In crisis?

Autism & ADHD support

ADHD medication supply disruption:

For the latest updates and information on the national supply shortage of medication prescribed to help manage ADHD symptoms, visit the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System website. 

Phone number:
0344 257 3952
Address:

The Lighthouse Child
Development Centre
Snakes Lane
Southend-on-Sea
SS2 6XT

What is ‘neurodiversity?’

Being neurodivergent just means that your brain works in a different way. It includes a wide range of differences, such as Autism, ADHD, Tourettes Syndrome, Dyspraxia, OCD, and Dyslexia.

Children referred to this service are likely to be experiencing differences that may be impacting their development such as communication, attention, sensory, emotional regulation, activity levels and organising themselves. You may notice strengths that these differences bring as well as challenges in school, friendships, going out and about, joining in after-school clubs as well as life at home. 

How we can help

We supports children who have a neurodevelopmental disorder as well as their parents and carers. It is available for children and young people living in the Southend, Castle Point and Rochford area. 

Our neurodevelopmental pathway helps children and young people who are showing signs of a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Our team can assess children and young people to find out if they have aneurodevelopmental condition such as:

  • ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) – finding it hard to sit still, focus, or control impulses
  • Autism (ASD) – seeing and understanding the world in a different way
  • Tics or Tourette’s Syndrome – making sudden sounds or movements that can’t be easily controlled
  • Dyspraxia – having trouble with movement or coordination

Having a diagnosis can help children, parents, and carers understand needs better and get the right support.

However, your child does not need a diagnosis to get help in school. You can find more information and support on our Support with your child’s Autism or ADHD assessment page.

Referral information

Schools, GPs and other healthcare professionals can refer a child or young person to the neurodisability pathway. Visit our referrals webpage to access information on the referral process and required forms

We are not currently able to accept referrals from families. If you are a parent or carer seeking support with your child’s neurodevelopment please speak to your GP or other professional to discuss making a referral. 

Visit our referrals webpage for information about the neurodevelopmental pathway for parents and carers.

There are a wide range of local, national and international resources available for parents and carers who are supporting a child or young person with neurodevelopmental needs. You can find these on our resources for parents and carers page. 

Getting a referral

Professionals from health, education, or social care can refer a child to the Neurodevelopmental Pathway.
At the moment, we cannot accept referrals directly from parents or carers.

It’s important that the referral includes the right and complete information. The professional who knows your child best should make the referral.
If your child is in school or nursery, this is usually their teacher or SENDCO, rather than your GP.

If you’re worried about your child’s development:

  • Speak first with their nursery, school, or education setting SENDCO.
  • For very young children, talk to your health visitor.

Resources for support

Neurodevelopmental Pathway Referrals Information and support leaflets