Neurodiversity
Often the term neurodiversity is used in the context of Autism and ADHD and refers to the natural differences in the way our brains work.
Some people’s brains simply work in a different way. Your child's brain is unique to them. Therefore they will have unique skills, abilities, and needs. They may experience and interact with the world around them in different ways. There is no right or wrong way of thinking, learning and behaving. Someone who is neurodivergent behaves, thinks and learns differently to those who are neurotypical.
If you think it may be helpful for your child or young person to have an assessment for autism or ADHD start by speaking with your child’s teacher or the school's special educational needs coordinator (SENCO). If your child or young person isn't in school speak to another professional involved with them such as your child's health visitor or GP.
Children aged 0-5
Children aged 0-5s should be referred to the Child Development Centre for Autism diagnostic services.
Children aged 5-18
CAMHS STW provides Autism and ADHD diagnostic assessments for children (aged 5-18) in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
Educational Psychology Services across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin embarked on a joint project to create this ‘bitesize’ guide. This guide is designed to help people learn, reflect, and grow in how they use language around neurodiversity. It was first made for people working with children and young people (CYP), but it can be useful for anyone.
Language is more than words; it is key to shaping understanding, building inclusion, and promoting fairness.
Creating this guide supports our goal to use person-centred approaches, reduce stigma, and respect neurodivergent identities across education, health, and social care.
Why We Started
Our goal was simple yet powerful: create a resource that helps professionals speak, and write, in ways that show respect and support for neurodivergent identities.
The Collaborative Process
Led by EP teams, this guide was co-produced with colleagues from 0-25 and adult services involving:
Neurodiversity practitioners
Social care and health professionals
Speech and language specialists
Families with lived experience
Every voice mattered. All voices helped shape the guide.
What We Created
A glossary of key terms
Guidance on identity-first vs person-first language
Language swaps
Principles for neuro-affirming writing and practice
Reflection points to encourage ongoing growth
This guide is not about prescribing “correct” words, it’s about inspiring a shift in mindset.
Why It Matters
When we change our language, we change lives. It helps create environments where neurodivergent children and young people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin we have a child and young people’s Neurodiversity workstream, which is a group of people who meet to explore and celebrate neurodiversity. The aim of the group is to make sure children and young people who are neurodivergent are appreciated, understood and well supported. You can find out more about how they share information, good news and consider what could be done to make improvements for children and young people in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin by watching this video.
PINS brings together health and education specialists and expert parent carers into mainstream primary settings to:
Help shape whole school SEND provision
Provide early interventions at a school level
Upskill school staff
Support strengthening of partnerships between schools and parent carers
The project focuses on addressing children's needs rather than diagnoses, creating supportive environments and boosting outcomes for neurodiverse children. The PINS Project Team, including our Parent Carer Forum, PODS, is currently support 35 primary schools across Telford and Wrekin.
The schools who received the support in 2024-2025 have an embedding offer, which includes a series of face to face workshops linked to the different domains of neurodiversity. Those joining in 2025 continue to receive bespoke support to meet the needs of the pupils at the school. In addition all schools receive support from PODs, to establish strong relationships with parent carers and to involve them in co-production.
Schools involved with PINS have access to a wide range of CPD, covering all aspects of neurodiversity and this includes all secondary schools, to ensure that support is available to children and young people on transition to KS3.
Misinformation: neurodiversity is frequently in the news and unfortunately there are often many false claims made that can make life harder for neurodivergent people and their families. For more information about current misinformation and how to tackle it visit this National Autistic Society webpage.
Healthier Together – An NHS website offering clear information and advice on health services and support in Telford and Wrekin.
Healthier Together: Neurodiversity – Provides easy to understand guidance about neurodiversity.
Healthier Together: Support whilst waiting – Offers practical advice and resources for families who are waiting for health appointments or assessments, helping them feel supported during the waiting period.
Telford All Age Autism Hub – A local service providing information, advice, and support for autistic children, young people, and adults, as well as their families and carers. Includes workshops, drop ins, and personalised guidance.
National Autistic Society: Neurodiversity and autism – National guidance explaining neurodiversity, what autism is, and how it affects individuals. Provides trusted info
Last updated : 25 September 2026