Health
Neurodiversity
Often the term neurodiversity is used in the context of Autism and ADHD and refers to the natural differences in the way our brains work.
Some people’s brains simply work in a different way. Your child's brain is unique to them. Therefore they will have unique skills, abilities, and needs. They may experience and interact with the world around them in different ways. There is no right or wrong way of thinking, learning and behaving. Someone who is neurodivergent behaves, thinks and learns differently to those who are neurotypical.
CAMHS update
From 1 April 2026, our local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) will move to a new service model across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
The model was shaped by extensive feedback from families, young people and professionals during the NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin-led engagement in 2025 and will be delivered by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT), replacing the current BeeU model.
The new model responds to the changing local needs of children and young people aged 0-25 experiencing emotional and mental health difficulties. It prioritises easier access, earlier support and more joined-up care to ensure the right help is available at the right time. It also seeks to reduce inequalities in access, outcomes and experience, especially for vulnerable groups, including children in care and those with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).
What’s staying the same?
If a child or young person already receives support from BeeU, their care continues. They do not need to opt in or be re-referred.
What’s changing?
- One front door for information and referrals, guiding people to the right support
- Earlier help and support while waiting
- Joined up care so families don’t repeat their story
- Support from 0–25, with planned moves into adult services
- Fair access and targeted support for vulnerable groups
- An improved digital offer that provides greater choice to children, young people and families in how to access the support they need
- An enhanced pathway to more effectively meet the needs of vulnerable children will be developed later this year in partnership with Local Authorities as part of the ongoing transformation of the service
Until 1 April 2026, please continue to contact the existing BeeU service on 0300 124 0093.
Neurodevelopmental assessments
If you think it may be helpful for your child or young person to have an assessment for autism or ADHD start by speaking with your child’s teacher or the school's special educational needs coordinator (SENCO). If your child or young person isn't in school speak to another professional involved with them such as your child's health visitor or GP.
Children aged 0-5
Children aged 0-5s should be referred to the Child Development Centre for Autism diagnostic services.
Children aged 5-18
BeeU provides Autism and ADHD diagnostic assessments for children (aged 5-18) in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
Neuro-affirming Language Guide
Educational Psychology Services across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin embarked on a joint project to create this ‘bitesize’ guide. This guide is designed to help people learn, reflect, and grow in how they use language around neurodiversity. It was first made for people working with children and young people (CYP), but it can be useful for anyone.
Language is more than words; it is key to shaping understanding, building inclusion, and promoting fairness.
Creating this guide supports our goal to use person-centred approaches, reduce stigma, and respect neurodivergent identities across education, health, and social care.
Why We Started
Our goal was simple yet powerful: create a resource that helps professionals speak, and write, in ways that show respect and support for neurodivergent identities.
The Collaborative Process
Led by EP teams, this guide was co-produced with colleagues from 0-25 and adult services involving:
- Neurodiversity practitioners
- Social care and health professionals
- Speech and language specialists
- Families with lived experience
Every voice mattered. All voices helped shape the guide.
What We Created
- A glossary of key terms
- Guidance on identity-first vs person-first language
- Language swaps
- Principles for neuro-affirming writing and practice
- Reflection points to encourage ongoing growth
This guide is not about prescribing “correct” words, it’s about inspiring a shift in mindset.
Why It Matters
When we change our language, we change lives. It helps create environments where neurodivergent children and young people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Neurodiversity workstream
Across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin we have a child and young people’s Neurodiversity workstream, which is a group of people who meet to explore and celebrate neurodiversity. The aim of the group is to make sure children and young people who are neurodivergent are appreciated, understood and well supported. You can find out more about how they share information, good news and consider what could be done to make improvements for children and young people in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin by watching this video.
Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools project (PINS)
This is the second year of a nationally funded project, building on the success of Year 1 in 2024-2025 and the national Autism in Schools Project previously. PINS brings together health and education specialists and expert parent carers into mainstream primary settings to:
- Help shape whole school SEND provision
- Provide early interventions at a school level
- Upskill school staff
- Support strengthening of partnerships between schools and parent carers
The project focuses on addressing children's needs rather than diagnoses, creating supportive environments and boosting outcomes for neurodiverse children. The PINS Project Team, including our Parent Carer Forum, PODS, is currently support 35 primary schools across Telford and Wrekin. The schools who received the support in 2024-2025 have an embedding offer, which includes a series of face to face workshops linked to the different domains of neurodiversity. Those joining in 2025 continue to receive bespoke support to meet the needs of the pupils at the school. In addition all schools receive support from PODs, to establish strong relationships with parent carers and to involve them in co-production.
Schools involved with PINS have access to a wide range of CPD, covering all aspects of neurodiversity and this includes all secondary schools, to ensure that support is available to children and young people on transition to KS3.
Useful links
- Healthier Together – An NHS website offering clear information and advice on health services and support in Telford and Wrekin.
- Healthier Together: Neurodiversity – Provides easytounderstand guidance about neurodiversity.
- Healthier Together: Support whilst waiting – Offers practical advice and resources for families who are waiting for health appointments or assessments, helping them feel supported during the waiting period.
- Telford All Age Autism Hub – A local service providing information, advice, and support for autistic children, young people, and adults, as well as their families and carers. Includes workshops, drop ins, and personalised guidance.
- National Autistic Society: Neurodiversity and autism – National guidance explaining neurodiversity, what autism is, and how it affects individuals. Provides trusted information for families, professionals, and anyone wanting to understand Autism and neurodiversity.