To best support neurodivergent children and young people (and adults!), we must understand both the science of neurodevelopment and the personal inner experience of neurodivergence. Considering these two things together ensures that the young person’s voice and individual needs are at the centre of all support strategies.

We’ll start with the six areas of neurodevelopment – the different functions that come together to make up a neurotype and personality.

Cognitive

The ability to think and reason, including planning tasks and organizing oneself (executive function)

Communication

Understanding and responding to verbal (written and spoken) & nonverbal (body) messages being passed between yourself and others

Sensory

Experience and processing of sensory information from all senses (sight, sound, taste, smell, touch, balance, inside sensations, sense of body in space)

Motor

Specific co-ordination and control skills used in managing everyday tasks, i.e., gross and/or fine motor skills

Emotional

Understanding your own emotions and those of other people and managing those emotions in safe ways

Social

Understanding and applying cultural rules of social interaction in various settings.

An individual’s neurodevelopmental support needs are related to their strengths and challenges in each of these areas.

To identify strengths and challenges, parents/carers, their children, and the professionals who work with them can use the Neurodevelopmental Profile Wheel Tool. When everyone works together it can highlight what a young person needs in all aspects of their life so that they are able to live it in a fulfilling way.

For a more detailed look at each of these areas and the Profile Wheel Tool, watch the recordings included in the Neurodevelopmental Profile Wheel Tool Playlist.

Do you have concerns or questions that you want to go over with someone? 

Your child’s Named Person (or Lead Professional) is your first point of contact if there is something you want to discuss.

The Named Person is usually:

Ages 0-5 (pre-school): Health Visitor

Ages 5-12 (Primary School): Head Teacher or Principal Teacher

Ages 12-18 (Secondary School): Guidance Teacher or Head Teacher