Children and young people who are showing signs of neuro-developmental needs can now access a new tool which can help identify what support a child or young person may need.

The neurodiversity (ND) profiling tool is the first step in identifying neurodiversity within children and young people aged 0-19 and has been approved for use across Cornwall.

What is the ND Profiling Tool?

The ND profiling tool is a visual document that assesses nine developmental strands of a child or young person aged 0-19. This includes speech and language, energy levels, attention skills, emotion regulation, sensory levels, motor skills, cognitive abilities, flexibility and adaptability, and empathy.

It provides a holistic view of a child or young person’s needs and suggests types of strategies that can be put in place to help manage those needs in different areas of a life, such as at home, at their early years setting, school or college, and in the community.

The process of completing the profile is done with the family, and not for or to the family.

How do I use the tool for my child or young person?

If you think your child or young person may be showing signs of Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), Dyspraxia, or other neuro-developmental needs, you can request the ND profiling tool to be completed.

This will be done jointly with a trained professional alongside your child or young person if appropriate and your family. There are more than professionals who have already received training in completing the ND profiling tool with more being trained each week. Usually these are people who work with children or young people, so you are encouraged to speak to your health visitor, nursery, health practitioner, school or college to request a profile in the first instance.

If you would like to find out more about the new pathway and how it will work you can access one of our information sessions.

Information session for Parents/Carers on the Neurodiversity Profiling Tool