Finding clear, trustworthy information about ADHD and autism support can be overwhelming for children, young people and their families. Long waiting times, inconsistent advice and multiple access points often make it difficult to know where to turn, especially while waiting for an assessment or diagnosis.
To help address this, a new ADHD and autism signposting toolkit has been launched across Sussex. The toolkit brings together clear, consistent information about local and pan-Sussex support, helping people find the right help at the right time.
Why this toolkit matters
Feedback from children, young people, parent carers and professionals across Sussex has shown that existing online information can feel fragmented, confusing and hard to trust. Many families reported feeling unsupported while waiting for assessments, with little guidance on what support is available in the meantime.
This new toolkit aims to change that by:
- Making it easier to find support first time
- Reducing confusion by aligning information across services
- Supporting earlier access to help, regardless of diagnosis
- Offering clear advice for people on waiting lists
The content has been co-produced with people with lived experience, alongside NHS, local authority and voluntary sector partners, ensuring it reflects real needs and uses inclusive, accessible language.
What the toolkit includes
The toolkit provides tailored information for:
- Children and young people
- Parent carers and families
Each section is organised around need, rather than diagnosis, and includes:
- What autism and ADHD are, explained simply
- Support available for emotional wellbeing and everyday challenges
- What to do in a crisis or urgent situation
- Local groups and peer support
- Trusted information and learning resources
There are versions for Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, West Sussex, as well as a pan-Sussex option, making it easier for people to access relevant local support.
You can download relevant documents using the links below:
If you are an organisation working with children and young people with ADHD and/or autism, you can download the social media graphics toolkit using the link below:
To find out more about this project or to join the group membership for ongoing work, please email sxicb.comms@nhs.net
