2 hours a week for 10 weeks and aims to help parents and carers understand and support distressed behaviour shown by their child.
This course is available to parents/carers of children aged 3-16 years who are experiencing distressed behaviours. Contact your local neurodevelopmental service about a referral
Content coming soon
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Visit Autism Understood and GM Autism for more information.
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A professional might refer you for a neurodevelopmental assessment. Waiting can take time, but you can still get support.
We know waiting for a neurodevelopmental assessment can be difficult. You can still access support, advice, and help while you wait.
You can use our self-help tools and local support across Greater Manchester.
Have your say
Your voice matters. Join our Youth Participation Network to share ideas and help improve support for neurodivergent young people across Greater Manchester. We’re working closely with young people and families to make sure their voices are at the heart of this change .
If you would like to help please contact Youth Focus North West to get involved:
Youth Focus North West
Email: info@youthfocusnw.org.uk
Phone: 01744 810838
