What is Neurodiversity?

Everyone's brain works in its own way. This is called neurodiversity.

  • Most people have a neurotypical brain (this means their brain works in a way that is common).
  • People whose brains work differently are called neurodivergent.
  • Autism is one type of neurodivergence. Other types include:
    • ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
    • Dyspraxia (also called Developmental Coordination Disorder).
    • Developmental Language Disorder.

This list is not complete and there are many more diagnoses that also come under neurodiversity. 

 

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a condition that affects attention, activity levels, and self-control because the brain processes information differently.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently from most people's brains. People with ADHD may find it harder to concentrate, sit still, or think before they act. Symptoms usually start in childhood and can continue into adulthood.

Common signs of ADHD include:

  • Finding it hard to pay attention
  • Being easily distracted or forgetful
  • Feeling very restless or fidgety
  • Acting quickly without thinking about the consequences
  • Finding it difficult to organise tasks or follow instructions

 

What is Autism?

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a difference in how a person's brain develops. It affects how they experience the world, communicate with other people, and understand information.

People with Autism can have a different way of understanding the world around them. Autism can affect each person differently, and just like everyone else, people with Autism will have their own individual strengths and weaknesses.

Autism is not an illness or a disease, which means there is not a “cure”. It is a lifelong developmental condition that can affect different areas of a child’s development, but there are strategies which can help reduce some of the difficulties. 

A child, young person or adult with Autism might experience difficulties with some of the following: 

  • Difficulties in social communication and interaction
  • Restricted and repetitive behaviour
  • Difficulties in areas of development or behaviour.

A person with Autism might struggle with sensory sensitivities, changes to routines and transitioning. They may also spend a lot of time and energy focusing on a special interest(s) in which they may become very knowledgeable.

Book an appointment with your or your child’s GP and tell them about the difficulties you or your child are experiencing. Ask for a referral for assessment. Your GP will listen to your concerns and decide whether a referral for a specialist Autism or ADHD assessment is appropriate. Your GP will discuss with you what your referral options are.

If you’re struggling with things like concentration, emotions, routines, social interactions or sensory sensitivities and you think Autism or ADHD might be the reason the best place to start is by speaking to your GP. You can also speak to a healthcare professional such as a health visitor or school nurse, SENCO (the staff member at school who supports children with additional needs) or a specialist in your local area.

Your GP will listen to your concerns and decide whether a referral for a specialist Autism or ADHD assessment is appropriate. Your GP will discuss with you what your referral options are. In Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country there are two main routes to get an assessment:

  • Through our local NHS Trusts - GPs can refer people directly to local NHS services. Professionals working in schools can also refer a child or young person and, as they will often know them well, they are best placed to do so.

Right now, local NHS waiting times are longer than we would want. That is why some people choose other options

  • Through independent sector providers under "Right to Choose".

Right To Choose lets people choose an independent provider through the NHS from anywhere in England. Your GP can make this type of referral. This route may lead to quicker assessments, but there are some careful considerations to be made about this, if this is a suitable path for each person. Right To Choose is explained further on this here.

Under our local NHS Trusts, children and young people aged 0-18 and adults aged 18years and above, who are registered with a GP in Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull can get an ADHD or Autism assessment.

 

A number of independent sector providers deliver ADHD and Autism assessments under Right to Choose. Some of these providers are commissioned by other Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and do not hold a contract with Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull ICBs. This means that the age range of who can get an assessment is decided by the ICB who has commissioned the provider and not us. You can still ask to be referred to these providers for an assessment, but it is helpful to check what age criteria they have.

Your GP can refer you for an ADHD and/or Autism assessment with either local NHS Trusts or to independent sector providers under Right to Choose. Patients cannot self-refer to an independent provider under Right to Choose.

 

You can also speak to a healthcare professional such as a health visitor or school nurse, SENCO (the staff member at school who supports children with additional needs) or a specialist in your local area. They may also be able to refer you to our NHS Trusts but cannot refer you to independent sector providers under Right to Choose. Only your GP can refer you to an independent sector provider under Right to Choose.

Be honest about your or your child’s difficulties at school, work, in relationships, or daily life. Let them know why you think Autism or ADHD might be involved. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to ask for help.

 

You could also talk about the areas of life where you or your child are struggling with. This could include:

  • Problems with sleep
  • Behaviour
  • Learning abilities
  • Social skills

 

You could also talk about what kind of support might help. This could include support from school or college, your employer, mental health services, social care, or local voluntary organisations.

 

A diagnosis can help explain your experiences, but it is not always needed for you to access reasonable adjustments, advice, or support. Many services work on a needs-led basis so it’s okay to ask for help even if you’re still waiting for, or not seeking, an assessmen

Your GP will listen to your concerns and decide whether a referral for a specialist Autism or ADHD assessment is appropriate. If it seems appropriate they can refer you. They should also talk to you about your choices including the option of using Right to Choose (sometimes called Patient Choice).

This just means the doctor or professional believes there are clear signs that an Autism or ADHD assessment is needed. This decision is based on:

  • Your symptoms and how they affect everyday life.
  • Whether the symptoms fit official guidance (like DSM-5 or ICD 10 or 11).
  •  A review of your past and present difficulties.
  • Making sure there isn’t another cause for your symptoms.
  • The referral being made by someone like a GP or designated local team.

Yes. Combined Autism and ADHD assessments are available. Speak to your GP if you think this is appropriate for you or your child.

If your doctor doesn’t think an assessment is appropriate they can still help you find other support. This might include mental health support, learning support or other services.

Getting help

You should discuss your concerns with your child's teacher, their school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) or a GP if you think their difficulties may be different from most children their age. You can also speak to your Health Visitor and Early Years key worker.

It's also a good idea to speak to a GP if you are an adult and think you may have ADHD or Autism but were not diagnosed with the condition as a child.

Families information gathering

Whilst you are waiting for assessment, it may be helpful to keep notes of the areas that you or your child are having difficulties with. This will be helpful during the assessment process.

There is support available to help you while you are waiting for your assessment. Please click on the link below for the area where your GP practice is based to find out more about the services and support available to you:

 

Birmingham Birmingham support whilst waiting

Dudley Neurodivergence Hub | Dudley Council

Sandwell Sandwell SEND Local Offer

Solihull Solihull support whilst waiting

Walsall Welcome to Walsall's SEND Local Offer | Send

Wolverhampton  Support Available While You Wait for an Appointment | Wolverhampton SEND Local Offer

 

Self-help hints and tips

  • Try to get a good night’s sleep by turning off electronic devices, such as mobile telephones or tablet computers, an hour before sleep.
  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet, with enough fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • Get regular exercise, this could include a brisk walk.
  • Worried, stressed or anxious? Talk to someone about it; don’t bottle it up problems or worries.
  • Got too much to do? Break down tasks or work in small chunks or steps, take your time.
  • If it helps create a routine in your daily life. If structure works for you – use it. Try setting reminders.
  • Try and find or do a hobby. This will encourage you to learn maybe a new skill and can help make new friends.
  • Focus on the positives in your life, not the negatives. Nobody is perfect, but everybody has strengths and skills.

 

Workplace and education adjustments

If you are waiting for a diagnostic assessment and you feel that you would benefit from reasonable adjustments at your place of work or study, you could discuss this with your employer or educator, as they may be able to assist you without needing a diagnosis.

 

Mental Health and Wellbeing

If you need urgent mental health help, you can get local mental health crisis advice anytime by calling 111 and choosing the mental health option (option 2). You’ll be connected to the Mental Health Professional.

If you or someone you are with is in immediate physical danger, please call 999 or visit A&E.

Mental wellbeing offers in your area can be found here

 

Are you aware of Talking Therapies?

NHS Talking Therapies offers brief psychological therapy for people experiencing common mental health problems such as depression, low mood, anxiety and stress.

Details on how to contact us in your area are available here. 

 

We provide a variety of services including;

  • Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • 1:1 CBT sessions (telephone, video or face-to-face appointments)
  • Counselling for depression
  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Group sessions
  • Employment advisors
  • Signposting / Referring to other services

We work with the following conditions:

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder
  • Stress
  • Low mood and depression
  • Panic Disorder
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Phobias
  • Health anxiety
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Social anxiety
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Low self-esteem
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
  • Pre and post-natal wellbeing concerns
  • Dealing with difficult life events
  • Living with a long-term health condition

We do not offer:

  • Diagnosis
  • Medication
  • Treatment for individuals currently already receiving psychological therapies treatment from another mental health service or on a waiting list for mental health treatment (excludes ADHD Service).
  • Emergency treatment for individuals in crisis and in need urgent help with mental health

 

More information

Assessments usually include:

  • Discussions about your life history, (including childhood, adolescence, birth, and infancy) and current challenges.
  • Input from family members or close contacts who can provide insight into your experiences i.e. a partner, parent, or older sibling.
  • Family history (including any family history of neurodevelopmental and/or psychiatric disorders).
  • Medical and mental health history
  • Education and employment history
  • Observations and standard tests.

 

Before the assessment, prepare by gathering information about:

  • Your developmental history e.g. how you learnt skills, developed milestones and your behaviours when you were a child.
  • Work, relationships, and daily challenges
  • Substance misuse history
  • Forensic/offending history
  • History of trauma
  • Previous evaluations or treatments.

 

If you need help completing any forms or questionnaires sent to you before your assessment, please contact your provider, who will be able to support you with this.

How do I get a referral for an ADHD or ASC assessment under Right To Choose? Find out more.
ADHD commissioning policy BCICB
Autism Commissioning Policy BCICB
Get help in a crisis
Find out more about the range of local mental health support services available

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