In Our Own Words:

In Our Own Words is a peer-led research training programme. It gives young people the opportunity to become Youth Researchers, and in it’s first year, focused heavily on neurodiversity experiences. You can find out more about the project’s here and year 1 recommendations to the right.

https://images.sla-portals.co.uk/https://surreyeducationservices.surreycc.gov.uk/File/Image/cbf38973-5346-4377-aa61-739ba84fde58/w1000

Recommendations IOOW Year 1.pdf

Healthwatch the hidden value of diagnosis:

Healthwatch Surrey wanted to understand what families perceive to be the benefits of a formal diagnosis of neurodiversity in the light of long waits for diagnosis and increased needs-based support for children and young people. They interviewed 15 parents and three children/young people, some waiting for diagnosis and some with a formal diagnosis.

Neurodiversity-–-the-hidden-value-of-diagnosis healthwatch surrey.pdf

Action cards:

• CYPF would like more local groups and social opportunities to access whilst waiting, including a peer support groups or space
• CYPF would like more knowledge for schools (particularly secondary) and colleges on ND and identifying how to support young people, masking, and the impact on siblings/wider families
• CYPF would like more information and advice for themselves about ND needs and support available - they have suggested a co-produced webinar
• CYPF would like an ‘about me’ page to communicate their ND needs and history, to stop re-telling their story
• Parents and carers would like better support for young people who have ND needs during school transitions
• Parents and carers would like measurable standards for schools to adhere to when supporting young people with ND needs
• CYPF would like schools to review their behaviour policies to not penalise CYP with ND needs
• CYPF would like to have a link worker between home and school (to support communicating needs, coordinating/navigating support etc), particularly for CYP who have ND needs