What is neurodiversity?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a condition characterised by a combination of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviour. Symptoms related to inattention can include difficulty in sustaining focus, being forgetful in daily activities, and problems with organising and following through. Hyperactivity symptoms may include frequent fidgeting, restlessness, impulsive behaviours, and excessively talking or interrupting others. See NHS website for more information.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD is a lifelong developmental disorder that affects how people communicate and interact with the world. It is estimated that around one per cent of the adult population are autistic. Autism is a spectrum condition that affects people in different ways. See NHS website for more information.
Dyscalculia
A specific learning difficulty that affects the learning of arithmetic and mathematics. It may cause difficulty with counting, measuring quantity, working memory for numbers, sequential memory, ability to recognise patterns, time perception, telling time, sense of direction, and mental retrieval of mathematical facts and procedures. See Dyscalculia Association website for more information.
Dysgraphia
A learning difficulty that causes impaired handwriting and/or spelling for someone of normal or above-average intelligence. Someone with dysgraphia may have trouble spelling written words or writing at a normal speed, but will not necessarily have problems reading or speaking.
Dyslexia
A common learning difficulty that causes difficulties with reading and writing for someone of normal or above-average intelligence. Common symptoms include reading and writing very slowly, reversing letters in words, misreading one letter for another and difficulties in pronunciation of words. See NHS website for more information.
Dyspraxia or development coordination disorder (DCD)
A neurological condition that affects movement and coordination. Symptoms occur early in childhood but can persist into adulthood. It causes a child to perform lower than expected in daily activities for their age, and appear to move clumsily. In adults, it can affect tasks that require balance, playing sports or driving a car. Writing can also be affected as can using small objects e.g. managing buttons, zippers and snaps. See the NHS website for more information on DCD in children and DCD in adults.
Where to get support locally
For a diagnosis, firstly contact your GP. Diagnosis tends to happen more frequently in childhood but adults can be diagnosed although for some conditions an adult diagnosis may not be available on the NHS.
The North East London NHS Foundation Trust runs community and mental health services in Waltham Forest.
Waltham Forest Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Waltham Forest CAMHS provides mental health services to families with children and young people from birth to their 18th birthday including those with ADHD or ASD. They are based at Wood Street Health Centre (6 Linford Road, Walthamstow, E17 3LA) and Hawkwell Court (34 Colvin Gardens, Chingford, E4 6PF).
This service provides support to adults (18+) with suspected or diagnosed autism living in Waltham Forest as well as in Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge.
They offer assessment and diagnosis if you are referred by your GP. Post-diagnostic support including psychoeducation (providing knowledge, information and coping skills related to autism), advice regarding employment and benefits support, problem-solving and signposting. If you are on the waiting list for an assessment, they will provide support in finding help for you.
Walthamstow Adults Neurodivergent Group
A monthly meet-up group for everyone under the neurodivergent umbrella living in Waltham Forest with a diagnosis or self-diagnosed. It is a welcoming non-judgemental and compassionate space. The group meets at different venues around Walthamstow.
For more information, email Anne-Marie O'Dwyer Silbiger at happimess73@gmail.com.
Waltham Forest Social Group for Young Adults 18-25
Resources for Action (a charity that provides practical services and support for autistic children and adults, and their families) run a social group for independent/semi-independent autistic adults aged 18-25 in Waltham Forest. The activities, designed by group members, include mentoring, cooking, quizzes, discussions on autism/identity, outings and more.
Register your interest by clicking the link below: https://resourcesforautism.wufoo.com/forms/maiud7v05d936n/ or email michael@resourcesforautism.org.uk to find out more.
Where to get support nationally
Provides autism-specialist counselling for those who live with or alongside autism. Call their answerphone on 01536 266681 or email info@actionforneurodiversity.org.
Advocates for those whose lives are impacted by ADHD, Autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia (DCD), Tourette’s syndrome, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and any related physical and psychological health concerns.
Supports children and young people and their families with education, employment, policy and campaigns.
The British Dyslexia Association
This membership organisation has been the voice of dyslexic people since 1972 working to achieve a dyslexia-friendly society for all. For free and confidential information, support and signposting on dyslexia and dyscalculia, call their Helpline on 0333 405 4567.
Helps children with autism achieve their potential. We provide services to enable children to overcome difficulties with communication, learning and life skills and give families the techniques and strategies to cope with autism through the use of evidence-based strategies. Get advice and support by calling their helpline 01344 882848.
Serving the autistic community of London and surrounding counties. Offers both mental health and material support to autistic people and carers.
Transforming lives and changing attitudes to help create a society that works for autistic people.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
To be held from 17th to 23rd March 2025.