If you are the parent or carer of a child with a neurodevelopmental difference (NDD), or suspect that you are neurodivergent yourself, support is available for individuals and families in East Ayrshire.
With or without a formal diagnosis, struggling with a confirmed or suspected neurodevelopmental difference can be frustrating and confusing, and can leave individuals and families feeling isolated.
Neurodevelopmental assessments
We are currently developing new models of working to better support individuals and families in East Ayrshire. While we are unable to process referrals for neurodevelopmental assessments during this time, support is still available that does not require a formal diagnosis.
Neurodevelopmental support services
NEST (Neurodevelopmental Empowerment and Strategy Team) is an NHS Ayrshire and Arran team, funded by the three Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnerships.
As well as information and advice on a range of conditions (including autism, ADHD and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) NEST signposts children, young people and adults to support available in their area and provides workshops to help them better understand and navigate life with a neurodevelopmental difference.
NEST is open to anyone in Ayrshire looking for information and support for autism, ADHD or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
More support services are listed below:
- A Local Information Service for Scotland (ALISS) connects you with your local community and helps people and groups find each other.
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) offers mental health support to children and young people in Ayrshire aged 5 to 18.
- Children and families social work services includes information about the support provided to children, young people and families by our social work teams.
- Community Connectors work with local GP practices to help people access support and services in their community.
- East Ayrshire Carers Centre provides practical and emotional support for carers of all ages in East Ayrshire.
- East Ayrshire employability team works with both people and employers in East Ayrshire to provide support, job opportunities and training for all ages and abilities.
- East Ayrshire Vibrant Communities is service focused on empowering members of our communities, young and old, through everything from community events, volunteering, befriending, literacies, healthy living and so much more.
- Support for pupils includes information for parents and carers on everything from bullying, behaviour management, our school nursing services and additional support for learning.