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You may have heard the word neurodiverse being used quite a lot, but many people don’t know what it means. It is a term that is used for people with neurological differences, like ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia or the autistic spectrum. This video from the British Dyslexia Association explains it well.
If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed as neurodiverse it can be a confusing time.
Look at the links below for more information on what key terms mean, what support is available, and how we can all better understand and celebrate the difference that neurodiversity brings.
There are also many young people living with physical disabilities. Again, there is lots of support available for this and lots of local opportunities and activities available.
Excellent Talk Community Directory page on the work of the local SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) – look out for the helpful videos too!
Talk Community page on Herefordshire Council’s local offer showing the range of services they have to support young people with disabilities.
Talk Community’s directory on local groups and activities that support young neurodiverse people.
Autism West Midlands are working with NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire to provide a pilot support programme for those aged 14-18 who have been recently diagnosed with autism. Find out more on this page.
Lots of information and resources on local support, activities and opportunities.
This app can support young people aged 14-25 who are awaiting an autism assessment or already diagnosed. It has simple tools to manage anxiety and gain direction. There are limited places, so find out how to apply on this page.
The Hereford and Worcester Dyslexia Association has lots of information on what dyslexia is. Also look out for their workshops and other local support available for young people and parents.
An introduction to Herefordshire Council’s disabled children’s social care with a link to how to contact the team.
Marches Family Network have lots of opportunities for young people with disabilities to get involved in fun activities.
School NursingChildren and Young People aged 5-19 and their families can get advice from the school nursing service on topics like relationships, maintaining a healthy weight, sexual health, emotional and mental health, smoking, alcohol and substance use, and keeping safe.
Main Office Tel: 01432 363 940
Single Point of Access (Advice Line) – Tel: 07813 451 034 (Tel/Text/WhatsApp), Mon-Fri 9.00 – 4.30.
For more information – see the school nursing webpage here
NEURODIVERSITY
Ambitious About Autism
Online groups for young people with autism, real stories, and a great video explaining what autism is.
The Dyspraxia Foundation
This site has lots of ideas on how to support a young person with dyspraxia, including what it actually is and lots of positive stories to inspire.
ADHD Foundation Cartoon
A great comic created by the ADHD Foundation all about five neurodiverse students and their life at school (based on real stories!)
PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) Support – PDA Society
A site with advice and information for teens with PDA.
National Autistic Society You Tube
NAS has lots of excellent videos about what autism is, advice and support, and real-life stories to inspire.
Need to talk to someone? Call Childline on 08001111
Click on the logo for more ways to contact them 
