top of page
Support for ADHD and ASC in England

In England, there is a wide range of support available for individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). The support spans across education, healthcare, social services, and the voluntary sector, including charities and specialised services. These services aim to help individuals with ADHD and ASC, along with their families, navigate the challenges of daily life, education, employment, and overall well-being.

​

1. Healthcare Support

Healthcare for individuals with ADHD and ASC in England is primarily provided by the NHS, but private healthcare options are also available for faster diagnosis or specialised support.

​

a. NHS Support:

  • Diagnosis and Treatment: Individuals with suspected ADHD or ASC can be referred by their GP for an assessment through NHS services. For ADHD, this typically involves assessments from psychiatrists, psychologists, or specialist nurses. For ASC, referrals may be made to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or an autism assessment team, which could include psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists.

  • Medication: ADHD treatment in the NHS often includes medication (e.g., stimulants like methylphenidate or non-stimulants like atomoxetine) alongside behavioural support. For ASC, medication might be prescribed for co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or sleep issues, but not typically for core autism traits.

  • Therapy and Interventions: NHS services offer therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for ADHD or psychological support for managing behavioural and emotional challenges associated with ASC. These services may also include speech and language therapy or occupational therapy.

b. Private Healthcare:

  • Private assessments for ADHD and ASC can be faster than waiting for an NHS referral, and some private services offer comprehensive diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

​

2. Educational Support

Children and young people with ADHD and ASC are entitled to receive educational support that meets their specific needs. This can be accessed through mainstream schools, special schools, or additional services.

​

a. Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support:

  • SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators): Every mainstream school in England has a SENCO responsible for coordinating support for students with ADHD, ASC, or other learning difficulties. SENCOs work with teachers, families, and external specialists to ensure the child’s needs are met through classroom accommodations, individualised education plans (IEPs), or specific interventions.

b. Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs):

  • Children with more significant needs may require an EHCP, a legal document outlining the additional support they need in school. EHCPs can include one-on-one teaching assistants, access to specialist resources, and adjustments to the curriculum. EHCPs are developed and reviewed in collaboration with the local authority, school, and healthcare professionals.

c. Special Schools:

  • Some children with more complex needs may attend specialist schools that cater to students with autism or ADHD. These schools provide tailored environments with smaller class sizes and more specialised teaching methods.

d. Additional Educational Support:

  • Services such as educational psychology, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy can be provided in schools to support learning and development.

​

3. Social Services and Local Authority Support

Local authorities in England provide social care support for individuals with ADHD and ASC, particularly those with complex needs.

​

a. Short Breaks (Respite Care):

  • Local authorities may offer short breaks or respite care for families of children with ADHD or ASC. This allows parents and caregivers time to rest while ensuring the child is cared for in a safe environment.

b. Direct Payments:

  • Some families may be eligible for direct payments, which allow them to hire carers or purchase services that meet the needs of the individual with ADHD or ASC.

c. Local Autism and ADHD Teams:

  • Many local authorities have dedicated teams or services that provide ongoing support for neurodivergent individuals and their families. This might include access to support groups, specialist key workers, and advice on managing behaviour or accessing services.

​

4. Charities and Voluntary Sector Support

There are numerous charities across England that offer support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with ADHD and ASC. These organisations provide vital services, including advice, advocacy, respite care, and financial assistance.

​

a. National Autistic Society (NAS):

  • NAS is the UK’s leading charity for individuals with autism and their families. They provide advice, support groups, and specialised services such as schools and respite care. NAS also offers training and advocacy to help families navigate the education and healthcare systems.

b. ADHD Foundation:

  • The ADHD Foundation supports individuals with ADHD and their families, providing resources, information, and advocacy. They run training programmes for schools and employers, as well as offering advice on accessing treatment and managing ADHD symptoms.

c. Contact (For Families with Disabled Children):

  • Contact supports families raising children with disabilities, including ADHD and ASC. They offer a helpline, information about navigating the EHCP process, and practical advice on securing additional services.

d. Ambitious about Autism:

  • Ambitious about Autism offers services and support for children and young people with autism, including education, employment programmes, and advocacy. They run specialist schools and provide advice on managing transitions into adulthood.

e. Cerebra:

  • Cerebra helps children with brain conditions, including ADHD and ASC. They offer grants for equipment, educational resources, and support for research into neurodevelopmental conditions.

f. Challenging Behaviour Foundation (CBF):

  • CBF supports families of individuals with severe learning disabilities and challenging behaviour, which can often include those with ADHD or ASC. They offer resources on managing behaviour and accessing specialist services.

g. Family Fund:

  • Family Fund provides grants to families raising children with disabilities, including ADHD and ASC. These grants can be used for essential items like sensory equipment, technology, and travel expenses.

​

5. Employment and Adult Support Services

For adults with ADHD and ASC, support is available through employment programmes, adult social care services, and disability rights organisations.

a. Access to Work:

  • Access to Work is a government programme that helps individuals with disabilities, including ADHD and ASC, access support in the workplace. This may include funding for equipment, job coaching, or travel costs.

b. Specialist Employment Support:

  • Organisations like the Shaw Trust and Scope provide employment support for neurodivergent individuals, helping them find and maintain employment through coaching, adjustments, and workplace advocacy.

c. Autism Employment Services:

  • Some charities, such as Ambitious about Autism and the National Autistic Society, offer employment services specifically tailored to individuals with autism, including CV workshops, job placement programmes, and employer training.

​

At BrightPath Neuro Assessments, we provide assessments, guidance, and psychoeducation for individuals with ADHD and ASC, helping families and individuals access the appropriate support across healthcare, education, and social services. If you need assistance navigating the available support options, contact us today for tailored advice and support.

​

bottom of page