Navigating the Challenges of Neurodiversity: NHS Sussex Offers Support for Parent Carers
Published on 30 January 2025 | By Carla Dow
In contemporary society, parents of children with neurodivergent needs—encompassing variations in social communication, attention, and behaviour—often encounter unique and profound challenges. This sentiment is echoed by local resident Corinne, a mother from Sussex, who expressed her struggles, stating, “I felt completely in limbo. I didn’t know if I was doing something right, if I was doing something wrong, and what I should do in certain situations.”
This experience is not uncommon among parent carers, who must navigate a complex landscape of information and services tailored to meet their children’s specific needs. Despite the presence of extensive resources, the pathway to understanding and support can often feel overwhelming. NHS Sussex seeks to alleviate this burden through its commissioned Neurodevelopmental Family Training and Navigation service, which aims to provide targeted assistance to families in need.
Operating through local charities, including PLACEHOLDERe06445b176288ab0 in Brighton and Hove and East Sussex, as well as PLACEHOLDER7fca59b77d12e8e4 in West Sussex, the service offers crucial information and advice for parent carers addressing neurodevelopmental differences. This help is vital for families navigating statutory services and resources that support neurodivergent children.
Families engaging with the service can access a range of support options, including one-off consultation calls, workshops, and educational courses. This approach ensures that parents receive tailored guidance relevant to their circumstances and specific stage in the neurodevelopmental pathway. Such tailored support can include guidance on obtaining assessments, knowledge of helpful services, relevant support networks, and the provision of valuable resources.
Corinne highlighted the importance of personalized support, stating, “You can get overwhelmed with so much that’s out there—I know I need information, but I don’t know where to go. There’s just too much.” She added that the navigation service was instrumental in assisting her to understand how best to support her son.
Sav Kanagasundaram, Manager of the Amaze ND Family Training and Navigation Service, affirmed the service’s dedication to supporting families. “Our goal is to assist families with children under the age of 25 who are navigating the neurodevelopmental pathway, whether waiting for assessment or beyond,” said Kanagasundaram. “We emphasize a person-centered approach, prioritizing the needs of parent carers and their individual situations.”
Accessing Support
For parent carers in Brighton and Hove and East Sussex, self-referral for neurodevelopmental family support is possible, or they may request a referral from a professional. More information is available on the PLACEHOLDER197b13af6c7e76df website. In contrast, parent carers in West Sussex are required to obtain a referral through a professional associated with their child. Details can be accessed through the PLACEHOLDER3f0f3ce5c11a2bda website.
As awareness and understanding of neurodiversity continue to grow, services like the ND Family Training and Navigation initiative play a pivotal role in simplifying the journey for families seeking the support they need. Ultimately, equipping parent carers with the right information and resources contributes significantly to the well-being and development of neurodivergent children.
