Neurodevelopmental support for Children, Young People and Families
In South Ayrshire, the way we support children and young people with neurodevelopmental differences (NDD) and their families has changed.
We have been listening to the experiences of parents and carers in accessing NDD supports for their children and are currently working together across children's services to explore new ways of working that will best meet the needs of our children and young people.
We have developed a multi-agency support pathway to ensure families receive the right support at the right time by the right service. We have a range of resources to support children and their families. These resources and supports can be accessed both with and without a formal diagnosis. If you wish support through this pathway, please ask your child's school to refer or speak to your GP.
We are working intensively to ensure we can appropriately support all children and young people with NDD across all our services and look forward to sharing our plans in due course.
We are currently unable to process referrals for neurodevelopmental assessments for conditions such as Autism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), except where there are additional mental health concerns. In these cases, children and young people can be referred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). We are working hard across Ayrshire to consider the development of a new model for neurodevelopmental assessment and will update this webpage as soon as we have further information.
NEST support
The Neurodevelopmental Empowerment & Strategy Team (NEST) provides a service that is open to anyone in Ayrshire who is looking for advice or support around Autism, ADHD, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), or other neurodevelopmental differences.
Whether you are seeking advice for yourself, your child, or a young person you care for, please note that a diagnosis is not required to access the service.
NEST can provide practical information around a range of neurodevelopmental differences and how to navigate daily challenges, signpost you to useful sources of support within Ayrshire, and help you to feel more in control.
The team also holds regular free workshop events across Ayrshire on a range of topics that anyone can attend.
