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Here you will find an overview of signposting and support from Invictus.

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5 Tier model of support offered thruoghout Invictus Trust

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Use the auto-remake link to allow each student to have their own copy of a Padlet board or sandbox.

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What is Neurodiversity:  A Video for Children

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Activities, advice and personal stories about parenting and special educational needs and disabilities to help you support your family.

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SEND tips and advice - BBC Parents' Toolkit - BBC Bitesize

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Activities, advice and personal stories about parenting and special educational needs and disabilities to help you support your family.

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Dudley SENDIASS provide a range of impartial information, legally based advice and support to help parents/carers, children and young people on all matters relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We are here to help you make informed choices and enable parents/carers to play an active role in their child's education.

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Dudley SENDIASS provide a range of impartial information, legally based advice and support to help parents/carers, children and young people on all matters relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We are here to help you make informed choices and enable parents/carers to play an active role in their child’s education.

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This animation discusses what it means to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It was co-produced by children with ADHD, their families and carers, and health professionals in the field. It is based on research evidence as well as ideas from children and individuals with lived experienced of ADHD.

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NCMH (National Centre for Mental Health)

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A mental wellbeing website for young people, parents/carers and school based staff in Dudley.

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Happier Minds - Mental Wellbeing For Young Persons In Dudley

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Mental Wellbeing resources and help for young persons, parents and carers, and school based staff in Dudley and other local Boroughs.

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Reflexions provide preventative and early intervention mental health support within Education Settings for children and young people with mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

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Reflexions :: Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

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Reflexions provide preventative and early intervention mental health support within Education Settings for children and young people with mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

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Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist mental health, learning disability, and community healthcare services for the population of the Black Country.

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We support children and young people aged 0 - 18 with a wide range of mental health difficulties in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Mental health is something we all have and, just like physical health, at some times in our lives we struggle with it. Sometimes we develop mental health problems, such as feeling very sad or worrying a lot. When this happens, these difficulties can stop us living our life in the way we want to.

Our team of trained Children's mental health professionals work, every day towards recovery, with young people who are experiencing mental health difficulties such as psychosis, eating disorders and anxiety/depression. The focus is on helping the young person understand their mental health issues, build coping skills and find change through a range of therapeutic interventions.

We want to help the young person to recover from the mental health issues sufficiently to reach their potential. To achieve this all of the adults around a child play a part in building their confidence and supporting the young person and their families/carers.

How to refer

Black Country CAMHS offers help to young people with complex, severe or enduring emotional and mental health problems. We support young people who are aged between 0-18 years of age and who are registered with a Black Country GP.

At present, young people are referred into our service by a professional who knows what CAMHS offers, and knows the young person.

We accept referrals from these types of professionals:

GPs

Social Workers

Health Visitors

School Professionals

Paediatricians / Hospital Doctors

Paediatric Occupational Therapists

Specialist Nurses

School Nurses

If you are a referrer, wishing to refer a Child in Care, both Referral Forms (SPA and Additional Information) must be completed.
Referral Forms
You can access and download copies of our Black Country CAMHS Referral Forms here:
Black-Country-SPA-Referral-Form-v4.docx CAMHS-CYPiC-Additional-Information-Form-Black-Country-v2.docx

Virtual tour of services

We have worked with i360uk.com to create virtual tours of our children and adolescent mental health community services. This is so we can help young people prepare before they attend their appointments with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with a venue before they visit.

See a virtual tour of:

Canalside (Walsall CAMHS)

The Gem Centre, (Wolverhampton CAMHS)

Ladies Walk Health Centre, Dudley

Lodge Road, (Sandwell CAMHS)

Pinfold Health Centre, Walsall

The Elms Health Centre, (Dudley CAMHS)

Wysa App

Wysa is a wellbeing AI app, free to download on Google and Apple Stores.

Wysa can help young people with feelings of low mood, stress, anxiety and much more.

Young people from the Black Country can download the app using the QR code for the area they live in for free premium access.

Some smartphones may automatically apply the premium access code (after the QR is scanned).

You will find a section for each locality, and the unique code to enter to access premium content for free. Please ensure you use the right code for where you live.
Text-only version of the flyer. Dudley Wysa
Scan the QR code and enter the code BCDU2023 for free premium access
If you are accessing this site on a laptop or desktop, please scan the QR code with your phone to allow you to download the app from the relevant store. If you are accessing this site via your mobile click on the Apple or Play store link - this will take you directly to the app store for your device to allow you to download the app
Read about how Wysa can help young people from Dudley : BC Wysa Teen E-Flyer Dudley
Sandwell Wysa
Wysa Apple Store / Wysa Google Play

Scan the QR code and enter the code BCDU2023 for free premium access

If you are accessing this site via your mobile click on the Apple or Play store link- this will take you directly to the app store for your device to allow you to download the app

If you are accessing this site on a laptop or desktop, please scan the QR code with your phone to allow you to download the app from the relevant store.

​​​​Read about how Wysa can help young people from Sandwell: BC Wysa Teen E-Flyer Sandwell
Walsall Wysa
Wysa Apple Store / Wysa Google Play

Scan the QR code and enter the code BCDU2023 for free premium access

If you are accessing this site via your mobile click on the Apple or Play store link​​​​​​​ - this will take you directly to the app store for your device to allow you to download the app

If you are accessing this site on a laptop or desktop, please scan the QR code with your phone to allow you to download the app from the relevant store.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Read about how Wysa can help young people from Walsall: BC Wysa Teen E-Flyer Walsall
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Wolverhampton Wysa
Wysa Apple Store / Wysa Google Play

​​​​​​​Scan the QR code and enter the code BCDU2023 for free premium access​​​​​​​

If you are accessing this site via your mobile click click on the Apple or Play store link​​​​​​​- this will take you directly to the app store for your device to allow you to download the app

If you are accessing this site on a laptop or desktop, please scan the QR code with your phone to allow you to download the app from the relevant store.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​You can read about how Wysa can help young people from Wolverhampton here: BC Wysa Teen E-Flyer Wolverhampton

Wysa Apple Store / Wysa Google Play

​​​​​​​

iThrive model

One of the ways we think about children and their mental health needs is something called the iThrive Model.

This way of thinking describes that children have all sorts of useful and important support in their lives. That this support, be it teachers or family or significant community members, is a vital part of helping children to thrive and helping children when there is something that gets in the way of their Thriving. Those same people can offer excellent advice and guidance based on their own experience and understanding when there are challenges.

There is also the opportunity to 'Get Help' which is usually a brief tailored intervention to help a young person resolve the challenges they face and when this might not be sufficient we might think about 'Getting More Help' which could be intervention from specialists like in Specialist CAMHS. When safety is at risk we add in Risk Support.

The help that a young person should be offered is based around what is most likely to be useful for them rather than 'how serious' the difficulty seems. We believe it is important to ensure that children and family achieve the success with the right amount of help.

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Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services - CAMHS

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We support children and young people aged 0 - 18 with a wide range of mental health difficulties in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. Mental health is something we all have and, just like physical health, at some times in our lives we struggle with it.

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Parent Carer Forums are grant funded to enable the voice of families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to be heard in the local area.  Dudley Parent Carer Forum became a fully independent forum in Dec 2020 and have been working hard in the local area since.

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Parent Carer Forums are grant funded to enable the voice of families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to be heard in the local area. Dudley Parent Carer Forum became a fully independent forum in Dec 2020 and have been working hard in the local area since.

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Manage everyday challenges with positive parenting strategies

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Happier, healthier, less stressed children & families

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Set up your kids & teens for success & create a happier, calmer family life. 35+ years’ research proves Triple P works for most families & it can work for you too! You choose the strategies that fit your family’s needs. Do Triple P Online—the first online parenting programme proven to work—or Teen Triple P Online today!

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We work for parents and careers across the Black Country, supporting you to better understand your young person’s autistic or ADHD needs. We explore behaviours and help to create positive learning strategies as well as sharing lived experiences and creating safe spaces for families to come together.

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Helping Hands - Autism & ADHD Behaviour Support

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Helping parents navigate the world of additional needs through understanding behaviours, creating strategies and sharing lived experiences.

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Dudley Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression offers brief psychological therapy for people experiencing common mental health problems such as low mood, depression, anxiety and stress.

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Your first assessment will last about 45 minutes. They are usually conducted by a clinician called a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP). The PWPs are specially trained to carry out these types of appointments. The PWP will use this time to learn a bit more about you, and how we can best help you as a service. We will discuss the choices of treatment that are available to you, this might mean that we signpost you to another organisation that may be better suited to help you.

If we are able to help you within our service and you decide that you want to go ahead with the treatment we offer, we will discuss all the appropriate treatment options with you. We will work very hard to make sure that you receive a treatment appointment within 18 weeks after your first appointment. We will write to your GP surgery to let them know that you have attended a first appointment with our service, and outline your agreed plan of treatment

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Your first assessment will last about 45 minutes. They are usually conducted by a clinician called a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP). The PWPs are specially trained to carry out these types of appointments. The PWP will use this time to learn a bit more about you, and how we can best help you as a service.

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Children’s Occupational Therapy aims to help children to engage and participate in their daily occupations. Occupations are activities that children want to do, need to do or are expected to do in order to promote independence and improve quality of life.

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Children's Occupational Therapy aims to help children to engage and participate in their daily occupations. Occupations are activities that children want to do, need to do or are expected to do in order to promote independence and improve quality of life.

The service supports children and young people in the community from 0-16 years old (or up to 19 years if attending a special school) in the Dudley borough. We see children with conditions ranging from motor coordination difficulties through to complex neurological or neuromuscular conditions, including cerebral palsy, and children presenting with complex health care needs.

Visit the Children's Occupational Therapy website for additional service information.

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Children's Occupational Therapy aims to help children to engage and participate in their daily occupations. Occupations are activities that children want to do, need to do or are expected to do in order to promote independence and improve quality of life.

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The Speech and Language Therapist will fully assess the child’s speech, language and communication skills and a plan will be agreed to support the child’s communication needs.

Speech and Language Therapists also assess Eating, Drinking and Swallowing needs (aka the Dysphagia team). We work very closely with parents and carers, nursery and school staff and anyone closely involved with the child. Interpreters are routinely provided when needed.

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Children’s Speech and Language Therapy Service (Dudley) :: Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

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Speech & Language Therapists identify and support children and young people with a range of communication and eating/drinking/swallowing difficulties. These might include:-

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What it is: A legal right for patients in England to choose their provider for specific NHS services.

Main Use: Primarily used for ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments to reduce long waiting lists

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Right to Choose referrals for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) :: Black Country ICB

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This information seeks to support the patient in exercising their legal right to choose the provider they would like to receive an assessment and care from in accordance with the national patient choice framework.

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Health Services for Children and Young People with SEND

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Health Services for Children and Young People with SEND

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Here you will find a range of services and support selected for inclusion based on their provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, with guidance on recommended age ranges for each.

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Health Services for Children and Young People with SEND

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Here you will find a range of services and support selected for inclusion based on their provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, with guidance on recommended age ranges for each.

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Here you can find an overview of what we offer our children at Rufford.

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Special Education Needs | Rufford Primary School | Invictus Education Trust

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Rufford Primary School | Invictus Education Trust

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Here you can find our SEND information report. A SEN Information Report (SIR) helps families understand how a school applies it's SEN Policy in practice.

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Here you will find our Rufford SEND policy.

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Early Help is taking action early to provide support where problems are emerging for children, young people and their families. Early help support may be provided at any point in a child or young person’s life. The sooner the family receives the support, the sooner they are able to improve their situation and prevent the need for prolonged support.

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Early help has been developed to support young people and families. Check out the resources available.

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This project offers Neurodivergent parents-to-be, parents with Neurodivergent children, and Neurodivergent families in Dudley:

1. Community Connection: Reduce isolation and build a strong support network.

2. Practical Strategies: Gain valuable tools for navigating pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

3. Advocacy Skills: Learn effective communication methods to express your needs confidently.

4. Sensory Support: Enhance your birth experience with tailored strategies.

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Neurodivergent Parents Peer Support – New Baby Network

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Supporting Neurodivergent Families: Antenatal, Birth, and Postnatal Care in Dudley Our Partnership New Baby Network CIC is thrilled […]

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What is neurodiversity, how do we celebrate it, and what does neurodivergent mean?

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What is neurodiversity, how do we celebrate it, and what does neurodivergent mean?

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Neurodiversity is a word used to describe the different thinking styles that affect how people communicate with the world around them.

It is an umbrella term - a word that sums up lots of different things. It includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and Tourette's

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This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, and we've been finding out more about what it means to have a neurodifference.

Neurodiversity is a word used to describe the different thinking styles that affect how people communicate with the world around them.

It is an umbrella term - a word that sums up lots of different things. It includes conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and tourette's.

Three of our press packers, Riley, Mateo and Lucy-Lu, spoke to Newsround about their experience of being neurodiverse.

Let's learn more about Neurodiversity:

What does neurodivergent mean?

The word comes from two parts - neurological and diversity.

Neurological means things to do with our brain, and diversity means things that are different.

It is a term used for lots of different people who have different thinking or communicating styles.

These include lots of different conditions, including autism and ADHD, which impact how people communicate with others and the world around them.

There's also conditions like dyslexia, which effects how people read and spell, or dyspraxia, which impacts your movement and co-ordination.

Umbrella term

This is what the word neurodivergent is - it sums up lots of different things under one term.

Some people might like to refer to specific conditions instead. However, there can also be some crossover with different neuro-differences, such as autism and ADHD.

Around 15-20% of all the people living in the world are thought to have a neuro-difference. No two people will be affected in the same way.

There are lots of famous people who have neuro-differences, including Lewis Capaldi, who has been raising awareness about his experience with tourette's.

Last year, a group of young people with autism sent a letter to the government, asking it to make schools more inclusive for pupils with neuro-differences. They wanted this to include policies around behaviour and uniform.

Going to school

Mateo, Riley and Lucy-Lu all go to the same school, and they are all neurodivergent.

Mateo has autism, and says he struggles with certain foods. He wears ear protectors when things are noisy. Lucy-Lu has ADHD and dyslexia, and says she finds it hard to focus in school, and will often fidget. She also uses ear protectors sometimes.

Riley has ADHD, and says he finds it tricky when he can't deal with his emotions if something he does not like happens.

Luckily in their school, they have lots of different things to help them throughout the day, including stand-up desks, sensory walls and activities, and places to go if they feel overwhelmed.

However, not everyone has access to the same support.

Riley, Mateo and Lucy-Lu's tips to make sure EVERYONE feels included:

What is Neurodiversity Celebration Week?

From the 13th - 19th March, people all over the UK are encouraged to think about neurodiversity and challenge stereotypes they might have about it.

Over 2,000 different schools have taken part in the past, to celebrate different minds and raise awareness about what it means to be neurodivergent.

If you have a condition like autism, ADHD, dyslexia or many others under the Neurodivergence umbrella, you can get support in school, from family and friends and if you need it, from the NHS.

Remember you can always talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. If you're not sure who you would like to talk to, ring Childline on 0800 1111 who will be able to help you with how you are feeling.

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What is neurodiversity, how do we celebrate it, and what does neurodivergent mean?

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Neurodiversity week is from 13th - 19th March, and gives everyone a chance to learn more about what it means to be neurodiverse.

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This guide is intended as an introduction for parents whose child has recently been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A diagnosis of ADHD can help you understand why there are difficulties and what can be done to meet those challenges and support your child. Friends, family and anyone working alongside a child with ADHD will also find this guide useful.

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If your child has ADHD, or you think they might, we have information on professional help and diagnosis. We've also got practical advice on supporting them with their ADHD and mental health.

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What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects behaviour and concentration.

Children and young people with ADHD often seem unusually restless, impulsive or distracted. They may speak or act without thinking, struggle with organisation, find it hard to focus or appear to be always on the go. Some people with ADHD do not experience hyperactivity; this used to be called attention deficit disorder (ADD), though the term in no longer used officially.

ADHD is not a mental illness or a learning disability, though children and young people with ADHD may also have other conditions or experience mental health problems.

Living with ADHD can be very challenging, for children and young people as well as for their parents and carers. But the right diagnosis, treatment and support can make a big difference to a child's learning, life skills and relationships, as well as making family life easier. There is also lots you can do as a parent/carer to help your child manage the things they find difficult.

What are the most common symptoms of ADHD?

A child with ADHD may be:

easily distracted, finding it difficult to start or finish tasks

often unable to concentrate

often restless or fidgety

very talkative, often interrupting or blurting things out

impulsive, acting before considering consequences, prone to taking risks

easily angry or frustrated, struggling to deal with emotions

finding making or maintaining friendships difficult

disorganised, for instance often losing things or being late

lacking awareness of time

Every child or young person with ADHD is individual and they may not display all of these behaviours. And many of these traits and behaviours are typical in younger children, or can follow a traumatic experience - they don't necessarily mean your child has ADHD.

Age and gender can also affect how someone with ADHD behaves. This can make it harder to spot signs of ADHD, particularly in girls, who are more likely to be undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed with other conditions.

Typically the symptoms of ADHD develop in early childhood and they may become particularly noticeable at times of significant change, such as starting or changing school.

What to do if you think your child might have ADHD

If your child frequently experiences some of these symptoms and it's affecting their day-to-day life, discuss your concerns with your child's GP. Before doing this, talk to your child's teacher and the school special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) about what they have noticed.

The GP may want to refer your child for assessment, as ADHD can only be diagnosed by a specialist such as a child and adolescent psychiatrist or paediatrician.

Sometimes parents are reluctant to pursue assessment. They may be worried about 'labelling' their child or about stigma, or they may prefer to watch and wait. These feelings are normal. But parents and young people who do seek diagnosis can find it helps them access the right support; understand and manage challenges; and identify individual strengths.

We have more information about getting support from the GP, CAMHS or school in our guide.

ADHD diagnosis, support and treatment

ADHD assessment is usually done through the specialist Children and Young People's Mental Health Services, commonly referred to as CAMHS.

Diagnosis is most commonly made in childhood, and in the majority of cases, symptoms affecting daily life continue into adulthood.

There is no single, definitive test for ADHD. Specialists will base clinical diagnosis on a combination of observations of your child; discussions and questionnaires (with you and your child); and information from your child's school.

They will consider how long the symptoms have been present; their impact on your child's daily life; and whether they might be due to another condition. The NHS states that approximately 60-80% of children with ADHD have at least one other condition (such as autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, anxiety or behaviour problems), and your child may be given more than one diagnosis.

Support and treatment options

You and your child should be offered support and advice to help manage ADHD in their day-to-day life.

ADHD can also be treated with medication and/or therapies. These should be discussed with you when your child is diagnosed, and are set out in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on ADHD.

ADHD can be treated with therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). For more information about therapy, see our parent guide to counselling and therapy.

There are a number of types of medication. These are not a cure for ADHD, and many children do not take them, but they can help manage some of the symptoms. Medication must be prescribed and overseen by a specialist.

You may also be offered ADHD -focussed parent training. This does not mean your parenting is somehow wrong. It is designed to provide support and specific strategies and skills to help you and your child thrive.

Jack is still perennially late, disorganised and impulsive; but he's also energetic, original and creative. The medication is helping him make the most of all of that.

What you can do to support your child with ADHD

Be explicit and consistent about unacceptable behaviour, such as violence. Set appropriate consequences and follow them through, but try to stay calm in the moment to avoid escalation. Dealing with challenging behaviour can be very hard, and our parent guide has helpful advice.

Plan the day so your child knows what to expect. Maintaining regular sleep patterns, physical activity and mealtimes can help your child. Some people find dietary change and/or certain supplements helpful. But the NHS states that there is no clinical evidence for this, and medical advice should be sought first. Our young person's guide has helpful advice on sleep problems.

The impact of ADHD on your child's mental health

Any child or young person can struggle with their mental health and wellbeing, whether or not they have ADHD. This might be caused by things like family change, bullying, exam stress or a traumatic event.

But having ADHD may also mean your child has extra challenges - such as social difficulties, struggling to manage their emotions or getting into trouble at school - that leave them more vulnerable to low self-esteem, anxiety or depression.

Children and young people with ADHD frequently have other developmental or mental health conditions and it is important to ensure they have the appropriate support for these.

As a parent there is a lot you can do to support your child with their wellbeing and mental health:

encourage your child to talk about how they are feeling with you. Our starting a conversation guide has ideas for keeping communication open

if you feel your child may have a mental health problem or another condition alongside ADHD, discuss your concerns with their GP or ADHD specialist.

Working with school if your child has ADHD

ADHD is a special education need (SEN), and it may be referred to as a specific learning difference (SpLD). Your child is entitled to appropriate support to help them thrive socially and educationally. This could include potential adjustments in certain situations, such as extra time or rest breaks for exams, movement breaks in lessons, written instructions for tasks and a seating plan that minimises distractions.

Discuss the diagnosis and needs with the school's SENCO, taking a list of your concerns and background information to the meeting.

Your child may be entitled to an education, health and care plan (EHC plan) which details the support they need and how it will be provided. (The National Autistic Society has helpful information about EHC plans.)

Good communication between you and school can be really helpful in ensuring your child thrives in education and meets their potential. Our parent guide to support has more advice on talking to school or college.

ADHD in teenagers and beyond

If your child is a teenager or young person, their needs and the support you give may well be different from when they were younger. They may like to read our young person's guide to ADHD and mental health. But there are still many ways you can help.

Looking after your own wellbeing

Parenting a child with ADHD can sometimes be isolating, upsetting or exhausting. Sometimes parents feel judged or blamed by others (unjustifiably as parenting does not cause ADHD). It is entirely understandable if you are finding things difficult.

It's important to recognise the impact the situation is having on you, and think about ways you can take care of yourself - including getting support from other people so that you can take some time off. It's okay to ask for help when you need it, and to share your worries with someone you trust. We have advice on looking after yourself as well as your child.

Our son's challenging behaviour with ADHD had an enormous impact on the whole family, as we and his brothers bore the brunt of his anger.

Where to get further support

If you would to speak to a professional adviser or find out more about how you can support your child, these organisations can help.
While we take care to ensure that the organisations we signpost to provide high quality information and advice, we cannot take responsibility for any specific pieces of advice they may offer. We encourage parents and carers to always explore the website of a linked service or organisation to understand who they are and what support they offer before engaging with them.

This page was reviewed in March 2022. It was created with parents and carers with lived experience of supporting their child or young person with ADHD. We will next review the page in 2025. YoungMinds is a proud member of PIF TICK - the UK's quality mark for trusted health information.
Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.

Please be aware that this form isn't a mental health support service. If your child is in crisis right now and you want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

At YoungMinds we take your privacy seriously. If you'd like to read more about how we keep the information we collect safe, take a look at our privacy policy.

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ADHD Support For Your Child | Parents Advice Guide

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If your child is struggling to manage their ADHD, read our tips on what you can do to support them, how to get a diagnosis and where to find help.

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Autism influences how people experience and interact with the world. It is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability. Autistic people are different from each other, but for a diagnosis they must share differences from non-autistic people in how they think, feel and communicate.

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Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a disorder that makes using and understanding language difficult. DLD can present problems across many aspects of life including school, work, and socialization.

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© 2018 by Boys Town National Research Hospital and DLDandMe.org Collaborators

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Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a condition where children have long-term challenges talking and/or understanding words. Children with DLD may have lots of ideas but find it hard to put their ideas into words and understand what other people say to them. Their difficulties can be hard to spot and may be ‘hidden’ for a long time.

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Speech and Language UK: Changing young lives

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Speech and Language UK: Changing young lives

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Dyscalculia is a neurodifference that affects an individual's ability to understand and work with numbers.

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Dyscalculia is a neurodifference that affects a person's ability to understand and use mathematical skills. It is estimated that around 5% of the population have dyscalculia, which is often referred to as "number blindness", and it can affect individuals of all ages.

Dyscalculic individuals may have challenges with basic arithmetic , such as adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. They may also have challenges with more complex mathematical concepts, such as algebra and geometry. Dyscalculia can affect a person's ability to tell the time, count money, and measure distances accurately. It can also impact their ability to understand and interpret graphs, charts and other visual representations of numerical data.

What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a neurodifference that affects an individual's ability to understand and work with numbers.

Dyscalculic individuals may experience challenges with:

Understanding and using symbols and signs related to mathematics, such as +, -, ×, ÷, =, <, and >

Recognising patterns and sequences

Understanding the concept of time and estimating time

Measuring and estimating distances

Understanding and working with money

Memorising and recalling mathematical facts, such as multiplication tables

Understanding and applying mathematical concepts, such as fractions, percentages, and decimals

It is important to note that dyscalculia is not the result of a lack of intelligence or effort. It is a neurodifference that affects the brain's ability to process and understand numerical information.

Some people are born with dyscalculia, others acquire it after a stroke, or head injury, or as a result of another neurological condition. When it is acquired, it is known as 'acalculia'.

Dyscalculia can have a significant impact on an individual's daily life, however, with the right support , dyscalculic individuals can learn to manage their challenges and thrive in their personal and professional lives.

"My job involves working with customers, which I love, but occasionally I have to create invoices and I would often make mistakes. Now, I use templates that make the process a lot simpler, and I have a speaking calculator so I don't have to worry about mixing up symbols like I used to."
- Vaishni,
Senior Digital Designer

Common Strengths Associated with Dyscalculia

Dyscalculic individuals may face challenges in certain areas, but many often also possess unique strengths that may be highly valuable in both their professional and personal lives. Here are some of the strengths commonly associated with dyscalculia:

Spatial reasoning: Many dyscalculic individuals have strong spatial reasoning skills, which can be useful in fields such as architecture, engineering, and art.

Creativity: Dyscalculia has been linked to increased creativity, as individuals with this neurodifference often need to find alternative ways to solve problems. This creativity can be useful in fields such as writing, music, and design.

Verbal skills: Some dyscalculic individuals may have strong verbal skills, which can be useful in fields such as journalism, law, and public speaking.

Visual thinking: Dyscalculic individuals often think in pictures, which can be useful in fields such as graphic design, photography, and film.

It is important to recognise that dyscalculia does not define an individual's abilities or potential. By focusing on their strengths , dyscalculic individuals can achieve success in a wide range of fields.

Many people with dyscalculia possess unique skills. These skills vary from person to person, but commonly include creativity, problem-solving, intuitive and strategic thinking and having a love of words.

Causes of Dyscalculia

While the exact causes of dyscalculia are not yet fully understood, research has identified several factors that may contribute to its development:

Common Traits Associated with Dyscalculia

Let's look at some of the traits associated with a diagnosis of dyscalculia:

Childhood Traits

In children, dyscalculia can manifest in various ways . Some common traits include:

Challenges understanding basic number concepts such as counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

Challenges memorising basic arithmetic facts

Challenges understanding mathematical symbols and concepts

Challenges with mental arithmetic

Challenges with problem-solving and applying mathematical concepts in real-life situations

Adult Traits

In adults, dyscalculia can continue to cause challenges with mathematics. Some common traits include:

Challenges with basic arithmetic operations

Challenges with fractions, decimals, and percentages

Challenges with time and money management

Challenges with spatial awareness and visualising numbers

Challenges with reading and interpreting graphs and charts

Dyscalculia often partners with having other neurodifferences

A common term for dyscalculia is 'number blindness'

Dyscalculia is not linked to low intellect

Many famous people have dyscalculia
(for example, Cher, Henry Winkler and Robbie Williams)

Diagnosis of Dyscalculia

A formal diagnosis of dyscalculia can be made by a qualified professional, such as an educational or occupational psychologist. The assessment may involve:

An interview with the individual to understand their history and traits

Cognitive tests to assess mathematical ability and overall cognitive functioning

Standardised tests to assess mathematical ability

It is important to note that dyscalculia can often co-occur with other neurodifferences such as dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) . As a result, a comprehensive assessment from a qualified professional is necessary to accurately diagnose dyscalculia.

Living with Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia can have an impact on various aspects of life, including education, social interactions, and career choices :

Download our Dyscalculia Information Sheet:

This information sheet has been created by our team of expert psychologists, and provides information about Dyscalculia, common challenges, and suggestions of the support available.

How Can Lexxic Help?

At Lexxic, we have a range of diagnostic tools to help assess your needs, or the needs of your employees.

Our team of highly qualified psychologists provide support and advice for adults in the workplace. We work with you from the point of diagnosis, through to identifying what you need to get the best long-term outcomes.

We can help you to better understand your strengths and challenges, know your learning style, and give you training for specific skills.

Get in touch if you would like to chat with one of our team, or find out more about the services we can provide.

Further Resources

Take a look at our blog to learn more about neurodiversity.

Find Out About Other Neurodifferences

Bob Lawson

Digital Communication services, including website design, search engine optimization, social media, and content creation for nonprofit organizations, consultants, and creative entrepreneurs.

http://www.sustainabledigital.com

Dyscalculia is a neurodifference that affects a person's ability to understand and use mathematical skills. It is estimated that around 5% of the population have dyscalculia, which is often referred to as "number blindness", and it can affect individuals of all ages.

Dyscalculic individuals may have challenges with basic arithmetic , such as adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. They may also have challenges with more complex mathematical concepts, such as algebra and geometry. Dyscalculia can affect a person's ability to tell the time, count money, and measure distances accurately. It can also impact their ability to understand and interpret graphs, charts and other visual representations of numerical data.

What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a neurodifference that affects an individual's ability to understand and work with numbers.

Dyscalculic individuals may experience challenges with:

Understanding and using symbols and signs related to mathematics, such as +, -, ×, ÷, =, <, and >

Recognising patterns and sequences

Understanding the concept of time and estimating time

Measuring and estimating distances

Understanding and working with money

Memorising and recalling mathematical facts, such as multiplication tables

Understanding and applying mathematical concepts, such as fractions, percentages, and decimals

It is important to note that dyscalculia is not the result of a lack of intelligence or effort. It is a neurodifference that affects the brain's ability to process and understand numerical information.

Some people are born with dyscalculia, others acquire it after a stroke, or head injury, or as a result of another neurological condition. When it is acquired, it is known as 'acalculia'.

Dyscalculia can have a significant impact on an individual's daily life, however, with the right support , dyscalculic individuals can learn to manage their challenges and thrive in their personal and professional lives.

"My job involves working with customers, which I love, but occasionally I have to create invoices and I would often make mistakes. Now, I use templates that make the process a lot simpler, and I have a speaking calculator so I don't have to worry about mixing up symbols like I used to."
- Vaishni,
Senior Digital Designer

Common Strengths Associated with Dyscalculia

Dyscalculic individuals may face challenges in certain areas, but many often also possess unique strengths that may be highly valuable in both their professional and personal lives. Here are some of the strengths commonly associated with dyscalculia:

Spatial reasoning: Many dyscalculic individuals have strong spatial reasoning skills, which can be useful in fields such as architecture, engineering, and art.

Creativity: Dyscalculia has been linked to increased creativity, as individuals with this neurodifference often need to find alternative ways to solve problems. This creativity can be useful in fields such as writing, music, and design.

Verbal skills: Some dyscalculic individuals may have strong verbal skills, which can be useful in fields such as journalism, law, and public speaking.

Visual thinking: Dyscalculic individuals often think in pictures, which can be useful in fields such as graphic design, photography, and film.

It is important to recognise that dyscalculia does not define an individual's abilities or potential. By focusing on their strengths , dyscalculic individuals can achieve success in a wide range of fields.

Many people with dyscalculia possess unique skills. These skills vary from person to person, but commonly include creativity, problem-solving, intuitive and strategic thinking and having a love of words.

Causes of Dyscalculia

While the exact causes of dyscalculia are not yet fully understood, research has identified several factors that may contribute to its development:

Common Traits Associated with Dyscalculia

Let's look at some of the traits associated with a diagnosis of dyscalculia:

Childhood Traits

In children, dyscalculia can manifest in various ways . Some common traits include:

Challenges understanding basic number concepts such as counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

Challenges memorising basic arithmetic facts

Challenges understanding mathematical symbols and concepts

Challenges with mental arithmetic

Challenges with problem-solving and applying mathematical concepts in real-life situations

Adult Traits

In adults, dyscalculia can continue to cause challenges with mathematics. Some common traits include:

Challenges with basic arithmetic operations

Challenges with fractions, decimals, and percentages

Challenges with time and money management

Challenges with spatial awareness and visualising numbers

Challenges with reading and interpreting graphs and charts

Dyscalculia often partners with having other neurodifferences

A common term for dyscalculia is 'number blindness'

Dyscalculia is not linked to low intellect

Many famous people have dyscalculia
(for example, Cher, Henry Winkler and Robbie Williams)

Diagnosis of Dyscalculia

A formal diagnosis of dyscalculia can be made by a qualified professional, such as an educational or occupational psychologist. The assessment may involve:

An interview with the individual to understand their history and traits

Cognitive tests to assess mathematical ability and overall cognitive functioning

Standardised tests to assess mathematical ability

It is important to note that dyscalculia can often co-occur with other neurodifferences such as dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) . As a result, a comprehensive assessment from a qualified professional is necessary to accurately diagnose dyscalculia.

Living with Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia can have an impact on various aspects of life, including education, social interactions, and career choices :

Download our Dyscalculia Information Sheet:

This information sheet has been created by our team of expert psychologists, and provides information about Dyscalculia, common challenges, and suggestions of the support available.

How Can Lexxic Help?

At Lexxic, we have a range of diagnostic tools to help assess your needs, or the needs of your employees.

Our team of highly qualified psychologists provide support and advice for adults in the workplace. We work with you from the point of diagnosis, through to identifying what you need to get the best long-term outcomes.

We can help you to better understand your strengths and challenges, know your learning style, and give you training for specific skills.

Get in touch if you would like to chat with one of our team, or find out more about the services we can provide.

Further Resources

Take a look at our blog to learn more about neurodiversity.

Find Out About Other Neurodifferences

Bob Lawson

Digital Communication services, including website design, search engine optimization, social media, and content creation for nonprofit organizations, consultants, and creative entrepreneurs.

http://www.sustainabledigital.com

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Dyscalculia Test | Dyscalculia Diagnosis | Lexxic

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Dyscalculia is a learning difficulty that affects your ability to acquire & use mathematical skills. We have a range of dyscalculia assessment tools to help you.

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In this video, Daniel Ansari, PhD, Professor and Development Cognitive Neuroscientist at Western University, explains the specific learning difference known as dyscalculia. Children with dyscalculia may struggle with basic math concepts. Dyscalculia affects kids with at social and in their everyday life. Children with dyscalculia may have difficulties with how to make exact change or how to measure the right amount of an ingredient. Watch as Dr. Ansari explains common dyscalculia symptoms, when they might occur, and tips to help your child overcome math challenges.

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Dyscalculia is an unexpected and persistent learning difficulty that makes it hard to understand, learn, or use maths. Often described as “dyslexia with numbers” or "number dyslexia" – it is much less well-known than dyslexia.

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Iona Bain is a National Numeracy ambassador and BBC Morning Live's money expert. Iona has dyscalculia and shares some tips for feeling better about numbers if you, or your child, has dyscalculia. Watch Iona's video and take a look at her tip sheet. Her advice may be useful even if you don't have a dyscalculia diagnosis...

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Black Country CAMHS Autism Resource Guide For Children, Young People and Families January 2025

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Black Country ASC Support Guide January 2025

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This animation seeks to pre-empt misconceptions among young audiences by shedding light on the real challenges dyslexic children face whilst also acknowledging their strengths and potential.

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Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a term used to describe children who struggle to correctly perceive the sensory world around them. The sensory difficulties children with SPD experience may find it difficult to tie shoe laces, write, run and many other childhood activities.

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Our senses enable us to experience the world around us. The way our brain organises and interprets all this sensory information and then allows us to respond appropriately is called sensory integration or sensory processing.

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How our brain and body deal with information from our senses can affect how we cope with or react to things.

Our senses enable us to experience the world around us. The way our brain organises and interprets all this sensory information and then allows us to respond appropriately is called sensory integration or sensory processing.

We're all unique, so it's normal to have differences in how we process sensory information. But sometimes, these differences can make things tricky for some people, especially when it comes to certain activities. These differences can affect how well we understand or cope with sensory information, which then impacts how we can participate in daily activities.

A Day in the Life of... Stories

The following stories illustrate how people living with sensory differences may find those differences impact their day. Some sensory differences can have positive impacts, such as a keen eye for detail or a rich enjoyment of music. Here, we focus on the challenges of sensory differences to highlight areas where individuals may need support and adaptations to routines and environments.

Scroll down to read these stories of sensory differences or you can download them here:
A Day in the Life of a Child with Sensory Integration Difficulties.pdf A Day in the Life of a Teenager with Sensory Integration Difficulties.pdf A Day in the Life of an Adult with Sensory Integration Difficulties.pdf A Day in the Life of an Older Adult with Sensory Integration Difficulties.pdf

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What is it like to have sensory integration differences? How our brain and body deal with information from our senses can affect how we cope with or react to things.

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We are the leading charity in the West Midlands for Autistic adults, children, young people and those who love and care for them. Our passionate, expert staff and volunteers work across a range of age groups and abilities.

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Autism West Midlands | Supporting the Autistic Community

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We use our passion and expertise to enrich the lives of people on the autism spectrum and those who care for them.

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Fun curriculum-linked resources to inspire children to get moving for mental health, mindfulness and wellbeing

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Moodboosters | Free primary school mental health resources - BBC Teach

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Fun videos and resources for the PSHE curriculum to inspire KS1 / KS2 pupils to get moving for mental health and wellbeing.

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If you're worried about a child, encouraging them to talk can be very helpful, whether you're a parent, grandparent, friend or teacher.

If you think a child you know has a problem, it can be hard to know how to start talking to them about it.

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If you're worried about a child, encouraging them to talk can be very helpful, whether you're a parent, grandparent, friend or teacher.
If you think a child you know has a problem, it can be hard to know how to start talking to them about it.

When there are problems at home, such as parents fighting, divorce or a death in the family, children can become withdrawn and upset.

Being able to talk to someone other than a parent is sometimes very helpful for children. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, teachers or even a counsellor can all offer support.

Look for clues in their play

Children express themselves through play as well as words. You can learn a lot about how they're feeling by simply spending time with them and watching them play.

Stressed and upset children often play fighting games with their toys. Comment on this by saying, "There are a lot of fights going on" or "It seems pretty frightening". This can help to get them talking about what's bothering them.

Even if you do not start a conversation, you'll be making the child feel more comfortable with you, paving the way for them to open up to you about their problems.

If you can get them talking, gently ask what's wrong. But if the child does not want to open up, let the subject go. You can then repeat the process at another time until they're ready to tell you what's bothering them.

If a child is too frightened to talk

If you're worried that a child you know might be being abused, it can help to ask a question like, "Is mummy getting very cross with you? You can tell me about it if you want to".

A child might not understand that they're being abused. They may simply see it as a parent being angry or annoyed with them.

Children who are being sexually abused often do not talk about it because they think it's their fault or they have been convinced by their abuser that it's normal or a "special secret".

See more about spotting signs of child sexual abuse.

Children will often ask if you're going to tell anyone about what they've told you. Never promise not to tell, but explain that you'll only tell other people who want to help.

If you suspect abuse, encourage them to call ChildLine (0800 1111) or ring the NSPCC yourself (0808 800 5000) and get advice about how to report it.

If a child is aggressive or misbehaving

If a child is fighting or being aggressive, they're doing it for a good reason, and talking may help you discover the reason.

Start by telling the child that their bad behaviour is unacceptable and why - for example, because it will harm other people or get them into trouble. Then offer them the chance to talk about why they're angry.

This might not work instantly because an angry child might not listen to you straight away. Do not give up. Children are aware when they're behaving badly, and it's important to find out the reasons why.

See more about helping your child with anger issues.

If your child is worried about scary news

In this digital age it is virtually impossible to stop children from finding out about upsetting news events, such as terrorism, war and violent crime, that they may find traumatic.

Advice from the Mental Health Foundation includes:

do not try to blackout all exposure to news; this is both unlikely to succeed and could actually increase their fears

be truthful about what has happened

let them know it is normal to be concerned and tell them you're also concerned

encourage them to ask questions if they seem unclear about what has happened

reassure them that you will do everything you can to keep them safe

The Mental Health Foundation has advice about talking to your children about scary world news.

If your child is grieving

Young children do not always understand what death means. It helps to explain it by saying, "Nana's died. She's not going to be with us any more."

Watch children carefully if someone close to them has died. If they seem tearful or withdrawn, encourage them to open up about how they're feeling by talking about the person who's died.

You could say something like, "It's very sad that Nana has died" or "I feel sad that Nana has died, and sometimes it's hard to understand why people die".

See more about children and bereavement.

If you're still worried about your child

If you're still concerned about your child after talking to them, see a GP for further advice.

See some tips on talking to teenagers.

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If you're worried about a child, encouraging them to talk can be very helpful, whether you're a parent, grandparent, friend or teacher.

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My child is feeling sad or low

- Encourage your child to talk about their feelings

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Place2Be: Parenting Smart: My child is feeling sad or low

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It’s ok for children to feel sad. But when they are sad often parents need to help. Parenting Smart’s tips help you talk to your child about their feelings.

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Shyness means feeling anxious about interacting with other people, especially people who are strangers.

Most children feel shy now and then, but for some children it is most of the time. For others it can start interfering in the way they live their lives.

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Place2Be: Parenting Smart: Understanding shyness in children

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Most children feel shy sometimes. But for some children it can cause problems. Use our tips to understand what shyness is and how to help a child overcome it.

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In Dudley a Response to Intervention model (RTI) is used for the diagnosis of dyslexia over time. This is a joint process between Level 7 Specialist Teachers from Dudley’s Learning Support Service and qualified Educational Psychologists from Dudley Educational Child Psychology Service. Until recently this was based on the Rose (2009) definition of dyslexia. From September 2025 the new Delphi definition will be used (based on The Delphi Study: Implications of A New Definition of Dyslexia 2024)

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The relied-on definition is set out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. These criteria are presented in shortened form below and are for information only. Diagnosis can only be done by a medical professional.