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NAAVoices.com — Neurodiversity support
Support, Resources
& Practical Guidance
How to get assessed, EHCP guidance, Wales ALN Act, practical resources for individuals, families, schools, and young people, legal rights and Access to Work.
Where do I start?
Choose the pathway that feels most relevant to you right now.
I think I’m autistic
I think I have ADHD
My child is struggling at school
Workplace adjustments
Learning differences
I’m a young person
I’m a healthcare professional
I work in education
I Need Support With Neurodiversity
A plain-English guide for England & Wales — assessment pathways, templates & evidence packs
Whether you think you may be autistic, have ADHD, a learning difference, or are supporting a child — this guide walks you through the UK assessment pathway in plain English, with copy-ready templates and evidence checklists.
I think I’m autistic
Autism — next steps
Autism is not a defect — it is a different way of thinking and sensing. The goal is access, not “fixing”. Many autistic people are diagnosed later in life, particularly women and those who have learnt to mask their differences. There is no wrong time to seek understanding.
Evidence to gather
- A one-page impact summary with 3–5 concrete examples of daily difficulties
- 2–4 week diary of your experiences and patterns
- School reports (especially comments about behaviour, concentration, or social interaction)
- Parent/carer observations written down if possible
- Any previous assessments or professional letters
I think I have ADHD
ADHD — next steps
ADHD affects attention regulation, impulse control, and activation. It is a difference in how the brain prioritises and moves between tasks — not a character flaw, and not about lacking willpower.
Evidence to gather
- 2–4 week impact diary tracking challenges and patterns
- School reports mentioning concentration, focus, or behaviour
- Examples of impact on work, education, relationships, or daily living
- Partner/family/colleague observations if available
Copy-ready templates
GP letter
GP Referral Request
Template for requesting a referral for autism/ADHD/neurodevelopmental assessment. Includes Right to Choose language for NHS England.
Copy template →School/college
School Adjustments Request
Template for requesting a meeting with a SENCO or ALNCo about support, adjustments, and assessment pathways for your child or yourself.
Copy template →Workplace
Workplace Adjustments Request
Template for requesting reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 from your manager or HR team — with or without a formal diagnosis.
Copy template →
Important: This resource is for information and self-understanding only. The quizzes and checklists in the full guide are designed to help you understand yourself better — they cannot replace professional assessment. Self-identification is valid. Assessment availability and processes differ across England and Wales, and change over time.
“You are not broken. You are not ‘too much’ or ‘not enough’. Neurodivergent brains work differently, and understanding how yours works is a form of self-care.”
Recognising neurodiversity in yourself
Not sure where to begin?
This guide provides simple starting points for anyone exploring whether they may be autistic, have ADHD, or another learning difference. It also offers clear steps for parents worried about school difficulties and adults seeking workplace adjustments.
Parents, carers, children & individuals
Practical guidance, evidence workbooks, and support tools
What Every Parent & Professional Should Understand
Practical guidance on communication, expectations, and support strategies for neurodivergent children and adults. Covers adapting environments, reducing conflict, and building on strengths.
Contact to obtain →ASD Evidence Workbook — Parents
A guided workbook to record daily examples, triggers, patterns, and impact — ideal for appointments and referrals. Helps build a clear picture to support assessment and EHCP processes.
Contact to obtain →ADHD Evidence Workbook — Parents
A guided workbook to record daily examples, triggers, patterns, and impact — ideal for appointments and referrals. Supports structured evidence gathering for assessment and school support planning.
Contact to obtain →Universal Self-Help Guide: Coping Strategies for Everyday Life
Accessible, practical coping strategies covering sensory regulation, emotional dysregulation, routines, executive function support, and self-advocacy.
Contact to obtain →Neurodivergent Legal Rights Guide
Neurodivergent people are protected under UK law. Covers the Equality Act 2010, reasonable adjustments in the workplace and education, and how to challenge discrimination. See the legal rights section below.
Contact to obtain →NAAVoices Autism & ADHD Resource Library
A curated collection of downloadable guides, lived-experience resources, and practical tools covering the full neurodiversity journey.
Contact to obtain →Tools for schools, colleges & early years
Evidence-gathering templates, classroom toolkits, and professional guidance
ADHD Evidence Workbook — Schools
Evidence-gathering template aligned with educational support planning. Helps staff record observations, triggers, and patterns to support EHCP applications and SENCO referrals.
Contact to obtain →Autism-Friendly Classroom Toolkit
Classroom strategies, sensory adjustments, communication supports, and behaviour-as-communication guidance. Practical and immediately applicable for class teachers, TAs, and SENCOs.
Contact to obtain →ASD Evidence Workbook — Schools
Evidence-gathering template aligned with educational support planning. Supports structured observation and documentation for assessment processes and multi-agency meetings.
Contact to obtain →Early Years Neurodiversity Guide
Practical guidance for early years practitioners on recognising and supporting neurodivergent children aged 0–5. Covers sensory differences, communication, transitions, and working with families.
Contact to obtain →Solihull Approach for Schools & Early Years
An NHS-developed, evidence-based model helping adults understand behaviour as communication. Combines child development, attachment theory, and neuroscience. Read more below.
Read on this page →For young people
Resources designed with and for children and young people — accessible, honest, and free from jargon.
Young person’s guide
Understanding your neurodivergent brain
A young-person-friendly guide to understanding what autism, ADHD, and other learning differences actually mean — and why your brain is not broken, just different.
School support
Getting support at school
Guidance for young people on understanding their rights, what EHCPs and SEN support mean, how to talk to teachers, and what to do if school isn’t working for you.
Community voices
Life Through a Neurodiverse Lens
A growing collection of real stories, reflections, and lived experiences from neurodivergent people of all ages — honest accounts, shared challenges, and moments of clarity.
Survivor stories
Survivor Stories
Neurodivergent people share their journeys — through late diagnosis, school struggles, masking, and finding their voice. Validating, honest, and community-led.
Know your rights
Neurodivergent people are protected under UK law
Neurodivergent people are often dismissed or told they are “misunderstanding” discrimination — in the workplace, in education, and in healthcare. They are not. The Equality Act 2010 provides clear, enforceable protections.
Equality Act 2010
- Neurodevelopmental conditions including autism and ADHD are recognised as disabilities in employment and service provision
- Protection from direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, and failure to make reasonable adjustments
- You do not need a formal diagnosis to be protected in all circumstances
Reasonable adjustments
- Employers and education providers must make reasonable adjustments — flexible working, extra time, quiet spaces, written instructions
- SEND Code of Practice 2015 sets out statutory duties for schools and local authorities
- ACAS provides free workplace guidance on neurodiversity adjustments and employment rights
Specialist legal & advocacy organisations
Disability Rights UK
Leading national charity run by and for disabled people. Factsheets on rights, benefits, and employment. Campaigns for equal participation and provides information on the Equality Act 2010 and reasonable adjustments.
disabilityrightsuk.org → 0330 995 0400Disability Law Service
Specialist legal charity providing free legal advice and representation to disabled people. Covers disability discrimination, employment tribunals, benefits appeals, social care disputes, and reasonable adjustments.
dls.org.uk → 020 7791 9800Mind — Disability Discrimination
Clear explanations of the Equality Act 2010, direct and indirect discrimination, reasonable adjustments in employment, and advice on challenging discrimination as it applies to neurodevelopmental conditions.
mind.org.uk → 0300 123 3393Disability Justice Project
Organisation focused on advancing disability rights through legal advocacy, policy reform, and community empowerment. Works at the intersection of disability rights and social justice.
disabilityjustice.org.uk →GMB Union — Neurodiversity at Work
Specific guidance on neurodiversity rights and protections in the workplace from a union perspective. Covers neurodiversity as a protected characteristic, workplace discrimination, Access to Work, and union support.
gmb.org.uk → 0300 333 0303Prospect Union — Neurodiversity Equality
Detailed guidance on neurodiversity equality in professional workplaces. Covers recruitment law, disclosure rights, performance management, and case law examples.
prospect.org.uk → 0300 600 1878Getting assessed — NHS, Right to Choose & private
The most common question — answered plainly
NHS waiting times: In many areas, NHS neurodevelopmental assessment waiting lists are currently 3–7 years. You do not have to simply wait. There are options.
NHS England — Right to Choose
- In England, you can ask your GP to refer you to any NHS-commissioned provider — not just your local one
- This is called the Right to Choose (NHS Choice Framework)
- Some approved providers have significantly shorter waits — sometimes months, not years
- Ask your GP specifically: “I would like to use my Right to Choose for my neurodevelopmental referral”
- If your GP is unsure, refer them to NHS England guidance or ADHD UK’s Right to Choose page
- Applies to adults. Children’s pathways vary by area — speak to your GP or SENCO
Wales — NHS pathway
- Wales operates under BCUHB and other health boards — Right to Choose does not apply in the same way as England
- Ask your GP to refer you to the local neurodevelopmental team
- For children: referral via GP, school, or health visitor to the Community Paediatrics or CAMHS pathway
- ADHD Wales and the National Autistic Society Cymru can advise on local pathways
- Waiting times vary significantly between health boards
Step 1
See your GP
Bring a written list of specific examples of how your neurodivergence affects your daily life. GPs respond better to concrete impacts than general descriptions. Mention work, relationships, daily tasks, or school. Ask for a referral for neurodevelopmental assessment.
Step 2
Use Right to Choose (England)
If you’re in England, ask your GP to use your Right to Choose. ADHD UK maintains an up-to-date list of Right to Choose providers. Some have waits of weeks rather than years. Bring the list with you if needed.
Private assessment
Going private
Private assessment is faster but costly (£600–£2,000+ depending on type). A private diagnosis is valid for most purposes. Check with your employer or school before proceeding. ADHD UK and NAS can help find accredited private assessors. Some assessors offer payment plans.
Important
You do not need a diagnosis to access support
Under the Equality Act 2010, you may be entitled to reasonable adjustments at work or school even without a formal diagnosis, if your difficulties substantially affect your day-to-day activities. Self-identification is also valid in many community and peer support contexts.
EHCP — Education, Health and Care Plans
How to apply, what to expect, and what to do if refused
An EHCP is a legally binding document describing a child’s special educational needs and the support the local authority must provide. It replaces the old Statement of SEN. In Wales, this is called an Individual Development Plan (IDP) under the Additional Learning Needs Act 2018.
Requesting an EHC needs assessment
- Any parent, young person (over 16), or school can request an EHC needs assessment from the local authority
- Write a formal letter to your LA’s SEND team — state that you are requesting an EHC needs assessment under the Children and Families Act 2014
- The LA has 6 weeks to decide whether to assess
- If they decline, you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal
- IPSEA provides a free model request letter
The 20-week timeline
- Week 0: Request received by LA
- Week 6: Decision to assess (or refuse)
- Week 16: Draft EHCP issued
- Week 20: Final EHCP issued
- LAs frequently miss these deadlines — keep records of all communications with dates
- Delays beyond the statutory timeline are unlawful; you can complain to the Local Government Ombudsman
If your EHCP request is refused
You have the right to appeal
- Request a mediation certificate (required before tribunal)
- Appeal to the SEND Tribunal (First-tier Tribunal)
- Contact IPSEA or SOS!SEN for free support with the appeal
- Most appeals are decided in favour of the family — don’t be deterred
Wales — ALN Act 2018 & IDPs
Different in Wales
- Wales replaced EHCPs and Statements with Individual Development Plans (IDPs) under the ALN Act 2018
- All children and young people with ALN from age 0–25 are entitled to an IDP
- Maintained by the school (not the LA) for most children
- LA IDP for complex needs — similar to EHCP
- SNAP Cymru provides free advocacy for families in Wales
IPSEA
Free, legally-based advice and support for families. Model letters, tribunal support, and training.
ipsea.org.uk →SOS!SEN
Free SEND helpline and support for parents navigating EHCPs, tribunals, and local authority disputes.
sossen.org.uk →SNAP Cymru (Wales)
Free advocacy, advice, and support for children and young people with ALN and their families in Wales.
snapcymru.org →School refusal / EBSA
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
EBSA describes school avoidance driven by anxiety, overwhelm, or sensory/social distress — not defiance or laziness. It is particularly common in neurodivergent children, especially those who have been masking difficulties at school.
Why it happens
- Sensory overload or a overwhelming school environment
- Social anxiety and the demands of navigating unwritten social rules
- Exhaustion from masking throughout the school day
- Previous negative experiences, bullying, or misunderstanding
- Anxiety about academic performance or failure
- Mismatch between the child’s needs and what school provides
What helps
- Do not use punitive approaches — these increase anxiety and worsen avoidance
- Focus on safety and connection before attendance targets
- Reduce demand gradually and collaboratively with the child
- Address underlying unmet needs (sensory adjustments, social support, anxiety management)
- Involve the school SENCO and request a multi-agency meeting if needed
- EBSA-specific guidance is available from local authorities and CAMHS
Government scheme
Access to Work — funding for workplace adjustments
Access to Work is a UK Government scheme that provides grants and funding to help disabled and neurodivergent people stay in work. Many neurodivergent people are unaware it exists — it can fund coaching, assistive technology, support workers, and more.
What it can fund
- ADHD or autism workplace coaching
- Assistive technology (screen readers, speech-to-text, noise-cancelling headphones)
- Mental health support services
- A support worker or job coach
- Adaptations to your workspace or equipment
How to apply
- Apply online at gov.uk/access-to-work
- Available for employees and self-employed people
- You do not need a formal diagnosis in all circumstances
- Your employer does not need to be involved in the initial application
- An assessor will discuss your needs and recommend support
PIP, benefits & financial support for neurodivergent adults
What you may be entitled to — and how to claim it
Many neurodivergent adults are entitled to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and other financial support but are either unaware they can apply, or are refused because assessors and decision-makers don’t understand how neurodivergent conditions affect daily functioning.
Critical: describe your worst day
How to complete a PIP application
PIP asks how you manage a range of daily activities. The key mistake neurodivergent applicants make is describing their best day, or what they can do, rather than what it costs them to do it and how inconsistently they can manage.
- Describe the impact on your worst day — not your best
- Describe what happens when you try to do each activity — the anxiety, exhaustion, shutdowns, or failures
- Include the psychological cost — sensory overwhelm, emotional dysregulation, executive function failures
- Include reliability and consistency — “I can do it sometimes” is not the same as “I can do it reliably”
- Get supporting evidence: GP letter, diagnosis letter, any professional reports
What PIP covers
- Daily living component — difficulties with self-care, cooking, managing medication, communicating
- Mobility component — difficulties getting around, including mental health barriers to travel
- You do not need to be housebound or have physical difficulties to qualify
- Autism, ADHD, and associated mental health conditions can all qualify if they substantially affect daily functioning
- PIP is not means-tested — your income does not affect eligibility
If you are refused
- Most initial refusals can be successfully challenged
- Request a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month of the decision
- If still refused, appeal to the Social Security Tribunal — success rates at tribunal are high
- Citizens Advice, Disability Rights UK, and local welfare rights services can help
- Benefits and Work (benefitsandwork.co.uk) produces detailed guides on PIP for ND conditions
Citizens Advice
Free advice on PIP, Universal Credit, and all benefits. Local offices and national helpline.
citizensadvice.org.uk →Benefits and Work
Detailed guides on PIP applications and appeals, specifically covering neurodivergent conditions and mental health.
benefitsandwork.co.uk →Disability Rights UK
0330 995 0400National charity providing factsheets and advice on disability benefits and rights.
disabilityrightsuk.org →University & Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
Neurodivergent students in higher education in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are entitled to the Disabled Students’ Allowance — funding for support that many students don’t know exists.
What DSA funds
Support available
- Assistive technology — text-to-speech, speech-to-text, mind-mapping software
- Specialist ADHD or autism mentoring (non-medical helper)
- Study skills support
- Extra time and rest breaks in exams (through the university’s own process)
- Adapted library resources and alternative format materials
- Funding for travel if standard transport is inaccessible
How to apply
The application process
- Apply to Student Finance (England, Wales) or SAAS (Scotland) before starting your course if possible
- You need evidence of your condition — a diagnosis letter, GP letter, or educational psychologist report
- You will be assessed for your individual needs — this is called a Study Needs Assessment
- Once approved, suppliers are set up to provide your equipment and support
- Your university disability service can help you through the process
- DSA does not need to be repaid
Important
Driving & DVLA — what you need to know
Many people don’t know that there may be a legal obligation to inform the DVLA of a neurodevelopmental diagnosis. The rules are nuanced — not everyone needs to notify — but getting it wrong can invalidate your insurance and driving licence.
When you must notify the DVLA
- You must notify if your condition affects your ability to drive safely
- ADHD: medication — especially stimulants — does not automatically disqualify you, but must be disclosed
- If your ADHD or autism affects concentration, impulsivity, or your ability to respond appropriately, you must notify
- Failure to notify when required is a criminal offence and can invalidate your insurance
Next steps
- Discuss with your GP or prescriber whether they believe your condition or medication affects driving
- If in doubt, notify the DVLA — failing to notify when required is the greater risk
- DVLA may ask for a medical report from your GP or specialist
- Being medically reviewed by DVLA is not the same as being banned from driving
Local assessment pathways
Shropshire, North Wales (BCUHB) & UK-wide
Shropshire & Telford
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT)
Neurodevelopmental services in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin are provided by MPFT. Referrals are made through your GP.
- Adults: Ask your GP to refer to MPFT Adult ADHD/Autism Service (Shropshire)
- Children: GP referral to MPFT CAMHS or Community Paediatrics
- Right to Choose (England): You can ask your GP to refer you to any NHS-commissioned provider — not just local services. ADHD UK maintains an up-to-date provider list.
- Shrewsbury-based support: Shropshire Mind (mental health) and Citizens Advice Shropshire
North Wales (BCUHB)
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Neurodevelopmental services in North Wales (covering Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire, Conwy, Gwynedd, and Anglesey) are provided through BCUHB. Right to Choose does not apply in Wales — referrals go through the BCUHB pathway.
- Adults: GP referral to BCUHB Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) who can refer on to neurodevelopmental assessment
- Children: GP or school referral to BCUHB CAMHS or Community Paediatrics
- Wrexham area: BCUHB Wrexham Maelor has local CAMHS and adult mental health services
- SNAP Cymru (snapcymru.org) provides free advocacy and support for ALN in Wales
- ADHD Wales provides peer support and guidance on the Welsh pathway
UK-wide
National pathways & contacts
NHS England — Right to Choose
- Ask your GP to use your Right to Choose for neurodevelopmental assessment
- ADHD UK and ADHD Foundation list approved providers with current waits
- adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose
Scotland, N. Ireland, Wales
- NHS Scotland, Health and Social Care Northern Ireland, and NHS Wales operate separate pathways
- In all cases, start with your GP and request a referral for neurodevelopmental assessment
- NAS and ADHD UK can advise on devolved nation pathways
Private assessment
- Available across the UK — typically £600–£2,000 depending on type and provider
- Valid for most employer/school purposes
- ADHD UK and NAS list accredited private assessors
- Some providers offer payment plans
Key NAAVoices resources
⚖Domestic Abuse Hub — Legal Rights, Court Orders & Support
⚖DA & Neurodiversity — Understanding the Risks & Barriers
⚖Am I Being Abused? — Self-Assessment Tool
⚖Neurodiversity Hub — Types, Strengths, Myths & Glossary
All resources by NAAVoices.com — survivor-led, trauma-informed, evidence-based
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Survivor-led, trauma-informed resources for domestic abuse survivors, neurodivergent individuals, and families.
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