There are several types of support available for teenagers before an autism and ADHD assessment. These resources can help prepare for the process, manage difficulties in the meantime, and provide both emotional and practical support. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available in the UK:
1. Medical and Mental Health Support
- GP (General Practitioner): The first point of contact. GPs can refer to CAMHS or specialists and explain what to expect from the assessment process.
- CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services): Offers assessments, therapy, and support for anxiety, depression, and behavioural issues, even while waiting for a diagnosis.
- Private assessment providers: Families may opt for private consultations or assessments for quicker access to diagnostic services and early advice.
2. Specialist Assessments
- Paediatricians, Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatrists: May meet with the teen before a formal diagnosis to discuss symptoms and guide the process.
- Educational Psychologists: Assess learning needs and suggest strategies that can help in school while awaiting diagnosis.
3. Support Groups and Peer Networks
- National Autistic Society (NAS): Provides youth-focused resources, helplines, forums, and support groups.
- ADHD Foundation: Offers practical advice, coping tools, workshops, and teen support spaces.
- Local peer groups: Many councils, schools, or local charities run peer support groups tailored for teens.
4. School Support
- SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator): Can arrange classroom support, extra time for tasks, breaks, or quiet spaces even before a diagnosis.
- Learning Support Assistants (LSA) / Teaching Assistants (TA): Provide in-class assistance and personalised help with organisation or behaviour.
- School-based counselling: Offers emotional support and coping strategies while teens wait for formal diagnosis or additional help.
5. Gender-Specific Support
- Autism and ADHD in girls: These conditions can be harder to spot in girls due to masking and social pressures. Some professionals now provide gender-sensitive approaches to diagnosis and support.
- Support for masking: Some girls may mask symptoms to appear “normal.” Recognising and reducing this pressure is essential for emotional wellbeing and accurate assessment.
6. Online Resources and Self-Help Tools
- Screening tools: Sites like NAS and ADHD UK offer quizzes and questionnaires that help explore traits and prepare for assessment (non-diagnostic).
- Online communities: Teens and parents can join safe, moderated forums and groups to exchange advice and share their experiences.
7. Therapeutic Support
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps manage anxiety, stress, low mood, or frustration. Available through CAMHS or privately.
- Occupational Therapy: Supports teens with sensory issues, executive functioning challenges, and practical life skills like time management.
8. Family Support
- Parenting support services: Charities such as NAS and ADHD Foundation offer courses and resources for understanding how to support teens effectively.
- Family therapy or counselling: Useful for improving communication, reducing stress, and working together during the diagnostic journey.
9. Advocacy and Legal Support
- Advocacy services: Can help teens and their families navigate the assessment process, understand their rights, and secure educational or healthcare support.
- Legal advice: Organisations like IPSEA provide free legal advice around educational needs and access to support services.
10. Practical Strategies While Waiting
- Routine and structure: Using planners, checklists, and regular schedules can help reduce anxiety and improve time management.
- Emotional regulation tools: Mindfulness, breathing exercises, or journaling can support teens in managing their mental health while waiting for a diagnosis.
Summary
In the UK, a wide range of support is available to teens awaiting an autism or ADHD assessment. This includes medical care, school accommodations, emotional support, online communities, and advocacy services. The earlier a teen and their family can access this support, the more equipped they’ll be to manage symptoms and prepare for the diagnostic journey.