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ADHD & Autism

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse .

Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change, such as when they start school.  Most cases are diagnosed when children are 6 to 12 years old. 

The symptoms of ADHD usually improve with age, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems.

People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders.

Getting help 

Many children go through phases where they are restless or inattentive. This is often completely normal and does not necessarily mean they have ADHD.

But you should consider raising your concerns with your child's teacher, their school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENDCO) or a GP if you think their behaviour may be different from most children their age.

It's also a good idea to speak to a GP if you're an adult and think you may have ADHD, but were not diagnosed with the condition as a child.

There are many services, charities and helpful websites that can help everyone affected by ADHD and your mental health. Here are some of those:

Stripes - The West Yorkshire ADHD Charity are a peer-led voluntary support group offering a wide range of support to both adults with ADHD and parents/carers of children with ADHD.

You/your child does not need a diagnosis to join our group. If you suspect that you/your child may have ADHD, you are very welcome to join us.

The support we offer is tailored to the individual's needs and includes listening to concerns and providing moral support, providing information on ADHD and co-morbid conditions and giving practical advice on coping strategies as well as advocacy where required.
For more information, send a message via their Facebook page (opens link in new window)

Mind provides advice and support to help anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. They will not give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.

MIND website (opens link in new window)

What is Autism?

Autism is a processing difference that can have an impact on many areas of a person’s life. Autistic people often experience differences in how they process information, their sensory environment and how they interact with other people.

While autistic people share some similar characteristics, they are also all different from each other. This is because autism is considered a spectrum. The autism spectrum is not linear from high to low but varies in every way that one person might vary from another. There is no ‘typical’ autistic person. Every autistic individual has their own strengths, differences and needs, their own life journey and their own unique story.

Some people who have Autism may also have learning disabilities, mental health issues or other conditions.

Having an Autism assessment will identify what strengths, differences and needs someone may have and how those can be supported at home and school and address any concerns.

Most importantly, it can help someone understand their differences and navigate the world around them.

Additional support for children and young people with Autism is provided by:

  • the Early Years SEN Team for children aged 0-5 (EYSEND Team), and
  • Kirklees Complex Communication and Interaction Outreach Team (CCI Team) for children and young people over 5

EYSEND Team

This team offers inclusion provide support and advice to all early years settings (private, voluntary, independent and maintained) around young children with complex needs including social communication difficulties.

Portage is part of the team and provide home-based specialist teaching support to very young children with complex needs including those with social communication needs (where not yet attending an early years setting).

CCI Team

This team meets the special educational needs of children and young people in schools with social communication difficulties including Autism.  This covers all children and young people with social communication needs regardless of any referral to the Autism Assessment Team.

Educational Psychology Service (EP service)

Educational Psychology are part of the Kirklees Council Learning and Early Support Service and work with parents, schools and other agencies to support children and young people age 0-25.  They help school staff, parents and carers to find solutions to improve the learning outcomes of children and young people and support children and young people’s social and emotional development and wellbeing.

Sensory Occupational Therapy service

Some children and young people with Autism also have some sensory needs.  Within Kirklees we have a team of sensory occupational therapists who can provide support.   Sensory OT's work across Kirklees with children and young people with sensory integration difficulties that are impacting on their development and independence.  They work closely with teachers and other professionals to train and advise those working with the child and young person to understand and recognise their sensory needs. They give advice on making changes to the child’s environment and strategies to meet sensory needs and to help develop independence. 

 

There are many services, charities and helpful websites that can help everyone affected by Autism and your mental health. Here are some of those:

The Huddersfield Support Group for Autism offers advice, meetings, trips and events amongst other things. They are a voluntary, self-help group of individuals and families living or working with Autism. Please join the group if it is for you. A confirmed diagnosis of ASD is not needed to join.

A local Autism support group in Kirklees that offers mutual support and access to literature, training courses and professional guests. The support group is accessible by the whole family, from individuals affected by Autism, siblings, parents and carers to extended family members, greatly reducing the isolation felt by many.

The UK's leading charity for people on the Autism spectrum and their families. They provide support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for Autistic people.

NAS website (opens link in new window)

 The AET works to support schools, local authorities and parents & carers with information advice and guidance around improving access to education and outcomes for those with autism.  They have made a lot of really useful guides for parents including (all links open a PDF in new page):

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Last updated: 21/12/2023