Neurodivergent conditions aren't a mental health issue, but neurodivergent people can also experience mental health challenges.
Navigating the process of noticing differences and realising there is a possible neurodivergence can be challenging for young people to understand, so it's not unusual for people to feel:
As a parent or carer, it's important to encourage your child or young person to get to know themselves. By understanding what makes them happy or upset, they may begin to understand when and maybe why, their mood changes and when they might need a little support.
It can be difficult to know when neurodivergent traits cross over with mental health worries, so it can be helpful to encourage your child to be open and communicate their feelings with you. This communication may be through talking, journaling, journaling, drawing or other means and may help you to know when to seek professional support.
The link between neurodevelopmental conditions and mental health conditions can be put down to lots of different factors, such as:
The overlap between neurodivergence and mental health could mean that some children and young people's behaviours and emotions are misunderstood, resulting in it being difficult to get the right support.
It can be difficult for children to notice differences from their peers.
Some neurodivergent conditions have characteristics that can lead young people to be withdrawn or experience difficulties in friendships and socialising. This can lead to feelings such as:
By focusing on your child's strengths and interests in a positive way, you can try to build up their self-esteem and confidence.
Many neurodivergent children and young people have trouble recognising emotions and understanding their feelings. To develop their emotional regulation skills, the first step is to support them in recognising and naming feelings. You can do this by:
Supporting your child to recognise their neurodivergent traits and how these can relate to their feelings can help your child to know when they might need some support and help them develop a sense of themselves.
For children and young people who cannot recognise their feelings, having someone they trust who can act as an advocate and check in with them when they might not be okay can be a great first step to getting support.
An advocate can act as:
Let us know what you think!
We've been working together in Norfolk and Waveney with families and professionals to put together information, advice and resources that are helpful to families. Let us know what you think, and anything we could change or add to make it even better.
If you live in Norfolk
You can contact the Healthy Child Service team by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you are 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of our team.
If you live in Waveney
Norfolk SEND Local Offer provide information and advice on services for young people with additional needs in Norfolk.
Suffolk SEND Local Offer provide information and advice on services for young people with additional needs in Waveney.
Mencap is a national charity who support people with learning disabilities. They offer a free Learning Disability Helpline with advice and guidance. Call 0808 808 1111 to speak to a trained professional.
Kooth offers online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support for anyone aged 10-18, seven days a week until 10pm.
