Sheffield's Neurodiversity Programme

The SEND Partnership has worked together with Sheffield Parent Carer Network and Neurodiversity Sheffield to develop this information.  We know that everyone describes their experiences in different ways and there isn’t always one set of words that feels right for everyone. We will keep this page under review.

For Easy Read, British Sign Language or braille formats email: localoffer@sheffield.gov.uk

Nationally it’s estimated that around 2% of children and young people are autistic and 5% have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some have a diagnosis of both conditions (AuADHD) - National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) data.

Over recent years, there has been a large increase in the number of children referred to Sheffield’s autism and ADHD assessment services. Referrals have grown from approximately 1,500 in 2019/20 to over 5,000 in 2024/25.

The city’s current waiting times for autism and ADHD assessments range from two and a half to in excess of eight years. Those being referred in most recently are waiting the longest.

This rise shows a greater awareness and understanding of neurodevelopmental needs, which is an encouraging step towards inclusion. However, it has also brought challenges. Families tell us these long waits, along with limited updates from services, leave them feeling worried, stuck, and without the support their children need.

Please be assured that the SEND Partnership sees and hears your concerns, and they are sincerely sorry for the impact this delay may have on your child and family.

·       Waiting times: Community Paediatrics and Neurodisability Service - Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

·       Sheffield SEND Strategy 2025-30: the strategy emphasises the need for early identification of needs, working in partnership with families to ensure every child and young person can belong, thrive and achieve their full potential

The Sheffield Neurodiversity Programme is focusing on three simple goals:

·       Ensuring children, young people and families get help sooner

·       Helping families know where to go for support and what to expect

·       Reducing ADHD and autism assessment waits

Watch a short film (3 minutes) from a recent Sheffield HealthTech Challenge event for young people. One of the key themes was neurodiversity and the film showcases some of the fabulous ideas created by our Sheffield students.

Last updated: 24.6.26

Better support in schools

Alongside services which support neurodivergent children and young people, two projects are helping to improve educational experience across Sheffield.

Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) supports primary schools, while Autism in Schools (AIS) works with secondary schools and post-16 settings to strengthen support for pupils and students.

Schools receive tailored support from specialist education and health professionals, including training and resources. 

A total of 25 primary schools, 16 secondary schools and 3 post-16 settings have participated in the projects so far.

Results so far:

• School staff report increased confidence supporting pupils because of the projects.
• Participating schools have introduced stations where children and young people can have quiet time and made the school environment more neurodivergent inclusive.
• One student said: “I’m not as anxious anymore and I know how to stop if I need to.”
• Parent/ carer engagement activities create regular opportunities for families and schools to work together, helping to strengthen communication, build trust and develop shared solutions to challenges.

Improved ADHD assessment and care

A new ADHD neighbourhood service will soon be available in the community at selected GP practice hubs across the city.

From Summer 2026, this team will start working with a small number of children and young people, building towards picking up annual reviews later in the year. Staff will be fully trained, with support from specialists at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

Expected results:

• Easier to access support closer to home
• Reduced waiting times for assessments for ADHD for children and young people

Improvements at Sheffield Children’s NHS Trust

The Trust is making it easier for families to ask for an assessment and to understand what happens next. For example, families now get text message updates to confirm their place on the waiting list. They also receive more information about the support available while they are waiting.

Over 200 families on the medication waiting list have also been connected to Family Action’s post-diagnostic service for ADHD so they can access their support while waiting. 86% of those attending feel more confident supporting their child.

Expected results:

• Better communication with families
• Enabling access to support based on needs regardless of whether a child or young person has a specific diagnosis

Find out more: Autism and ADHD waiting times support - Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

Better support for needs

Services are working together with schools and families to better understand the needs of children and young people waiting for ADHD or autism assessments. They are also looking at what earlier support can be put in place. 

Some ideas are being tested in parts of Sheffield and other areas will try them later in 2026.

For example, at Meadowhead secondary school staff are taking a needs-led approach. One student said: “Here at Meadowhead, my needs are truly understood whereas at primary, I didn’t feel understood and was placed in a hub away from my friends with not a lot to do”. Another said: “I get way more support now I’m at secondary.  My needs are just better understood.  I’ve previously just been labelled as ‘naughty’.”

Expected results:

• Families will be able to access the right support earlier 
• Support will be tailored to needs

Looking at new approaches to autism assessment

This team will be working with families and partners in 2026/27 to look at new ways of assessing autism and providing support.

For example, the team have developed a questionnaire for families on the waiting list for them to share if they are accessing support, whether they find it helpful, what else they feel might be needed, and what a potential diagnosis for their child or young person means to them.

Expected results:

• Reduced wait times for assessment
• Those who have the most urgent need are seen sooner

Better information about SEND support

The programme team is working with families to improve the online SEND Local Offer and the new website is due to launch later in 2026.

Expected results:

• Making it easier to find the right information, support and services for families quickly and easily

• SEND Local Offer website - helping you find information, services and activities for children and young people aged from birth to 25 years, with special educational needs, and/or disabilities (SEND) or who are living with neurodivergence: 
• SSENDIAS – Sheffield’s free independent and confidential information, advice and support service
• Sheffield Parent Carer Forum – a service run by parent/ carers for parent/ carers, they can offer a listening ear and help guide you to the right support for your family
• Family Action Neurodiversity Sheffield – offers support, information and advice to parents and carers of children and young people living with neurodivergence. No diagnosis or referral is needed to come to a drop-in and find support. They also offer a Managing ADHD Group course where there is an ADHD diagnosis

In Sheffield, key organisations work together to support children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They share responsibility for making sure children get the right help at the right time.

The partnership includes education, health, care and voluntary, charity and social enterprise sector partners:

Sheffield City Council - education, social care and SEND teams 

NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board - plans and funds local health services 

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust - children’s health services like paediatrics, therapies, mental health services, neurodevelopmental services and community support

Early years settings, schools and colleges - mainstream, alternative provision, special schools and post-16 settings. Learn Sheffield helps schools work together and improve support for all learners.

Sheffield Parent Carer Forum (SPCF)  - connects Sheffield families and carers with SEND children and young people to provide support and exchange information. SPCF also works with decision makers to improve services for children and young people.