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Continuing to support neurodivergence

Appropriate support for those who receive a diagnosis, and signposting for those who don't.

Part of
Autism and ADHD Pathway: Step by step

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Page contents

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Part of
Autism and ADHD Pathway: Step by step

What you can expect when going through the Autism and/or ADHD Assessment Pathway

1Pre Assessment Autism and ADHD Pathway

Receiving support at the earliest stage without the need for a diagnosis. Making a smooth transition to assessment for those who require it.

  1. Supporting neurodivergence at the earliest opportunity
  2. Support and training for SENCOs on Autism and ADHD
  3. Myth busting of assessment and diagnosis

    2Assessment

    Equality of access and service quality across the county ensuring NICE compliant assessments for those who require it.

    1. Neurodevelopmental Next Steps Form
    2. Autism and ADHD assessments: local NHS services and Right to Choose
    3. Autism Assessments for 0 to 5 year olds (pre-school)
    4. Neurodevelopmental Assessments for 5 to 17 year olds (school age)
    5. Neurodevelopmental Assessments for adults (over 18 years)
    6. Moving into or out of Somerset
    7. Position statement on private Autism and ADHD Assessments
    8. Position statement on Demand Avoidance
    9. Position statement on assessment of ADHD in children with learning needs
    10. Position statement on assessment and diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

      3Post Assessment Autism and ADHD Pathway

      Appropriate support for those who receive a diagnosis, and signposting for those who don't.

      1. Continuing to support neurodivergence
      2. Support after an ADHD diagnosis
      3. ADHD medicines shortage
      4. Supporting children and young people who avoid demands
      5. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) support
      6. If you do not agree with an assessment decision

        About support in Somerset

        In Somerset, we believe support should be in place before any formal assessment. This is agreed by people in education, health and care, as well as parent carers, children and young people.

        For many children, the support they get will not change after a diagnosis. This is because help is based on need, not diagnosis. Often, the right support and changes are already in place before a diagnosis.

        Read this with the Support at the Earliest Opportunity page.

        Every child is different. The support they get will depend on their needs and strengths. This can change as they grow and develop.

        What schools can offer

        Document preview
        Understanding and supporting children and young people with an autistic profile in education settings/schools

        co-produced involving the Somerset Parent Carer Forum, CYPNP, the Educational Psychology Service, Access to Inclusion and schools/SENCOs

        PDF, 263 KB
        Document preview
        Supporting children and young people with ADHD characteristics in education settings/schools

        co-produced involving the Somerset Parent Carer Forum, the Educational Psychology Service and SENCOs

        PDF, 157 KB

        Schools and parent carers can get ADHD training with Educational Psychology. This training explains what ADHD is and what it is not. It helps you understand common differences and shares simple ways to support children and young people with ADHD.

        You can also learn about how schools create inclusive environments on the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools and The SCERTS model pages.

        Books and videos recommendations

        Books and videos can help you learn more about neurodiversity. You can share them with your child and look at them together. It can help you talk about differences and understand each other better.

        You can download our books and videos guide for ideas to get started.

        Document preview
        CYPNP Books and Videos

        Helpful tools to learn more about neurodiversity, to explore together with your young person.

        PDF, 1.32 MB

        Many of these books are free to use.

        • Somerset Parent Carer Forum has a library of books, videos and games. Parent carers, families and professionals can borrow them for free.
        • Somerset Libraries have a Neurodiversity Collection. There are books for children, young people and adults. You can keep them for longer than usual, and there are no late fees.
        • Cerebra has a free postal and online library. It is for anyone in the UK who is caring for a child with a brain condition. They have a wide range of books for both children and adults.

        Other support

        Services that also support neurodiverse children and young people include:

        You can also find support from the following groups and charities focussing on neurodivergence:

        The CYPNP summarise these services and other national resources by area of need as described in our supporting neurodivergence at the earliest opportunity page.

        Last updated: May 27, 2026

        Next review due: November 27, 2026

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