Resources and support if your child has Neurodivergent traits

Neurodivergent traits in children, such as those found in autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, represent unique ways of thinking and interacting with the world. While these traits can present challenges, they often come with strengths like creativity and problem-solving.

Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to help you and your child, including educational materials, support groups, and professional services. Connecting with other parents and organizations focused on neurodiversity can provide valuable insights and encouragement on this journey. Some of the resources and support available in Worcestershire are provided below. 

Neurodivergence Zone

The Worcestershire Neurodivergence Zone is our central hub of information, support and advice for neurodivergence in Worcestershire. The content has been co-produced with parents and carers, health colleagues and local providers.

Midlands delivered by Contact and Ambitious about Autism | Autism Central 

An Autism Central has been set up by nine leading not-for-profit organisations in the UK and commissioned by NHS England’s Workforce, Training and Education Team. They have been commissioned to provide high-quality and accessible autism information, education and coaching for families and carers, co-delivered by autistic people, families and carers. 

• Book a 1:1 call with an experienced autism parent carer for peer advice and support - Autism Hub Midlands - 1 to1 support (contact.org.uk)
• Request help and advice by email – Autism Hub for families in the Midlands - email support (contact.org.uk)
• Or book a free training course on over 15 different autism support areas including ARFID, Personal Budgets and employing PAs, transition to adulthood, understanding overwhelm, meltdowns and shutdowns and many more - Midlands delivered by Contact and Ambitious about Autism | Autism Central

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Community Hub | Autism West Midlands

There are 2 new programmes of workshops from Autism West Midlands. 

• Autism Parent/Carer Webinars will start on 23^rd October, be delivered in the day 10-12, then run weekly until 11^th December. These will be delivered via webinar Ninja rather than Teams as this allows people to access a recorded version of the webinar for 2 weeks after delivery, so this helps parents/carers who may be working or undertaking caring roles to access it at a more convenient time for them.  

• Teens Autism Confident On-line Workshops - will start on 4^th November and will be delivered in the evenings.  

You may find helpful information around ADHD and its management from the following websites:

Royal College of Psychiatrists – ADHD in Adults 

• Details NICE guidance on ADHD. Also links to support groups, charities and meetings for ADHD and mental health. Gives coping strategies for – managing frustration, sleep and tiredness, wellbeing, mindfulness and healthy living.

The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity 

• Offers ADHD related events, workshops and webinars for adults and families of those with ADHD. Various types of media – podcasts, documents and websites.

ADHD Solutions

• Providing help, support, family coaching and resources for children, young people and adults affected by ADHD and their families.

ADHD and You 

• A simplistic website written in straightforward language. Factual with no webinars, training etc. Great site for those who might find a “busy” screen overwhelming.

The UK ADHD Partnership 

• Aimed primarily at Clinicians and other Professionals. This does have a section for parents with tips for managing ADHD symptoms and links to support groups.

ADHD Parent Booklet May22

• An information and resource booklet for parents and carers of children and young people with ADHD.

ADHD for Children Booklet May22

•  An information and resource booklet for children and young people with ADHD.