There are several organisations that can give you advice and support if your child or young person is neurodivergent.

Neurodivergence Wales

You can find information about what neurodivergence is, and what services and training is available online and across Wales by visiting the Neurodivergence Wales website.

Cygnet

Cygnet is a programme for parents and carers of children and young people aged 5 to 18 who have been diagnosed with an autistic spectrum condition (ASC).

The programme can help you increase your confidence, knowledge and understanding of the condition and practical solutions to common challenges you or your child may be facing. Cygnet can help you as your child’s needs change as they get older.

You can also join a group to meet other parents and carers in a similar position.

What the programme covers

There are 7 sessions over 7 weeks:

  1. Introductory session
    A chance to meet the other group members and go through the aims and content of the programme, looking at what we already know about ASCs.
  2. Autism and diagnosis
    Discussion of the challenges faced by children with ASCs, their strengths, and your own journey as a parent.
  3. Sensory processing
    A detailed look at the senses and sensory issues that can be faced by children with ASCs, with ideas of strategies and resources to support this.
  4. Communication
    A session on how communication can differ for children with ASCs, and resources and strategies that could support children with different levels of verbal communication.
  5. Understanding behaviour in children with ASCs
    Building knowledge of possible functions of behaviour for children with ASCs and introducing a behavioural framework that you can use to understand your child’s behaviour.
  6. Supporting behaviour
    A second session on behaviour, looking at other frameworks and ideas on how to access support.
  7. Your choice
    An opportunity to discuss topics of your choice.

How the programme works

The programme is delivered by practitioners from the Cardiff Parenting team.

Each session lasts 2 to 3 hours. We can deliver sessions in person or online.

We recommend you attend all 7 sessions to get as much as you can from the programme. Each session builds on the last.

If you cannot attend a group session, we can work with you individually. For the individual sessions, we will send you the information and arrange a call each week to work through it together.

You can attend a session on your own or with someone else who cares for your child. For example, grandparents or support workers from the school.

We can work with you at a time that suits you.

Getting a diagnosis

The Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Neurodevelopmental Service provides a specialist diagnostic assessment for children and young people.

Find out more about the process and getting a diagnosis.

Need more help?

If you are still not sure which support is right for you, please contact us. Our advisors can help you find the right support for you and your family.

You can contact us by: