Faster ADHD and Autism Support for Stockport Families
Stockport is implementing a new framework for neurodevelopmental support, moving away from a diagnosis-first approach to ensure families receive assistance as soon as needs are identified. The Greater Manchester Neurodevelopmental (ND) Early Help Model prioritizes early intervention for children and young people showing signs of autism or ADHD.
📌 Key Highlights
* Immediate Access: Support is available from the moment signs are noticed, without requiring a formal medical diagnosis.
* New Assessment Criteria: Referrals will be reviewed by a multi-professional team to prioritize those with the most urgent or complex needs.
* Waitlist Review: All children currently waiting for an initial assessment will have their cases reviewed by April 2027.
* School Involvement: Referrals generally require evidence of SEN support already implemented and reviewed within the educational setting.
Local Information Drop-in Sessions
Families can meet with the Strategic Lead for Neurodivergence and representatives from CAMHS, PACTStockport, and SPACE to discuss how these changes affect local provision. These sessions provide a direct line to experts for those navigating the new system.
| Date & Time | Location | Booking Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 11th May, 10:30-12:00 | Alma Lodge, 149 Buxton Road, SK2 6EL | Reservation Required |
| Tuesday 12th May, 19:00-21:00 | Dog and Partridge, 272 Buxton Road, SK2 7AN | No Booking Needed |
| Monday 18th May, 18:00-19:30 | Online (Microsoft Teams) | Reservation Required |
Immediate Support Services in Stockport
The overhauling of local neurodiversity services introduces several digital and in-person resources. A central “Padlet” information board now hosts webinar recordings on sleep, distressed behavior, and anxiety.
Parents can also access “Autism Central” for peer support and coaching delivered by Anna Freud. For young people aged 10 and over, a new neuroprofiling tool is available to help them understand their individual strengths and signpost them to relevant support. Mental health platforms such as Kooth (for ages 10-25) and Qwell (for ages 16+) remain available for 24/7 anonymous support.
The Referral and Assessment Process
The new Greater Manchester-wide process aims to address the rapid growth in assessment requests, which has historically led to excessive waiting times. Schools must now demonstrate that they have introduced and reviewed appropriate SEN support before a referral can be initiated.
When a referral is made, a team of professionals will determine if a child meets the criteria for an NHS-funded assessment. Those who do not meet the threshold for a clinical diagnosis will still be signposted to the needs-led early help offer. For children aged 10 and over, explicit consent from the young person is now a mandatory requirement before any referral can proceed.
Transition for Existing Waiting Lists
Children already on the pathway who have not yet had an initial appointment will be reviewed under the new criteria. The process will begin with those who have been waiting the longest, with a target completion date of April 2027. Families who have already completed their initial or developmental history appointments will continue through the existing assessment pathway without interruption. This also applies to those who have accessed an alternative provider through the ‘Right to Choose’ pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Stockport changing how children get ADHD and autism support?
Stockport is shifting to a ‘needs-led’ model because the traditional ‘diagnosis-first’ approach often left families waiting years for help. By adopting the Greater Manchester Neurodevelopmental Early Help Model, the focus moves from a medical label to immediate intervention. This means your child can access support for specific challenges—like sensory processing or communication—the moment they are identified, rather than waiting for a formal clinical diagnosis.
What are the exact steps I need to take to get my child referred under the new system?
Referrals are no longer a simple GP request; they now require a collaborative evidence-base. First, ensure your child’s school has implemented and reviewed Special Educational Needs (SEN) support. You will need to provide documentation showing what strategies have already been tried. Once submitted, a multi-professional team reviews the case to ensure those with the most complex or urgent needs are prioritized, rather than just using a ‘first-come, first-served’ queue.
If my child is already on the waiting list, how will these changes affect us?
Every child currently on the Stockport waiting list will have their case reviewed by April 2027. This doesn’t necessarily mean you lose your place; instead, it ensures that children with escalating risks or higher complexity are moved forward. To understand your specific status, you should attend one of the local drop-in sessions at Alma Lodge or the Dog and Partridge in May, where you can speak directly with CAMHS and the Strategic Lead for Neurodivergence.
What can I do immediately if I’m struggling but not ready for a formal assessment?
You can access ‘pre-diagnostic’ support right now through Stockport’s new digital tools and peer networks. Visit the local Padlet information board for expert-led webinars on anxiety and sleep, or connect with Autism Central for peer coaching delivered by the Anna Freud Centre. These services provide actionable strategies for managing distressed behavior and navigating the education system while the formal assessment process is underway.
Source: Stockport Council
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- 2026-05-06 06:15
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