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Supporting your child with diagnosed or undiagnosed autism and ADHD as a parent, carer and family member

help and support for parents, carers and family members

Neurodiversity: what does it mean for my child?

Neurodiversity describes the differences in the way our brains function and process information. Most people are neurotypical. Neurotypical people view the world in the way society expects. They usually develop and learn in a typical way for their age.

Autism, ADHD and learning disabilities are known as neurodevelopmental disorders. These pages are here to support children and young people and their families with autism and ADHD needs, however, the information and resources will be useful for all neurodivergent children and young people.

It is important to understand that each individual child and family may have their own experience and support needs.

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 below, or contact your local neurodevelopmental service.

Urgent help

  • If your child is at immediate risk or feels unsafe, call 999 or go to A&E.
  • For urgent mental health support, contact your local 24/7 helpline via NHS 111 option 2.

What is a Neurodevelopmental (ND) Service?

These pages are here to support children and young people and their families who are experiencing autism and ADHD differences.

Each of the 10 areas in Greater Manchester are developing a Neurodevelopmental (ND) service. The services will provide personalised support for children and young people and their families who experiencing autism and ADHD related differences when they 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.

These services will include:

  • Professionals trained in how autism and ADHD differences affect thinking, attention, behaviour, and social skills. They assess your child’s strengths and differences, and give advice tailored to your child or young person’s needs.

  • Professionals trained to deliver evidence-based interventions, which means the methods and strategies they use are proven by research to help children and young people who experience autism and ADHD related differences.

  • The Neuro – Profiling tool helps identify a child or young person’s learning style, strengths, and needs, and provides strategies which support them at home and school.

  • Parent workshops which help parents better understand their child’s differences and learn practical strategies which will help to support them. These workshops are available online and in person, on topics such as distress, communication, sensory and sleep.

Where can I get support?

  • Ask about reasonable adjustments such as quiet spaces, flexible timetables, or visual supports – your child doesn’t need a diagnosis to ask for reasonable adjustments.
  • Speak with your child’s teacher.
  • Find out if your child has (or can have) a key worker you can liaise with.
  • Request regular reviews to share what is working at home and school.

 

  • Connect with local parent carer forums, local neurodevelopmental services , and charities that offer advice, groups, and 1:1 support for families.
  • Talk openly with your child about how they’re feeling and what helps them feel safe and supported.
  • Use practical tools at home, such as visual schedules, sensory resources, planners, and supportive apps.
  • Peer support from other parents and carers can be a valuable source of reassurance and shared experience.

 

  • Contact your GP if your child’s needs are impacting daily life, wellbeing, or family functioning.
  • Contact your local neurodevelopmental service about parenting programmes, workshops, or support groups designed for families of children and young people who are experiencing sensory differences.

  • Local parent carer forums, carer services, charities, and voluntary organisations can offer emotional support, advice, and practical help.
  • If you feel overwhelmed or isolated, speak to your GP or a trusted professional about additional support options.
  • Visit Qwell for online support, or find further mental health support.

 

Find support in your area

Click on your area to find local support, activities and local neurodevelopmental support services near you.

Useful information and courses for me as a parent, carer and family member

Explore our easy-to-use self-help guides and resources which can help families with common autism and ADHD related differences.

 

Content coming soon.

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.

Content coming soon.

Visit Qwell for online support, or find further mental health support.

Visit Autism Understood, or Autism GM for more information.

Content coming soon.

Launch Recite Me assistive technology