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Neurodiversity and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Neurodiversity

It is estimated that one in six people have neurodiversity. Within the community of care experienced children, and young people, the proportion of people with neurodiversity appears to be higher.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • ADHD Foundation is the national ADHD charity for the UK, and the largest user-led ADHD charity in Europe.
  • The UK ADHD Partnership support those who come into contact with ADHD and provides resources for children and teenagers.

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

The National Autistic society described autism as a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. Below are some organisations from whom you can find more information about, or support with, ASC.

National

  • Aspens is a national virtual support service for parents/carers, adults and young people with a diagnosis or undergoing diagnosis of ASD.

Telephone: 01892 822168.

Email - enquiries@aspens.org.uk.

  • Autism Alliance offer various services for adults and children affected by autism including online support, short breaks and activity days.

Telephone: 01273 241646

Email: info@casscounselling.co.uk

East Sussex

  • COMPASS is accessed through iSEND and work with teachers to develop their practice in the areas of speech, language and communication needs including Autism. Parents can contact CLASS directly.

Telephone: 01273 336887

Email: class@eastsussex.gov.uk

Brighton and Hove

  • MASCOT is a parent led peer to peer support network for families based in Brighton & Hove who have a child/ children/ young person with Autism Spectrum Condition.

Telephone - 07943346055

Email: info@asc-mascot.com

East Sussex and Brighton and Hove

  • Amaze SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service) offer independent advice and support for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND.

Telephone - 01273 772289.

Email - eastsussex@amazebrighton.org.uk.

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Some indicators of Pathological Demand Avoidance are resisting and avoiding the everyday demands of life, appearing sociable but lacking understanding in social situations, using social strategies such as distraction as part of their avoidance, having mood swings and being impulsive. The PDA Society website tells you more about demand avoidance (PDASociety.org)

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is an inability to learn how to do basic maths in the way that the majority of the population can do. It is a genetic problem, and as such it can't be overcome by taking medication or by being taught maths in the conventional way.

Dyscalculia Assessments Frances Rowland assess for dyscalculia.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.

The British Dyslexia Association and Dyslexia Action have many resources that you may find helpful.

Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia UK defines Dyspraxia as a complex neurological condition, which affects muscle co-ordination and perception.

Amaze has a very useful dyspraxia factsheet along with further reading suggestions. It also gives contact details of dyspraxia organisations in Brighton and Hove.

Diagnosis

Your GP can refer your child to a local NHS Child Development Clinic for an assessment.

Special Educational Needs Organisations

The following organisations specialise in special educational needs as a whole.

  • The Special Needs Jungle is a parent led website that contains many resources, opinions and updates on SEND issues.
  • Reaching Families is a parent led charity in West Sussex that has many resources that all can access, as well as services for West Sussex families.
  • AMAZE is a charity that gives advice and support to families with disabled children in Sussex, as well as providing factsheets and other resources, accessible to all.

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

FASD is the result of prenatal alcohol exposure to alcohol. It results in neurological difficulties and can impact on growth. It is not reversible. A number of adopted children have been exposed to drug and alcohol during pregnancy. There is a growing awareness in relation to the complex difficulties children and young people with FASD will have for the duration of their lives.

You can find more information about FASD on the NHS website, and the National Organisation for FASD website.

Diagnosis

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have set out the formal guidelines for the FASD diagnosis.

It is important to gain the correct diagnosis. FASD can often be mistaken for Attention Deficit Disorder or Autism, among other things.

Support and further information

Children do not need a formal diagnosis of FASD to access some support. You are able to apply for a Disability Living Allowance, a Carers Allowance and a Personal Independence Payment. For more information take a look at our financial support webpage. You can also apply for an Education Health Care Plan. Should the child or young person be diagnosed with FASD, there is a range of agencies who offer support:

International FASD Organisations