Support for families of children with neurodevelopmental differences/ additional needs in Norfolk

General advice and support

• Just One Norfolk is the ‘go to’ health website for Norfolk and Waveney families and includes a range of information and support for families to access including sleep issues, parent, and child emotional health. Telephone 0300 300 0123.
• Ambitious About Autism guide to autism in the early years provides guidance and practical support about autism for families of children under 5 years old.

Support for my child/ young person in school

• Speak to your child’s school Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO).
• Review the SEND (special educational need and/or disability) Local Offer information.
• Look at the advice pack developed for schools and professionals.
• The Education Triage Scheme in Norfolk enables your child’s school SENCO to seek telephone advice directly from a psychologist if there is concern that your child’s skills or behaviours may be suggestive of a neurodevelopmental difference such as autism or ADHD. Please speak to the school SENCO if you have concerns.

Support for myself and my family

• Norfolk SENDIASS offer free impartial advice about SEND
• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) online course offers some practical strategies to help you support your child in a positive way.
• Family Voice Norfolk parent carer forum.
• Norfolk and Suffolk SEND association (Nansa) provides support and activities for children, young people, adults and families.
• Recovery College provides free online training about autism for adults.
• ASD Helping Hands provides workshops, activity days and residential breaks for children, young people and their families
• Autism Anglia Norfolk Support Groups provides links to support and activity groups for children and young people
• Carers Matter Norfolk specialise in supporting young carers and their families.
• Autism Central provides resources, online drop in and support for families.
• ADHD Foundation resources for families
• PDA Society pathological demand avoidance resources for families

Support for my child with sleep difficulties

•  nansa sleep service for families of children with SEND experiencing sleep difficulties

·         Discovery College offers free educational online courses and webinars on mental health topics for 16 – 25 year olds.

·         This May Help – advice for supporting your child’s mental health.

·         Childline – call 0800 1111.

·         Papyrus – prevention of young suicide – call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967.

·         Samaritans – call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

Support for my child/young person in mental health crisis

• NHS 111 Mental Health Option – 24 hour urgent mental health support. Dial 111 and select option 2.
• SHOUT 24 hour crisis text service for mental health – Text “shout” to 85258 for urgent mental health support.

If at serious risk of imminent harm dial 999 or attend nearest Accident and Emergency department.

Information about the neurodevelopmental condition assessment pathway

• ·See the Norfolk County Council Local Offer website for advice for parents seeking assessments for neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Family Action provide a support service for both parents of children and young people in Norfolk and Waveney who are awaiting assessment by the Neurodevelopmental Service or who have been diagnosed with ASD or ADHD. Parents can access workshops, support groups, courses and individual support and advice in matters relating to their child’s needs.

Support with Education Health and Care Plan processes

• Education, health and care plans (EHCP) guidance Norfolk County Council.
• Norfolk SEN network aim to help parents of children and young people with SEND (0-25 years) to find the right educational placement or provision to meet their needs.
• Norfolk Sendiass provide free impartial information, advice, and support about SEND for children, young people, parents, and carers. They also provide a support line and training for parents and professionals.Family Support Factsheet_Norfolk (1)