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This information pack pulls together a range of evidence about the experience of children, young people and families with neurodevelopmental conditions in North Wales. Neurodevelopment means brain development and everyone’s brains develop differently. We’ve looked mainly at neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD but also included some information about dyslexia, dyspraxia, or Tourette’s and tics. Another term often used is ‘neurodiversity’ which is an idea that recognises that everyone’s brain develops differently and that there is no one ‘right’ way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not bad or negative thing.
The pack was designed to inform discussions with the North Wales Children’s Regional Partnership Board about working together to improve the support available across the region. It was first published in February 2024.
Key messages
- The number and rate of children with neurodevelopmental conditions is increasing largely due to an increase in awareness. Conwy and Denbighshire have the highest proportion of autistic children in North Wales. This increase is happening despite the fact the overall number of children and young people in North Wales is decreasing.
- Waiting lists for a diagnosis are long and growing, with referrals mainly coming from schools, as assessments aren’t being completed fast enough to keep pace with demand.
- Many parents want a diagnosis to ensure support beyond school, to help explain their child’s needs, develop strategies, and for their child to better understand themselves. Not all parents, carers or young people want a diagnosis.
- The Children’s Commissioner for Wales recommends that all neurodivergent children should have their needs met, whether they have a formal diagnosis or not.
- There are opportunities to provide support to children, young people, and families while they are on a waiting list for diagnosis. The Nyth/Nest principles can provide a framework for support: trusted adults; wellbeing across education; co‑produced innovations; easy access to expertise; safe and supportive communities; and no wrong door. The North Wales Right Door Strategy aims to make it easy to find and access help and is trying new ways of making this happen across the region.
- There are opportunities to improve awareness and understanding and adapt communication and environments to be inclusive of neurodiversity. In schools, children with neurodevelopmental conditions can experience bullying, low school attendance and high levels of school exclusion. There are also challenges with transition stages, for example early years provision to school. Children and families say some schools are providing good support, but others could be improved.
Downloads
Related pages
Blog post about the ‘focus on…’ session
North Wales Population Needs Assessment
Children’s Regional Partnership Board
Contact us
North Wales Regional Innovation Coordination Hub
Email: nwrich@denbighshire.gov.uk
Phone: 01824 712432