# data[].attributes.headline
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme 

# data[].attributes.subject
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Digital mental health workbooks :: Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Drop in services at the Living Well Hub - weekly timetable - Living Well Warrington

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At the Living Well Hub you can access a range of health services, as well as wellbeing and mental health support, advice for families and carers, healthy l

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Every child achieving and thriving (HTML version)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Childhood is changing and our education system must change with it. Children are growing up in a world that is evolving faster, with increased connectivity but also uncertainty, increased communication but growing mistrust. Our children’s horizons are wider, their ambitions greater and their determination to make the world a better place even stronger.

# data[].attributes.headline
SEND White Paper 2026 (Easy Read Version)

# data[].attributes.subject
SEND White Paper 2026 (Easy Read Version)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sensory Integration Mini Series - Introduction and Activities of Daily Living

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Taketime Meditations - Christian Meditations

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Encounter Jesus now No religious knowledge or background needed Help us keep Taketime audio meditations free - donate here Testimonies

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This year, Place2Be's official Children's Mental Health Week will take place from 5-11 February 2024. Our theme is 'My Voice Matters'.

We have free resources available to download so that everyone can take part in Children's Mental Health Week. Take a look and see what's available for schools, families and how you can take part and raise vital funds for children's mental health.

Get your own digital or physical copy of our pack, which is bursting with resources to help you take part - from class activities and assembly guides, to lots of creative arts and crafts and fun photobooth props!

Get a resource pack

Our free resources for families, parents and carers can help you get involved with Place2Be's Children's Mental Health Week at home.

Families

Find out more

Learn about how Children's Mental Health Week started and find out about this year's theme, 'My Voice Matters'.

Learn about the week

Download resources

Use our free resources for primary schools and secondary or high schools to take part in Children's Mental Health Week.

Schools

Take part

Find out how you can take part in the week, spread the word and raise vital funds to get us closer to reaching our goal that no child or young person has to face mental health problems alone.

Take part

Raise money

Help us reach our mission our goal that no child or young person has to face a mental health problem alone.

Fundraise for us

Add yourself to our map!

We'd love for you to add your school or organisation to our map! You can see who else is taking part in Children's Mental Health Week across the UK.

However you're planning on taking part in giving a voice to children and young people, we'd love to hear it.
Add yourself to our map

Tell me more

Sign up for Place2Be's Children's Mental Health Week email alerts to be the first to hear about new updates.

How we made a difference in 2023

Schools, families and organisations across the UK (and the world!) took part in Children's Mental Health Week 2023. Whether you downloaded a resource to use in class, held an assembly, organised a fundraiser, made a donation, or tweeted about the week - your support helped Place2Be to reach more children, young people and families.

114330

raised for Place2Be

197000

downloads of our resources

516463

children and young people supporting the week

News and blogs

Keep up with the latest news and views about Children's Mental Health Week.

Children's Mental Health Week 2024: resources available now

With just over 3 months until the week, we're excited to release our free resources to help everyone get involved.

Read more

Place2Be announces theme for Children's Mental Health Week 2024

Place2Be wants all children and young people to be able to say - and believe - "My Voice Matters".

Read more

Young Voices to support Place2Be's Children's Mental Health Week 2024

Young Voices has selected Place2Be as its charity partner for another year, following two successful years of partnership.

Read more

Would you like to become a supporter for Children's Mental Health Week? Get in touch to find out more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Place2Be's Official Children's Mental Health Week shines a spotlight on the importance of children's and young people's mental health.

# data[].attributes.body
Hub of Hope shows you all of the mental health support available for your local area (for both adults and children)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Contented Child, Child Wellbeing Consultancy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
South East based company that offers a range of training, consultancy and packages on nurturing the... CT19 4JD UK，Kent

# data[].attributes.body
We’re also offering parent/carers a free Qustodio account. Facilitating parental controls on any one device. This enables parents/carers to gain more visibility on what’s going on in their child’s online world, block dangerous content, introduce screen- free schedules, receive alerts for inappropriate content, keep tabs on their location and more.

Qustodio 30 day school special | Qustodio

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Online Safety Hub - Warrington Safegaurding Partnership

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Neurodevelopment Assessment Pathway Service – Warrington – Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Neurodevelopment Pathway Team The Pebbles Child Development Centre Sandy Lane Orford Warrington WA2 9HY

# data[].attributes.body
Contact details for the Specialist Neurodevelopmental Nursing Team (your child must have a diagnosis to use this service)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
NHS guide to autism. Find out what autism is and what the common signs are. Get help and advice if you or your child are autistic.

# data[].attributes.headline
Warrington Children's SALT (Speech and Language Therapy)

# data[].attributes.subject
Warrington Children's SALT (Speech and Language Therapy)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Children’s Speech and Language Therapy Service – Warrington – Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our Warrington Children’s Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Department works with children and young people with speech, language, communication or swallowing difficulties from 0 – 16 years of age (0-19 if attending special schools).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Right to Choose Autism Assessment UK: Your Complete 2025 Guide

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Confused about the Right to Choose for autism assessments in the UK? Our 2025 guide simplifies the process, eligibility and funding options. Get faster access to diagnosis now!

# data[].attributes.body
Warrington Parents and Carers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Warrington Parents & Carers Forum | Warrington

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Access support, training, & resources for families of children with special needs. Join us to advocate for better local services.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
To help us keep this website secure, please wait while we verify you’re not a robot! It will only take a few seconds…

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Speech and Language UK: Changing young lives

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to content

We give families the confidence and skills to help their children. If you're concerned about your child's speech and language development, we can help.

We know that it can be hard to know where to start if you are worried about your child's development. If you think your child is having challenges with talking and understanding words, we are here to help you.

Our free resources and services can help with understanding what to look out for, how to get support and even some simple ways you can help your child at home.

Our progress checker will provide short questions you can answer to see how your baby or child is getting on with their talking and understanding of words.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Help for families - Speech and Language UK: Changing young lives

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We give families the confidence and skills to help their children. Access our free resources and learn more about ways to encourage children's speech and language development.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Made with Softr, the easiest way to turn your data into portals and internal tools.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Warrington SEND, Information, Advice and Support Service helps parents, carers and young people with special educational needs in early education settings, schools and colleges.

Most children will move through pre-school, school and college without any major problems, but some children and young people, may have difficulties in learning. If you have concerns or worries we may be able to help.

We can explain:

How the education system works

What early education providers, schools and colleges can do to help your child/young person.

What local authorities and other services can do to help your child/young person.

Your rights and your child/young persons rights.

We work in partnership with parents, schools, colleges, local authority and other service providers.
Message from North Boroughs Healthcare (NHS Foundation Trust )
Need urgent help with your mental health?

Live in Halton, Knowlsey, St Helens, or Warrington?

Call us on our new freephone number - we can help 0800 051 1508

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Warrington SEND, Information, Advice and Support Service helps parents, carers and young people with special educational needs in early education settings, schools and colleges. Most children will move through pre-school, school and college without any major problems, but some children and young people, may have difficulties in learning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Leisure, play and sensory activities

For disabled children, young people and adults

Warrington Play and Sensory Centre is a purpose built activity centre for disabled children and adults or those with special needs.

Our facilities have been planned carefully, and are fully accessible to ensure that your time with us is as enjoyable as possible.

Our four zones

We have built a number of different areas where you can relax or play.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Warrington Play and Sensory Centre is a purpose built activity centre for disabled children and adults or those with special needs. Our facilities have been planned carefully, and are fully accessible to ensure that your time with us is as enjoyable as possible. We have built a number of different areas where you can relax or play.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our new local offer has launched and is replacing Ask Ollie. We are committed to continually improving the information available across education, health, and social care.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our early help teams work with participating families provide support to children, young people and their families as soon as difficulties start to emerge. We work with families and professionals to offer a range of support services, including:

# data[].attributes.body
Mental Health Support in Warrington

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Warrington in Mind | Warrington Voluntary Action

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Warrington in Mind (WiM) is an alliance of third sector groups and organisations. It’s a platform to promote a collaborative and collective approach to improving mental health services within the town. WiM aims to provide the VCFSE with a voice to ensure you’re a valued part of the co-design and transformation of services. If you’d like to be involved please complete the expression of interest below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Graduated response guide for families | warrington.gov.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It better enables parents, schools, and external agencies to work with each other to ensure that a programme of early intervention is delivered to support children and young people in Warrington.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We all deserve to enjoy life and feel good about ourselves but sometimes life can be tough! Whether you're feeling great and want to stay that way, you're a bit tired and fed up or you're struggling to manage your feelings, we can point you to local and national information and resources.

# data[].attributes.headline
Ages and Stages- resource library Speech and Language UK

# data[].attributes.subject
Ages and Stages- resource library Speech and Language UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Resource library for families - Speech and Language UK: Changing young lives

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our team of speech and language therapists have written these helpful info pages, based on our most frequently asked questions from families.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Warrington Youth Zone provides young people with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.

# data[].attributes.body
Families United Warrington

Bringing families together through inclusive fun

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Made with Softr, the easiest way to turn your data into portals and internal tools.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
To help us keep this website secure, please wait while we verify you’re not a robot! It will only take a few seconds…

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
CAFT is a registered charity that provides day trips, residential breaks and seasonal activities for children across the North West whose lives may be impacted by illness, complex medical needs, special educational needs, disability and social disadvantage.

At CAFT, we are committed to creating a joyful and inclusive environment where children of all abilities can come together to have fun and be themselves. Our team ensures that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, feels welcomed and valued.

If you would like some more information about what we offer, click on our Visits page or to become involved with our wonderful charity, head to our Support page.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
CAFT | Fun filled days for children living with challenging lives

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
CAFT is a registered charity that provides day trips, residential breaks and seasonal activities for children across the North West whose lives may be impacted by illness, complex medical needs, special educational needs, disability and social disadvantage. At CAFT, we are committed to creating a joyful and inclusive environment where children of all abilities can come together to have fun and be themselves.

# data[].attributes.body
Charity for Young People's Mental Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mental Health Statistics UK | Young People

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How common are mental health problems among young people in the UK? These statistics show the scale of the mental health crisis among young people today.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Women’s Aid is a grassroots federation working together to provide life-saving services and build a future where domestic violence is not tolerated.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ANDYSMANCLUB are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Warrington Food Network | Warrington Voluntary Action

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Kooth - the mental health and wellbeing platform for young people

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kooth is a free safe and anonymous platform for young people to find all kinds of support for their mental health and emotional wellbeing. From text-chat with trained emotional wellbeing practitioners and counsellors to helpful activities, resources and a supportive community, there are lots of ways to access support.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Wellbeing is about having a good quality of life. Many different issues can affect your wellbeing - worries about money, feeling stuck in a rut, or maybe wanting help to change, like quitting smoking.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Living Well Warrington - Living Well Warrington

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Living Well Warrington connects you to people, communities and services in Warrington. Supporting Warrington residents to live well.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We are working towards a world
where people with sensory loss can communicate effectively and live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives.

DSN was founded in 1976 as the Cheshire Deaf Society,
and now provides a wide range of support and services for deaf, deafblind, and people with a Visual Impairment in Cheshire and the surrounding areas.

The services we provide are highlighted on this site, many of them also in BSL, or you can contact us or visit one of our centres.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
DSN was founded in 1976 as the Cheshire Deaf Society, and now provides a wide range of support and services for deaf, deafblind, and people with a Visual Impairment in Cheshire and the surrounding areas. The services we provide are highlighted on this site, many of them also in BSL, or you can contact us or visit one of our centres.

# data[].attributes.body
Charity for Families with Disabled Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Contact - for families with disabled children | Contact

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are Contact, the charity for families with disabled children. We support families, bring families together and help families take action for others.

# data[].attributes.body
Warrington Autistic Neuro Diverse Support (for adults)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We are a support group for adults aged 18 and older who identify as neurodiverse or believe they might be on the spectrum, such as those with autism, Asperger's, ASD, ASC, ADHD, ADD, or sensory processing disorder. We welcome younger individuals aged 16 and above to join us, provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Our goal is to create an environment where you can feel accepted, supported, and free from judgment. Our primary focus is to foster friendships, encourage creativity, enjoy ourselves, and, above all, promote relaxation and authenticity. A formal diagnosis is not required to participate.

What to anticipate during our sessions:

The session run from 6pm to 8pm (feel free to come and go as you please). Refreshments are always provided. The tables are arranged in a café style, so if you'd prefer to sit alone while still being around others, that's perfectly acceptable. There's a jigsaw puzzle available that you can engage with. We offer sensory items and books about autism that can be checked out. We also have craft supplies, Lego, Scrabble, and a variety of games.

The group meets every other Wednesday evening 6pm-8pm at The Living well Hub 26-30 Horse market Street, Warrington WA1 1XL. For up to date info text or whatsapp 07889265358

Free Parking available in Golden Square shopping centre 2-42 Legh St, Warrington WA1 1QE

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Warrington Autistic Neuro Diverse Support (WANDS) | warrington.gov.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are a support group for adults aged 18 and older who identify as neurodiverse or believe they might be on the spectrum, such as those with autism, Asperger’s, ASD, ASC, ADHD, ADD, or sensory processing disorder. We welcome younger individuals aged 16 and above to join us, provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Our goal is to create an environment where you can feel accepted, supported, and free from judgment. Our primary focus is to foster friendships, encourage creativity, enjoy ourselves, and, above all, promote relaxation and authenticity.

# data[].attributes.body
Holiday Activities and Food Programme

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
School holidays can be difficult for some families. The cost of extra food, childcare, and activities to keep children active and entertained can be challenging.

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is a scheme funded by the Department for Education. It gives children who are eligible for free school meals the opportunity to take part in fun, enriching activities and receive a healthy meal. It runs during Easter, summer and the Christmas school holidays,

Who's involved?

We are in working with local schools, voluntary and community organisations as well as childcare providers to deliver the HAF programme to over 2,000 eligible pupils in Warrington.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
School holidays can be difficult for some families. The cost of extra food, childcare, and activities to keep children active and entertained can be challenging. The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is a scheme funded by the Department for Education.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are the UKs leading charity for autistic people and their families. Since 1962, we have been providing support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.

# data[].attributes.body
This is from outside of Warrington but has some really valuable information

# data[].attributes.body
A wonderful animation on the BBC about a little boy who has autism and how he deals with daily life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
5-year-old Pablo is on the autistic spectrum. He creates imaginary friends who come to life, and together they go on fun adventures and cope with tricky day-to-day situations.

# data[].attributes.headline
Working Together to Develop Social Communication 

# data[].attributes.subject
Working Together to Develop Social Communication 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Bridgewater Health Services YouTube Channel

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Working together to develop social communication Part 1 -  Bridgewater NHS Warrington Speech Therapy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Social communication - Bridgewater NHS Warrington Speech and Language Therapy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

# data[].attributes.headline
Early Language Strategies for Parents and Carers

# data[].attributes.subject
Early Language Strategies for Parents and Carers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Early Language Strategies for Parents and Guardians ELPG - YouTubeEarly Language Strategies for Parents and Guardians ELPG - YouTube

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

# data[].attributes.headline
Strategies to Support Early Communication Skills in the Early Years

# data[].attributes.subject
Strategies to Support Early Communication Skills in the Early Years

# data[].attributes.body
This training for Parents / Carers will explain differences with social interaction and communication which can be seen in young children.

It will provide Parents / Carers with strategies to help support social communication skills through play, everyday activities and visual strategies.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Strategies to support early communication skills in the early years - YouTubeStrategies to support early communication skills in the early years - YouTube

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

# data[].attributes.headline
Supporting Children with Attention and Listening Difficulties 

# data[].attributes.subject
Supporting Children with Attention and Listening Difficulties 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) - Afasic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) DLD (Developmental Language Disorder) is a relatively new term used to describe a severe ongoing difficulty with talking and/or understanding what other people say for which there is no obvious cause.

# data[].attributes.headline
Developmental Language Delay YouTube Channel

# data[].attributes.subject
Developmental Language Delay YouTube Channel

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to the RADLD channel, created to Raise Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder or 'DLD'. (Previously RALLI campaign). Here you will find videos ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Olaf is a three-year-old fox red Labrador therapist and a published author. He was invited to speak at the Cheltenham Literature Festival 2023. Olaf is a family pet registered with the Pets As Therapy (PAT) Charity. His job is to make people smile when, with his human mum (a specialist teacher and mindfulness coach), he visits hospitals and schools.

Every Thursday morning, Olaf goes to Battledown Special School. He enjoys his visits so much that he set his second book there! Team Olaf to the Rescue is a heartwarming story about his classroom adventures (it very cleverly rhymes!). With help from his merry band of canine mates, Olaf saves the school's Christmas celebrations and gives the children a party they will never forget. All the dogs in Team Olaf are Olaf's real friends whom he sees every day on his walks. They all play a vital role in the story, showing kindness, creativity, and bravery. Fun activities are added to stimulate the reader's imagination and memory.

Battledown School uses Makaton as part of their teaching and learning, so we included their symbols in the book to enable more of Olaf's human friends to enjoy it. We were delighted Makaton wanted to be involved in our project and are grateful to the Team for their expertise and patience. They provided symbols for the concepts/story words and explained where to place them on the page, so that the story makes sense to the Makaton reader.

Olaf's first book, Mr. Olaf the Therapist, is a mindfulness scrapbook, diarying his experiences in a mainstream school and his work in the NHS. As a PAT dog, Olaf visits Cheltenham General Hospital where he is a valued member of the Knightsbridge (Gastric) and Critical Care Teams. He has been doing this for over two years but is still banned from the staff rooms because of the doughnuts... It is a privilege and humbling to be welcomed so warmly by patients, their families, and Olaf's NHS colleagues. Olaf also shares his lifestyle wisdom with self-care activities and mindfulness questions to help us reflect on our own work/life balance.

Olaf gives all the proceeds from his books to the Pets as Therapy charity. He attends promotional PAT events e.g., Crufts and Goodwuff.

For more information about PAT and/or to buy Olaf's books, please visit Pets as Therapy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Tiny Happy People is here to help you develop your child's language skills. Explore our simple activities and play ideas and find out about babies and toddlers' amazing early development.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Children’s language development and parenting advice - BBC Tiny Happy People

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A chatty child is a happy child, so Tiny Happy People is here to help you develop your child’s communication skills through simple interaction and play.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
British Sign Language - Learn BSL Online

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
British Sign Language online course, free resources, games, information, and greeting cards. Learn British Sign Language today.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There is separate information about ADHD in adults.

Symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

Symptoms of ADHD usually start before the age of 12. They involve a person's ability to pay attention to things (being inattentive), having high energy levels (being hyperactive) and their ability to control their impulses (being impulsive).

A child or young person may show signs of being inattentive, such as:

being easily distracted

finding it hard to listen to what people are saying or to follow instructions

forgetting everyday tasks, like brushing their teeth or putting on socks

They may show signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, including:

having high energy levels

fidgeting or tapping their hands and feet

talking noisily

feeling restless, or getting up and moving around when they're supposed to sit still

finding it hard to wait their turn, or interrupting conversations

Most children and young people with ADHD have symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive type. Some only show signs of one type.

ADHD is thought to be recognised less often in girls than boys. This may be because girls with ADHD more commonly have inattentive symptoms and these can be harder to recognise.

Many children are easily distracted, impulsive and have high energy levels, particularly if they're under the age of 5. This does not mean they have ADHD. It could be a sign of something else, like being tired, anxious or stressed.

Getting help for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

If you're worried that ADHD may be affecting your child, talk to one of their teachers. An older child or teenager may choose to speak to a teacher themselves.

The teacher will usually make a referral to the school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO).

The SENCO can discuss support in the classroom or with homework, or help with building confidence and friendships.

If you're still worried or you think your child needs additional support, you may want to make an appointment with a GP.

At the GP appointment, the doctor will ask about the child or young person's symptoms and how these affect their life. They may consider other conditions that could cause these symptoms, such as autism, Tourette's or anxiety.

People with ADHD may often have other conditions too, such as depression, anxiety or addictions, or a learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

The GP or SENCO may recommend support groups or training for parents in your area.

Asking for an ADHD assessment

If support at home and at school is not helping your child, you may want to ask for an ADHD assessment. Speak to a GP or SENCO to request a referral for an ADHD assessment.

While waiting for a referral or assessment, the child or young person should continue to get support at home and in school. You can also contact your local council for advice, and to ask if there's a family hub in your area.

Family hubs support children and young people aged 0 to 19 (and up to 25 for people with special educational needs or a disability).

What happens at an ADHD assessment

The assessment will be with one or more ADHD specialists, such as a paediatrician, or a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

The specialist will talk with you and your child to find out more about any symptoms, and about family life. They'll also ask about your child's development, such as how old they were when they learned to do things like walking or reading.

There may be some forms to fill in before the appointment or as part of the assessment.

The ADHD specialist will usually contact a SENCO or teacher, or both, to see how your child is doing at school.

They may also ask your child to do a computer-based test to help assess their symptoms.

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, the specialist will discuss what this means and what happens next, including what treatment and support may be available.

Waiting times for ADHD assessments

Waiting times vary and your child may have to wait several months or years for an ADHD assessment.

You may be able to find a clinic with shorter waiting lists through your GP using the Right to Choose scheme. Read about Right to Choose and your choices in the NHS.

You can ask for an NHS appointment at any clinic, including a private clinic, if it provides ADHD services for the NHS in England.

Find out more about diagnosis pathways for children on the ADHD UK website.

How to manage ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

There are different ways to support a child or young person with ADHD, including lifestyle changes, changes at school and at home, or medicines.

It depends on their symptoms, and not every child needs help or support from a health professional.

Talk to a SENCO (special educational needs coordinator), or a school nurse where available, about changes that could help a child or young person.

Finding out more about ADHD can also help parents, children and young people better understand the condition.

If your child or teenager has been referred to an ADHD service, a specialist will be able to give you more information and advice about how to help them.

Lifestyle

There are things you can do to help support a child or young person with their ADHD symptoms.

Support at school and at home

Discuss with a SENCO what adjustments or support may help at home and school.

This may include:

splitting up tasks, like doing homework or sitting down to eat, into 15 to 20 minute slots with a break in between each slot

giving clear and simple instructions one at a time in a calm voice

writing a to-do list and putting it somewhere easy to see

giving praise when a child or young person does well, or making a reward chart

Medicine

ADHD medicines must be started and monitored by an ADHD specialist. This includes:

medicine to help with ADHD symptoms, such as methylphenidate

melatonin for problems sleeping, when other methods for improving sleep have not worked

Children and teenagers may need to try more than one medicine to find out what works for them.

A GP may be able to take over prescribing ADHD medicines, but only if there is a "shared care agreement" between the GP and the ADHD specialist. To find out more, talk to your ADHD specialist or GP. Not everyone with ADHD needs to or wants to take medicine.

Talking therapies

Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) might be recommended to help a child or young person with ADHD with problem solving and expressing their feelings.

ADHD and mental health

People with ADHD may be more likely to have mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.

They are also at higher risk of suicide.

If you're concerned about a child or young person, help and support is available right now if they need it. They do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone.
Find out about mental health support for children and young people

What causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

The cause of ADHD is not always known. ADHD may be caused by genetic differences and often runs in families.

There are several other things linked to ADHD, including being born premature (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), having epilepsy, a brain injury or being autistic.

Some people with ADHD call themselves neurodivergent. Neurodiversity describes the range of different ways our brains work.

Help and support for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

If your child or teenager has ADHD, there are ways you can help them manage their symptoms with support from their school or a doctor.

There are ADHD support groups locally and online.

There are also a number of organisations and charities that offer information and support about ADHD.

ADHD UK

Information and support for anyone affected by ADHD.

ADHD Foundation

Information for anyone affected by a neurodivergent condition, including ADHD.

ADHD Adult UK

Information and peer support for parents of children with ADHD, and for adults with ADHD.

Young Minds

Mental health support for young people.

AADD-UK

Charity which lists support groups across the UK, including groups for adults, parents and carers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out about ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children and teenagers, the symptoms of ADHD, how to get a diagnosis and how to manage it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Neurodevelopment Assessment Pathway Service – Warrington – Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Neurodevelopment Pathway Team The Pebbles Child Development Centre Sandy Lane Orford Warrington WA2 9HY

# data[].attributes.body
Contact details for the Specialist Neurodevelopmental Nursing Team (your child must have a diagnosis to use this service)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Support for Parents from Action For Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How can I support a child with ADHD at home? - Support for Parents from Action For Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If your child has ADHD, it’s useful to understand how they may behave and what they might need from you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We’re here to help people with ADHD Thrive. Positively changing what it means to have ADHD in the UK if not the world.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
NCMH (National Centre for Mental Health)

# data[].attributes.headline
Warrington Children's Occupational Therapy (OT)

# data[].attributes.subject
Warrington Children's Occupational Therapy (OT)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Children’s Occupational Therapy – Warrington – Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Warrington Children’s Occupational Therapy Child Development Centre Sandy Lane Orford Warrington WA2 9HY

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Warrington Children’s Occupational Therapy – Advice Sheets for Primary – Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Ground Floor Spencer House Birchwood Warrington Cheshire WA3 7PG

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Bridgewater Health Services YouTube Channel

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Warrington Children's Occupational Therapy  - What is Sensory Processing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to sensory circuits for beginners tutorial

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Rainbow Relaxation: Mindfulness for Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Paediatric Bladder and Bowel Care Service in Warrington – Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

# data[].attributes.body
The children's bowel and bladder charity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With your help, we can keep offering free support to those who need us.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Lorraine MacAlister discusses toileting difficulties in autistic children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We accept referrals from teachers / staff in schools and colleges in Warrington and Halton boroughs using the screening questionnaire (referral tool)

Referrals from other areas are accepted but parents must ask the school / college to complete the referral form and ask their GP to refer them to the service by submitting screening questionnaire (referral tool).

Please note that because of the nature of the testing and difficulties that we are assessing for, we do not normally accept referrals for children below the age of eight.
Complete the screening questionnaire (referral form)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Trust -

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We accept referrals from teachers / staff in schools and colleges in Warrington and Halton boroughs using the screening questionnaire (referral tool) Referrals from other areas are accepted but parents must ask the school / college to complete the referral form and ask their GP to refer them to the service by submitting screening questionnaire (referral tool).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Visual Stress has been known by many other names. Scotopic sensitivity syndrome, Meares- syndrome, Irlen syndrome, Visual Dyslexia, word crowding and Asfedia. Visual Stress is commonly defined as a perceptual processing disorder. This suggests that Visual Stress is not an optical problem, but a problem relating to perceptual processing. This suggests that the visual cortex of brain is unable to properly process visual information from the eyes because of sensitivity to certain wavelengths of light.
I have heard that Visual Stress doesn't exist. Why is that?
Visual Stress remains an area of contention. Whilst it was first described in the early 1980s, there is a lack of evidence that the condition actually exists. A number of research studies* have investigated Visual Stress and have concluded that there is a lack of evidence that Visual Stress exists. They have also not found proof that treatments, such as Irlen lenses, are effective in helping people with reading difficulties.

Despite this research, anecdotal comments from many people with light sensitivity is that they experience symptoms consistent with Visual Stress and that using coloured overlays or glasses is effective in overcoming their difficulties.

* https://ranzco.edu/news/no-scientific-evidence-that-irlen-syndrome-exists-say-ophthalmologists/#:~:text=The%20Royal%20Australian%20and%20New,help%20those%20with%20reading%20difficulties.

* http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0004-282X2019000300194
So is Visual Stress a learning or a reading difficulty like dyslexia?
Visual stress is not a learning or reading difficulty. However it can affect the way people 'see' words on the page and it can cause physical symptoms that make it difficult to read for long periods or affect a person's ability to focus and concentrate on what they are reading.
What are the symptoms of Visual Stress?
The symptoms of Visual Stress are said to include poor concentration; difficulties with reading, writing and comprehension; glare sensitivity and poor depth perception. This can not only affect reading, but can result in a poor judge of distance and cause driving difficulties. In addition, light sensitivity can lead to eye strain may result from reading and people may develop headaches or migraines from certain visual patterns. This can result in a slow reading speed, low comprehension and visual fatigue.

Visual Stress is said to be exacerbated by environmental factors such as lighting, brightness, glare, high contrast, patterns and colours.
Who is at risk of getting Visual Stress and how can it be treated?
People of all ages report having Visual Stress. It also tends to run in families. Whilst there is not a treatment to 'cure' Visual Stress, with help, it can be overcome.
What can be done to help?
As this problem is perceptual, rather than visual, standard prescription glasses cannot help. Many people who complain of visual stress have found a specialist coloured reading ruler or overlay placed over the page can reduce glare. Likewise, when using a PC, programmes / digital downloads such as nOverlay, Tinted Windows, can easily filter the screen colour.

Lenses help to filtrate the light-waves entering the brain, and therefore it does not have to work as hard, so it calms. This can alleviate many of the symptoms, if not all, in some cases. Filters help to make reading easier, faster, for longer whilst feeling less tired and understanding more of what they have read.

It is important to note that different people prefer different colours. An Irlen diagnostician will be able to help to find the right colour. They will also be able to recommend providers of coloured glasses or contact lenses. They should be reassessed on a yearly basis or when the symptoms seem to be returning, especially during adolescence when the brain is constantly changing, and this can continue into adulthood.
What else can help?

Allow students to sit near a window for natural light.

Provide short breaks during lessons which heavily focus on reading and writing.

Allowing students to work on coloured paper.

Changing the background of Presentations to a more calming colour, such as pale blue or green.

When reading in class, tell them slightly in advance the passage/section they will be reading- this allows them to prepare.

Encouragement and positive feedback, offer to demonstrate corrections.

Ask if they require a bookstand or slides from Presentations to be printed (they can put it at an angle to benefit them).

Allow them to make notes to help them recall information/instructions, or make visible to the student.

Who can test to see if I have Visual Stress?
Until recently it was possible for Visual Stress to be screened, assessed and diagnosed as part of a dyslexia assessment. This process involved trialling different coloured overlays (or combination of overlays) and seeing it the child (or adult) is reports a preference when reading.

However, since 2018, dyslexia assessors have been advised not to screen or assess for any visual need. This is because SpLD assessors are not qualified optometrists. There were instances where they were incorrectly diagnosing Visual Stress or other visual difficulties without appropriate knowledge and training.

If you are concerned that you may have Visual Stress you firstly should have a thorough test with an optometrist. This will rule out any possible underlying conditions that may have caused problems similar to visual stress.

The second stage is a referral is made to an Irlen diagnostician who will assess Visual Stress using spectral filters. If diagnosed, they will be able to recommend the specific colour to help the individual.
- More information about the dyslexia and visual issues can be found at - For information on the common traits of dyslexia go to: https://www.dyslexiauk.co.uk/the-common-traits-of-dyslexia/ https://dyslexiauk.co.uk/dyslexia-blog/f/i-see-%E2%80%93-dyslexia-and-vision
- To discuss your concerns with a dyslexia assessor, please click here https://dyslexiauk.co.uk/contact-us

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Visual Stress / Irlens Syndrome | Dyslexia UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What is Visual Stress? Visual Stress has been known by many other names. Scotopic sensitivity syndrome, Meares- syndrome, Irlen syndrome, Visual Dyslexia, word crowding and Asfedia. Visual Stress is commonly defined as a perceptual processing disorder. This suggests that Visual Stress is not an optical problem, but a problem relating to perceptual processing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This website places cookies on your computer to improve your experience. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. For more details, see our privacy policy. I agree

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The British Dyslexia Association is the voice for the 10% of the population that are dyslexic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Dyslexia Association receives many calls from parents, who feel that they are not getting enough support for their child in school. Parents understand their children best and are often the first to realise that something is not quite right.

We always recommend to speak initially with the school SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), they may have also noticed some learning differences and they can often suggest further screening in school.

We believe that it is really important to try and identify a child's learning differences because if these are understood then the right intervention can be used in school. These differences might be attributed to dyslexia, or they could be co-occurring or overlapping differences such as dyspraxia, dyscalculia or ADHD, and these neurodivergent labels do not have to have negative connotations.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Dyslexia Association receives many calls from parents, who feel that they are not getting enough support for their child in school. Parents understand their children best and are often the first to realise that something is not quite right.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Until recently, dyscalculia was thought of as being an umbrella term for all maths learning difficulties but since 2019 that is no longer true as we now have a definition of dyscalculia which was developed by the British Dyslexia Association dyscalculia committee and was accepted by SASC (SpLD Assessment Standards Committee) who regulated assessment in 2019.
Find out more about dyscalculia
A full definition of dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a specific and persistent difficulty in understanding numbers which can lead to a diverse range of difficulties with mathematics. It will be unexpected in relation to age, level of education and experience and occurs across all ages and abilities.

Mathematics difficulties are best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category, and they have many causal factors. Dyscalculia falls at one end of the spectrum and will be distinguishable from other maths issues due to the severity of difficulties with number sense, including subitising, symbolic and non-symbolic magnitude comparison, and ordering. It can occur singly but often co-occurs with other specific learning difficulties, mathematics anxiety and medical conditions.

What is significant about this definition is that it suggests that maths learning difficulties are a continuum with dyscalculia at the extreme end. In other words, lots of people may have maths learning difficulties which arise from other conditions such as dyslexia where key issues associated with dyslexia, like working memory, difficulties with information retrieval, processing speed, sequencing, will impact on maths learning. Likewise, difficulties with spatial awareness, lateral thinking, and visual perception, which are associated with dyspraxia, will also affect maths learning. And other important issues like maths anxiety, which is a very real condition and causes the brain to freeze, as well as environment and social issues such as school absence, stereotyping, culture, maths curriculum, and methodology of teaching can all impact.

People with dyscalculia may share all the above difficulties, but what makes them distinct is their lack of number sense which is a cognitive function associated with the left parietal sulcus and the frontal lobe. Humans and animals are born with a built-in sense of number for survival purposes.

The issue with the dyscalculia is being able to relate the digits in our numerical system with the magnitude or value of a number - so they have no meaning. In the same way that dyslexics have difficulties with matching sounds with graphemes or letters that directly impact on the development of reading and spelling, people with dyscalculia don't have a sense of number and its relationship with magnitude. They could not automatically answer the question, "Would it be sensible to pay £4000 on a pair of shoes or £48 on a small slice of Tesco cheddar?" The relationship or mapping of that number to its value does not develop naturally. It can of course be learned to some degree with much instruction.

In normal development, a sense of number will evolve so a small child may not know how much a pair of shoes should cost at age 4 but by the time they are 10 they might. Everyone is different of course and issues may be mild or severe. But because it has an aetiology, it can be inherited and run in families.

How can it be informally identified?

All young children start by counting in ones but then they learn to become more efficient and can count on from a given number and step count. They start to know if their answers are way off the mark, they develop a sensible sense of numbers and magnitude.

Children with dyscalculia hang on to immature counting systems - usually in ones - they cannot generalise, i.e. use mathematical information in another context, and basically do not have a sensible sense of what numbers are. They tend to learn by rote and procedure and some even go onto to achieve a GCSE so they can often do a calculation but cannot explain what they are doing. They are often better at algebra and geometry. Their difficulties are exclusive to maths and no other subjects.

Adults with dyscalculia tend to have difficulties with time and money, being able to plan their day with regard to travel times or how long a task should take. They may also struggle with budgets and costs.

How can it be diagnosed?

Guidelines for assessors are clearly outlined by SASC but unfortunately not everyone follows them. A good diagnosis of dyscalculia would include general ability assessment, domain general cognitive assessment such as working memory, processing speed and phonological processing, and domain-specific assessment for dyscalculia i.e. specific tests for number sense, symbolic and non-symbolic magnitude comparisons and fluency. It would also include attainment in numeracy with an error analysis as well as attainment in literacy.

Sometimes only attainment in numeracy without domain specific testing is assessed and this will not give an accurate diagnosis as some people score poorly on maths tests for other reasons and are misdiagnosed as dyscalculic, and sometimes people with dyscalculia score OK on maths tests because they have memorised procedures and are not diagnosed as dyscalculic. All assessors should have an APC (Assessment Practising Certificate). BDA, SASC and Patoss have lists of approved and registered assessors.

How can it be supported in children?

There are very specific ways of establishing a sense of number that include the use of concrete manipulatives such as Cuisenaire Rods, Diene's apparatus, dot patterns, Numicon. The child is taught to visually internalise what a number (rather than a digit) looks and feels like. The child learns to match digits or numerals with visual quantities and learns how numbers can be deconstructed to make other numbers or quantities and reconstructed; in much the same way the children with dyslexia are specifically taught to match letters to sounds and how to deconstruct and reconstruct words from letters and sounds. This takes away the fear of numbers and establishes a sense of what numbers mean. With these basic tools they will never become Einstein in maths, but they will know if they are being over charged and learn to cope in a world of numbers and money.

How can it be supported in adults?

Adults need to develop their own reference points. At a very basic level: a can of coke should not cost more than £1.50 [at the time of writing] right through to interest rates, salaries, pensions etc. They will probably need someone to help them establish these references and they may need to write them down. The main areas of difficulty are estimating traveling times and distances, household budgets, changing recipes, accounts, discounts (percentages), money and what is good value, measurements and using different types of measure, currency and conversions, ordering. The list is almost endless; we use maths every day.

What percentage of the population are dyscalculic?

As the definition is very new, the figures of people who have been properly assessed and diagnosed need to be collated. But it is estimated that about 3% of the population have dyscalculia. However, a great many more have maths learning difficulties. 60% of people with dyslexia for example will have maths learning difficulties. If 10% of the population have dyslexia that is about 5 million people and therefore 3 million have maths learning difficulties from dyslexia alone. A few of those may also have dyscalculia.

Maths anxiety is being increasingly recognised. Many people with dyscalculia have maths anxiety. This is not dissimilar to PTSD where a learned bad memory will trigger a subconscious reaction that closes down the higher thinking brain. Children as young as 6 are now being diagnosed with maths anxiety. We need to look carefully at how we teach maths in schools as apart from children with dyscalculia, all children are born as good mathematicians with a good sense of number.

Find out more about dyscalculia
Check your own numeracy level

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is dyscalculia and how can it be spotted and supported in children and adults?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Until recently, dyscalculia was thought of as being an umbrella term for all maths learning difficulties but since 2019 that is no longer true as we now have a definition of dyscalculia which was developed by the British Dyslexia Association dyscalculia committee and was accepted by SASC (SpLD Assessment Standards Committee) who regulated assessment in 2019.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Dyscalculia Association - Understanding Maths Difficulties. Training and Diagnosis.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
DYSCALCULIA is a specific learning difficulty with mathematics, primarily arithmetic. It was defined in a UK Government document in 2001 as: ‘Dyscalculia is a condition that affects the ability to acquire mathematical skills. Dyscalculic learners may have a difficulty understanding simple number concepts, lack an intuitive grasp of numbers, and have problems learning number facts and procedures Even if they produce a correct answer or use a correct method, they may do so mechanically and without confidence.’

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Dyspraxia UK - Dyspraxia UK - Specialist occupational therapy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dyspraxia UK - Specialist occupational therapy. Book an assessment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Brain Charity helps people with all forms of neurological condition to lead longer, healthier, happier lives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A decent night's sleep will help children to learn more effectively and make them less susceptible to minor ailments,

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sleep for neurodivergent children and young people

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover advice about sleep for neurodivergent children and young people, including things that affect your child’s sleep and creating a good sleep space.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Getting to sleep and staying asleep can be difficult for neurodiverse children and young people. There are a range of resources and websites that can provide further support and information.
Read more on support with sleep from MindMate
Was this helpful?

MindMate will be developing the ND hub further - please let us know what you think so far to help us get this right by completing this online survey.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are a range of resources and websites on this page that can provide further information on sleep and neurodiversity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024 Teaching Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This collection of BBC resources can be used to support teaching around Dyslexia Awareness Week.

# data[].attributes.headline
Eating and Drinking for Neurodivergent Children

# data[].attributes.subject
Eating and Drinking for Neurodivergent Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Eating, drinking and diet for neurodivergent children and young people

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn about the different issues that neurodivergent children and young people can experience with food.