Families in Stockport are navigating a significant shift in how neurodevelopmental support is delivered, as Greater Manchester moves toward a needs-led rather than diagnosis-led model. The Greater Manchester Neurodevelopmental (ND) Early Help Model aims to eliminate the long wait for clinical assessments by providing immediate resources for children showing signs of autism or ADHD.
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* Immediate Support: Families can access help without waiting for a formal NHS diagnosis.
* Waitlist Reviews: All children currently waiting for initial appointments will be reviewed by April 2027.
* School-Led Process: Referrals now require schools to demonstrate existing SEN support before clinical intervention.
* Age of Consent: Children aged 10 and over must now provide their own consent for a referral.
* Local Access: New drop-in sessions and a digital ‘Padlet’ board provide direct links to Stockport-specific services.
Stockport Information Drop-in Dates
Local health leads and support groups are hosting sessions to explain the transition and answer specific parental concerns. These meetings involve the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and local parent networks.
| Date and Time | Location and Type |
|---|---|
| Monday 11th May, 10:30am – 12:00pm | Alma Lodge, 149 Buxton Road, SK2 6EL (In-person) |
| Tuesday 12th May, 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Dog and Partridge Pub, Great Moor, SK2 7AN (In-person) |
| Monday 18th May, 6:00pm – 7:30pm | Microsoft Teams (Online) |
New Referral Requirements for Schools
The process for securing an NHS assessment now places greater emphasis on the school environment. Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) must introduce and review SEN support measures before a referral is initiated. This ensures that the child’s immediate educational needs are met while the clinical pathway is explored. For children not in a traditional school setting, referrals can be made via GPs or tutors, though professional collaboration remains the preferred route.
Assessment Waitlist Reviews through 2027
Greater Manchester health services are currently reviewing the existing backlog of assessment requests. The new system prioritizes children with the most urgent or complex needs. Families who have been waiting for over a year for an initial appointment will be contacted directly to discuss their current situation. Those who have already completed their Developmental History appointment will continue on their current pathway without interruption, including those under ‘Right to Choose’ providers.
Digital Resources and Peer Support
Stockport has launched an online ND Early Help Offer via Padlet, centralizing resources like the Exploring Neurodiversity workshop and Autism Central’s peer coaching. For older youth, the Young People’s online neuroprofiling tool is available for those aged 10 and over to help them identify personal strengths and support needs. Mental health platforms Kooth (ages 10-25) and Qwell (ages 16+) remain active for 24/7 anonymous support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Stockport changing the way children get autism and ADHD support?
Stockport is moving to a needs-led model to bypass the traditional “diagnosis bottleneck.” Under the old system, families often waited years for a formal clinical label before receiving help. The new Greater Manchester model prioritizes immediate intervention based on a child’s presenting behaviors and challenges, ensuring support begins as soon as needs are identified rather than after a medical assessment.
What are the exact steps to start a neurodiversity referral for my child?
The process now begins primarily in the classroom. You should first schedule a meeting with your child’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). Schools are now required to document and review internal SEN support measures before a clinical referral can be initiated. Key requirements to remember:
* Consent: Children aged 10 and over must now provide their own consent for the referral.
* Alternative Pathways: If your child is home-schooled or not in a traditional setting, you can initiate this process through your GP or a private tutor who can evidence the child’s needs.
How does this shift affect families already on the NHS waiting list?
If your child is currently waiting for an initial appointment, they are part of a massive backlog review scheduled to be completed by April 2027. However, the most significant change is that you do not have to wait for that appointment to access help. Families are encouraged to use the Stockport ‘Padlet’ digital board or attend local drop-in sessions (such as those at Alma Lodge or the Dog and Partridge) to access immediate community-based support and resources while their clinical case is processed.
Where can I find immediate resources and upcoming support dates in Stockport?
For immediate assistance, access the Stockport Neurodevelopmental (ND) Padlet, which serves as a live directory for local services. Additionally, you can attend one of the scheduled information sessions in May to speak directly with health leads:
* In-person: May 11th (Alma Lodge) or May 12th (Dog and Partridge).
* Online: May 18th via Microsoft Teams.
These sessions are designed to bridge the gap between clinical services and daily parental support.
Source: Stockport Council
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