Children and young people who are showing signs of neuro-developmental needs can now access a new tool which can help identify what support a child or young person may need.
The neurodiversity (ND) profiling tool is the first step in identifying neurodiversity within children and young people aged 0-19. The ND profiling tool is a visual document that assesses nine developmental strands of a child or young person aged 0-19. This includes speech and language, energy levels, attention skills, emotion regulation, sensory levels, flexibility and adaptability, and empathy.
It provides a holistic view of a child or young person’s needs and suggests types of strategies that can be put in place to help manage those needs in different areas of a life, such as at home, at their early years setting, school or college, and in the community.
The process of completing the profile is done with the family, and not for or to the family.
Portsmouth’s Neurodiversity Team (0-19) consists of family support workers, child and adolescent clinicians, an educational psychologist, speech and language therapy, occupational therapist, and service lead.
The team has been developed to support the city’s new neurodiversity pathway which aims to improve early identification of neurodiversity and offer increased support for families and professionals, meaning children and young people may not need to go through the lengthy assessment process to get their needs met. The team provides:
Contact the team:
Email: Neurodiversity0-19Enquiries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Telephone: 02392 606 051
The Portsmouth Local Offer details the special education provision and training provision that Portsmouth City Council expects to be available in our local area for children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and or a disability.
The Local Offer website contains information on the services and support available for children and young people who need extra help with their education, health, or care.
It includes support for early years, schools, and preparing for adulthood, as well as information on local events and clubs. All of this information can be found in one place on the Portsmouth SEND Local Offer website.
Room One is a new space managed by autistic people, for autistic people in Portsmouth. The space is a one-stop shop for autistic and neurodivergent adults aged over 18, their family and friends, and the professionals supporting them.
The Room One team can help by providing information, advice and support on topics including referrals, socialising, living independently, and peer support. They can also signpost to other local services if needed. No diagnosis is needed to use Room One’s services.
If you or someone you know would like to access the services, or would like more information, please contact Room One using the details below.
Email: RoomOne@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Telephone: 0755 360 7473
Find out more about Room One on the Portsmouth City Council website.
Autistic people aged 18+ who are looking to get into employment can get support from the Autism Employment Service. Operated by the You Trust, the service provides a tailored approach to help autistic individuals into work and support them to remain in work once they have entered employment.
People are given the opportunity to participate in all forms of work whenever possible. The service supports with:
Once in work, people will have regular follow ups with the service and receive ongoing mentoring and feedback to assist with any challenges that might impact their work. Find out more on the You Trust website.
The Portsmouth Autism Community Forum (PACF) is an open forum for service users, carers, professionals, and anyone with an interest in supporting autistic people.
The forum works together to improve support for autistic people. This includes:
New drop-in gardening sessions for autistic and neurodivergent adults are now running at Milton Community Allotment, Milton Piece, PO4 8LF.
Try some light gardening or other activities, have a cup of tea or coffee, chat to like-minded people, and enjoy spending time outdoors.
The sessions are held every Thursday, between 10.30am and 12.30pm. For more information, call 023 9284 1762 or email iwt@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.