Stockport Overhauls ADHD and Autism Support to Cut Waiting Times
Stockport is implementing the Greater Manchester Neurodevelopmental (ND) Early Help Model, a significant shift in how children and young people access support for autism and ADHD. The new framework prioritizes immediate assistance for families, removing the requirement for a formal diagnosis before accessing local services.
📌 Key Highlights
* Diagnosis Not Required: Families can access support services immediately without waiting for a formal ADHD or autism diagnosis.
* Priority-Based Waiting: Referrals will be triaged based on urgency and complexity rather than just the time spent on the list.
* Consent Rules: Children aged 10 and over must now provide their own consent before a referral can be processed.
* School-First Approach: Mainstream school students must undergo a period of SEN support and review before a specialist referral is made.
Immediate Support Without Formal Diagnosis
The new model addresses the growing gap between service demand and assessment capacity. By focusing on a ‘needs-led’ approach, Stockport families can now access the Exploring Neurodiversity workshop, peer support groups, and online resources like the Stockport Early Help Offer Padlet immediately. This change ensures that support is not delayed by the lengthy clinical assessment process.
Local Information and Advice Sessions
To clarify these changes, the Strategic Lead for Neurodivergence in Stockport will host several drop-in sessions. These meetings provide a direct line for parents to ask questions about the local offer and specific support available via the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and local partner organizations.
| Date | Session Details |
|---|---|
| Monday 11th May | Daytime drop-in at Alma Lodge, Stockport (10:30 am – 12:00 pm) |
| Tuesday 12th May | Evening session at the Dog and Partridge pub, Great Moor (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm) |
| Monday 18th May | Online session via Microsoft Teams (6:00 pm – 7:30 pm) |
| April 2027 | Target for completing reviews of all children currently on waiting lists |
New Referral Protocols for Stockport Schools
The pathway for obtaining an NHS assessment now requires closer collaboration with school Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs). Before a referral is accepted, schools must demonstrate that they have implemented and reviewed appropriate SEN support. If these internal measures are insufficient, a joint meeting between parents and school staff will be held to complete the new, standardized referral documentation, which considers the child’s day-to-day functioning and mental health.
Triage System for Existing Waiting Lists
Children already awaiting an initial appointment will be reviewed under the new criteria. The process aims to identify those with the most urgent or significant needs to ensure they are seen sooner. Families who have been waiting for over a year will be contacted directly to discuss their referral. Those who have already completed their initial or developmental history appointments will continue through the existing pathway without interruption, including those under the ‘Right to Choose’ scheme.
For residents whose children are not in a traditional school setting, referrals can still be made directly, though professional support from a GP or tutor is recommended to ensure all relevant clinical and educational reports are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Stockport changing the way ADHD and autism are diagnosed and supported?
The shift to the Greater Manchester Neurodevelopmental (ND) Early Help Model addresses the growing gap between assessment demand and clinical capacity. Instead of making families wait years for a formal label, the new ‘needs-led’ approach allows children to access practical help—such as classroom adjustments and peer support—based on their immediate daily challenges rather than a medical diagnosis.
How can I access support for my child without a formal diagnosis?
You can bypass the clinical waiting list by utilizing three immediate pathways:
1. The Padlet: Access the Stockport Early Help Offer Padlet for a directory of local services and peer support.
2. Workshops: Enroll in the Exploring Neurodiversity workshop to learn management strategies immediately.
3. School Review: For children in mainstream education, collaborate with your school’s SENCO to complete a documented period of SEN support, which is now a mandatory prerequisite for specialist referrals.
How does the new priority-based system affect my child’s place on the waiting list?
Stockport has moved away from a ‘first-come, first-served’ list to a triage-based system. Referrals are now prioritized based on the urgency and complexity of the child’s needs. While this ensures high-risk cases are seen faster, all families—regardless of their place in the queue—now have immediate access to CAMHS partner organizations and advice sessions that were previously restricted to those with a diagnosis.
What are the new rules regarding consent for children aged 10 and over?
Under the new framework, children aged 10 and over must provide their own explicit consent before a referral can be processed. This change empowers young people to be active participants in their care journey. If you are a parent of a child in this age bracket, it is essential to discuss the referral process with them early to avoid delays in submitting paperwork.
Where can I find more information about these changes in May 2024 and beyond?
Stockport’s Strategic Lead for Neurodivergence is hosting several drop-in sessions to answer parent questions directly:
* Monday 11th May: Alma Lodge, Stockport (10:30 am – 12:00 pm)
* Tuesday 12th May: Dog and Partridge, Great Moor (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
* Monday 18th May: Online via Microsoft Teams (6:00 pm – 7:30 pm)
This overhaul is part of a multi-year strategy with further updates expected through April 2027. Check the Stockport Local Offer website for the latest digital resources.
Source: Stockport Council
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- 2026-05-05 03:50
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