Pilot Program for Neurodivergent Children Aims for Significant Impact

Kenton Mee, like numerous other parents, has observed his child facing challenges associated with neurodivergent conditions. He recounts that during his son’s early years, indicators of sensory-seeking requirements were present, yet obtaining assistance proved difficult. “It took a significant number of years and going through the school system for those needs to be recognised and identified,” Mr. Mee stated. Despite his son having matured, Mr. Mee participates in the implementation of a pilot initiative designed to provide prompt assistance to children awaiting official evaluations for conditions such as autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He serves as the chief executive of the North Somerset Parent Carers Working Together group, an organization collaborating with healthcare providers, charitable bodies, and educational institutions on a six-month trial of an innovative profiling instrument for children. This trial is being conducted across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset, with the objective of identifying children’s needs and providing support irrespective of a formal diagnosis. Vicki Bates, the children’s autism assessment lead at Sirona Care & Health, the organization implementing the pilot, commented: “For a lot of the support that is available you don’t need a diagnosis, so we recognise there are difficulties around waiting times.” She added, “Understanding a young person’s needs and supporting them at the earliest opportunity gives them the greatest chance of success.” Mr. Mee endorses this novel strategy, which is undergoing a six-month trial in 42 primary and secondary schools. He stated: “I think that we will see a system that supports that child or young person, and supports the family, and that will make a big difference in them being able to then access education, access their communities, so I’m hopeful it’ll make a big difference in the long-run.” At Herons’ Moor Academy in Weston-super-Mare, this new methodology has been applied over recent weeks for children who have been on the waiting list for an extended period. Donna Harris, the assistant principal of the school, informed the BBC that one student has received assistance with sleep difficulties, which had been identified as a problem. She explained: “One of the strategies has been to use an app that helps with mindfulness… and it was something that we wouldn’t have thought of before.” The child and their family have been able to explore this approach, which has begun to show a positive impact. Ms. Harris expressed a desire for the trial to extend past March, confident that it is already demonstrating effectiveness. She further commented: “Being able to contact professionals and have detailed conversations with them about these young people ahead of any diagnosis or anything, is really good.” Following the conclusion of the trial, the regional health provider will assess the outcomes to determine the efficacy of the early intervention. Readers can follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram, and submit story ideas via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their external linking policy is available.