Neurodiversity is the concept that when it comes to the human brain, people do not end up all the same. Everyone has different talents and strengths, and they find things difficult. Neurodiversity is not always visible or labelled. While some neurodivergent people will have a diagnosis such as Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism, Tourette syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FASD), Dyslexia or Dyspraxia, many will not. Neurodiversity causes differences in individuals’ experiences and behaviours. For more information on Neurodiversity visit the
Information and support for parents of neurodivergent children
A helpful list of resources and services collated by NHS Lothian for families who are awaiting or have received a neurodevelopmental assessment. It includes links to helpful websites, as well as some brief strategies and techniques which may be useful.
Barnardo’s ND:well service
This service is part of a network of community mental health services that is part of a partnership with Tailor Ed and Number 6. It’s the first port of call for neurodivergent children and young people or their parents, looking for support with their mental health and wellbeing.
The service is for children and young people aged between five to 24 years old and/or their parents, who live in the City of Edinburgh and are neurodivergent. This includes children and young people with a diagnosis of autism, ADHD and intellectual disability. At the Community Drop Ins parents or young people can access a sounding board and listening ear from a skilled and experienced support worker. They can provide access to information, resources and guidance as needed. They can also refer you to their services where suitable or signpost you to other services across the city that will best fit your needs.
Community Drop-Ins:
Craigmillar Library 101 Niddrie Mains Road, EH16 4DS. Monthly on Tuesdays from 10 am to 1 pm.
- 18th of March
- 22nd of April
- 20th of May
- 17 of June
Barnardos, 111 Oxgangs Road North, EH14 1ED. Weekly on Mondays from 1pm to 3pm.
Silverknowes Golf Club, 118 Silverknowes Road, EH4 5ET. Wednesdays from 9am to 12pm.
u-evolve, Norton Park 57 Albion Road Edinburgh EH7 5QY 1.30 pm -3 pm twice a month on a Tuesday.
- 4th of March
- 18th of March
- 1st of April
- 22nd of April
- 6th of May
- 27th of May
- 10th of June
- 24th of June
To book a slot at one of the Community Drop-In sessions add 'DROP IN' to the subject line of an email to
Family group
A group for neurodivergent children, young people aged five to 16 years and their parents and carers. Providing an opportunity for parents and carers to meet, and access peer support and information, while children and young people access activities run by staff and volunteers. Siblings are welcome. Little ones need to be supervised by parents/carers. Parents/carers are welcome to attend with or without their child/teenager. This initiative runs in partnership between Big Hearts and the City of Edinburgh Lifelong Learning team
The group runs on Fridays from 2 pm to 3.30 pm at
For further information email
Andrena.Graham@edinburgh.gov.uk
Parent and Carer Peer Support Group
This group run by Salvesen Mindroom is for parents and carers of neurodivergent children or those with additional support needs. Each monthly online group will have a theme where parents and carers can share information, resources, and strategies which they have found helpful. Sessions run from 10.30 am to 11.30 am on Teams.
For more information on the next session contact
0131 370 6730