Help NHS I am a mum to three beautifully neurodiverse children. Two of whom are autistic. They are incredible and inspire me to be the best person I can be and challenge the world in ways I never thought possible… read more
Emily, parent
Neurodivergent children/young people may be told that they “don’t talk properly” or that they “talk too much”, or “too slow/fast”. These messages, especially when heard many times, can be really damaging to self-esteem and can lead to masking and anxiety. For example, some become quieter in social situations and don’t feel comfortable being themselves as they’re worried they may say the wrong thing.
Therefore, it is important that we celebrate and promote true acceptance of neurodivergent communication styles and learn that everyone will communicate and interact differently. These differences bring about new and positive ways of thinking and interacting – diversity is a positive thing for everyone!
Neurodivergent-affirming means accepting all different neuro-types as just that – different.
Read more about neurodivergent affirmingThe sections below explain the wide range of characteristics that neurodivergent individuals may experience differences, strengths and challenges in. Each section includes information on what the characteristic is, what differences you may notice and support strategies/information.
The way we communicate, talk and interact with others can be different in different brain types.
The way we process and react to sensory information (e.g. noise, taste, touch) can differ in neurodivergent individuals.
The way we understand, interpret and express emotions can differ in neurodivergent individuals.
The skills used to pay attention, plan and organise our daily tasks are part of our executive functioning skills. These skills can differ in neurodivergent individuals.
Some individuals experience times of intense focus on a small range of topics/interests. This is called monotropism and hyperfocus. This can be a significant part of being neurodivergent.
Neurodivergent individuals can be more likely to experience certain mental health needs due to challenges in their environments.
A number of neurotypes and formal diagnoses are included under the ‘neurodivergence’ umbrella term. Find out more about each one below.
Find out more about autism, the differences an autistic individual may experience and helpful information links.
Information about Autism
Find out more about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the differences an individual with ADHD may experience and helpful information links.
Information about ADHD
Find out more about developmental language disorder (DLD), the differences an individual with DLD may experience and helpful information links.
Information about DLD
Find out more about dyslexia, the differences a dyslexic person may experience and helpful information links.
Information about dyslexia
Find out more about learning disability, the differences a person with a learning disability may experience and helpful information links.
Information about learning disabilityThere is a wide range of support groups and services available for neurodivergent children, young people and their families. Browse the sections below to find out more.
Online and face to face, local and national support groups and organisations for neurodivergent children, young people and their families.
Support for children, young people and their families
Find out more about the different types of support neurodivergent children, young people and their families can access in school. This includes a range of support from the school themselves as well as support from external agencies and healthcare services.
Support in schools/education
Find a range of information and support for activities of daily living, e.g. eating, travel, sleep, for neurodivergent children and their families in Leeds.
Daily living and keeping safeSee below for a selection of links and resources you might find useful.
A helpful guide to neurodiversity, aimed at early years professionals but helpful across all ages and backgrounds.
View guide on Anna Freud website
Although initially focusing on ADHD, the ADHD foundation has a wide range of high quality information on neurodivergence and various neurotypes.
Visit the ADHD Foundation website
Although the information focuses on autism, Emily (autistic Speech and Language Therapist, SLT) shares helpful neurodivergent affirming recommendations.
Visit Autistic SLT website