We often hear various myths from parents, schools, and the wider community regarding neurodiversity and the assessment process. Co-produced with Somerset Schools, Somerset Educational Psychology Service, and CYPNP, we have put together a myth-busting page that aims to clarify these myths and offer suggestions for support: Myths busting of assessment and diagnosis
Here are some examples of myths you can find on the page:
We shouldn’t mention neurodiversity ahead of an assessment. We should avoid talking about terms like Autism and ADHD .
Only appropriately trained medical practitioners can diagnose Autism and ADHD . However, it is helpful for all children to understand their unique brains and learning style. Being open to the fact that we are all different and have different brains, normalises support being offered. Young people see that everyone has different support needs.
It is ok to share that some differences in our brains can be understood using the words Autism or ADHD . It can be helpful to share this with your young person and to find out about it together if they identify with these ideas. It is helpful to remind them that an assessment with CYPNP will help to understand if they have Autism and/or ADHD.
Having a diagnosis of Autism or ADHD will allow us to access new areas of support.
Almost all support available for young people and their families in Somerset is available without a diagnosis.
Parents and carers of young people either with a diagnosis or accepted onto the pathway for an assessment can access free ADHD training via the Educational Psychology Service. Link LDA are also able to support young people with a diagnosis or who have been accepted onto the CYPNP assessment pathway, where there are significant risks associated with Learning disability/Autism.
The only unique support after diagnosis is a parent education workshop around understanding of ADHD delivered via the CYPNP . Young people with ADHD are also followed up annually, more frequently if they are on medication.
By addressing these myths, we hope to provide clarity and support to families navigating the assessment and diagnosis process with CYPNP.
