This page provides information on one-to-one and group sessions available to children and young people under 18 with suspected or diagnosed neurodiversity. You can access these supports with or without a diagnosis, and each session is run by trained Mindworks professionals.
Group support
Group support can help in different ways, such as:
- Connecting you with others who share similar experiences
- Improve your social and communication skills
- Increase your self-esteem and awareness
- Make you feel accepted and understood
Description
The aim of this course is to explore differences that we see in ourselves and others, in our likes, dislikes, and learning style, to use the space within the groups to safely reflect on our own differences and how we cope with different situations. Feelings are discussed with a clear focus on solutions to big feelings and exploring different coping strategies. The group will also help you to:
- Understand ADHD and its characteristics
- Support yourself in a classroom setting
- Build your self-esteem and find ways to improve your wellbeing
The group is for up to six young people and usually runs for six weeks.
For the older children within Secondary school, we work with the school team alongside children and young people who have an ADHD diagnosis.. Within this group, we have more in-depth discussions about the condition in a safe place.
Age range
6-16 years old
Location
In person at your school. Open to all schools in Surrey.
Who runs this group?
This group is run and facilitated by two workers from Barnardo’s
How do I access this support?
To access this group, please talk to a teacher or a trusted adult within your school.
Description
Making Links is a group where you can learn about talking and working with others your age. In this group, you will focus on developing your skills and confidence whilst gaining a better understanding of your neurodivergence. In the group, you’ll get to try new things, make friends, and learn more about how your brain works — all through fun activities!
Age range
For those 8-11 years old
Location
In person at the Eikon offices in Runnymede
Who runs this group?
This group is run by Eikon
How do I access this support?
To access this support, please talk to a teacher or trusted adult within your school. They can access advice from our school based need services, and if appropriate, a referral by the professional would be made via Children & young people's referral portal.
One-to-one support
Description
Transition support sessions focus on supporting you to understand your autistic identity and to develop individual coping strategies as you transition towards adulthood. You will explore strategies that will support your independence and wellbeing, and also develop a peer network.
Age range
16-18 year olds
Location
These sessions are run virtually
Who runs these sessions?
The National Autistic Society (NAS)
How do I access this support?
You can access this support by emailing surrey.familysupport@nas.org.uk
Description
Learning Space offers up to six one-to-one sessions for children and young people who have autistic traits or are diagnosed with autism. These sessions are aimed at exploring strengths, helping to understand behaviours, managing emotions, and developing strategies to achieve goals. Different approaches, including play, drama, and creative work, are used throughout these sessions. Each session is around 45 minutes long.
Age range
5-18 years old
Location
These sessions are in person in Tadworth, Guildford, and Redhill. These sessions can also be held online.
Who runs these sessions?
Learning Space
How do I access this support?
To access this group, please talk to a teacher or a trusted adult within your school. They will then talk to the School-Based Needs team.
Description
Eikon offers up to 8 weekly sessions to support you with a range of different topics. These include:
- Understanding what you need and how to communicate effectively
- Learning more about your feelings and how to handle them
- Feeling more confident when talking with others
- Building healthy routines
Age range
8-18 years old
Location
These sessions are held either in the Eikon offices in Runnymede or within your school
Who runs these sessions?
Eikon
How do I access this support?
To access this support, please talk to a teacher or trusted adult within your school. They can access advice from our school based need services, and if appropriate, a referral by the professional would be made via Children & young people's referral portal.
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