Understanding Me
"A course to support children and young people diagnosed with ASD and ADHD"
Receiving a diagnosis of autism or ADHD can bring lots of different feelings, both for young people and for their families. There may be relief and a greater sense of understanding, but also questions, worries or uncertainty about what the diagnosis means and how best to talk about it.
Many parents tell us that they are unsure how to explain a diagnosis to their child in a way that feels positive, understandable and appropriate for their age.
Our Understanding Me course is designed to help children and young people understand their diagnosis, recognise their individual strengths and challenges, and start to develop a toolbox of skills to manage their emotions.
Why is it important to talk to a young person about their diagnosis?
For many young people, having their diagnosis explained in a developmentally appropriate and strengths-focused way can be an important part of developing a positive understanding of themselves.
Rather than simply hearing that some things are harder for them, we want young people to understand why they may experience certain situations differently, where their strengths lie, what they may need support with, and what can help.
Understanding their neurodivergence can help young people make sense of their experiences and recognise that differences between people are normal. It can also give them the language to explain their needs, ask for support and begin developing greater confidence and self-understanding.
Our approach is always individualised. A diagnosis does not define a young person, and no two autistic or ADHD young people will have exactly the same profile
Who is the course for?
The course is primarily designed for children and young people aged 8–13 years who have recently received a diagnosis of:
- Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder/ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Both autism and ADHD, sometimes referred to as AuDHD.
We can be flexible around age depending on the young person's developmental level, understanding and individual needs.
Sessions are provided one-to-one, allowing the programme to be adapted to the young person's own diagnosis, assessment findings, interests, strengths and areas where they may need additional support.
The course is intended as post-diagnostic support rather than mental health treatment. Where a young person is experiencing more significant difficulties with anxiety, low mood, emotional wellbeing or other mental health concerns, we may recommend sessions with one of our Clinical Psychologists instead. Post-diagnostic work can still form part of this support.
How long is the course?
For young people with a diagnosis of either autism or ADHD, the programme consists of 4 sessions.
For young people with both autism and ADHD (AuDHD), the programme consists of 6 sessions, allowing more time to explore both aspects of their neurodevelopmental profile.
Additional or follow-up sessions can be arranged where helpful.
Where does the course take place and who provides it?
Sessions are provided by a Senior Assistant Psychologist specialising in neurodiversity and post-diagnostic support, with close supervision from a Senior Clinical Psychologist.
Sessions are currently available on Fridays at our Finchley Road clinic. Where appropriate sessions can also take place online.
Do parents or carers attend?
We ask a parent or carer to join at least part of the first session. This allows us to understand what the young person already knows about their diagnosis, agree how it should be introduced and make sure that everyone feels comfortable with the approach.
After the first session, the practitioner will agree with the family how much parent involvement would be most helpful. Some young people prefer to complete most of the programme independently, while for others it can be helpful for parents to join particular parts of the sessions.
We also offer a separate programme specifically for parents and carers who would like support in understanding their child's diagnosis and thinking about how best to support them at home.
What does the course involve?
Before the first session, we will prepare a child-friendly version of the young person's diagnostic report. This takes the main findings from the assessment and presents them in language that is easier for a child or young person to understand.
Session 1 – Understanding my assessment and diagnosis
We introduce the child-friendly version of the diagnostic report and explain the assessment findings and diagnosis in an accessible, strengths-focused way.
We explore what the diagnosis means for that particular young person, including their individual strengths, things they may find more difficult and the kinds of support or adjustments that may help at home and at school.
There will be plenty of opportunity for the young person to ask questions
Session 2 – Understanding how my brain works
For autistic young people, we use interactive activities to explore their individual autistic profile, including their strengths, preferences and the situations they may find more challenging.
For young people with ADHD, we explore their individual ADHD profile and how areas such as attention, activity levels, impulsivity, motivation and executive functioning may affect them in everyday life.
For young people with both autism and ADHD, this part of the programme is usually explored over two sessions, giving enough time to consider how both aspects of their neurodivergence interact.
Session 3 – Understanding my emotions
Using developmentally appropriate, CBT-informed activities, we help young people understand their emotions and notice the situations, thoughts, physical sensations and experiences that can contribute to strong feelings.
We also explore how autism or ADHD may influence emotional experiences, including overwhelm, frustration, uncertainty or difficulties recognising emotions.
Session 4 – Finding strategies that work for me
The final part of the programme focuses on developing an individual set of strategies that the young person can use when things feel difficult.
These will be tailored to the child's age and interests and might include sensory strategies, ways of managing overwhelm, emotional regulation tools, movement, planning strategies, asking for help or creating personalised calming resources.
For young people with both autism and ADHD, the emotional understanding and strategy work is usually completed over two sessions.
How much does the course cost?
The cost is:
Autism or ADHD programme – 4 sessions: £300
Autism and ADHD (AuDHD) programme – 6 sessions: £450
Additional or follow-up sessions can be booked for £75 per session.
The course fee also includes:
- a personalised, child-friendly version of the diagnostic report
- activities and resources used during the sessions
- a resource pack containing information and strategies that the young person and family can continue to use after the programme.
What happens after the course ?
Some young people find that four or six sessions are enough to help them understand their diagnosis and begin using the strategies they have developed.
Others may benefit from occasional check-in sessions with the Senior Assistant Psychologist. These can be arranged as needed, for example when the young person starts a new school year, experiences a significant transition or would simply benefit from revisiting some of the ideas from the programme.
If it becomes clear that a young person needs more specialist or ongoing psychological support, we will discuss this with parents and may recommend transferring their care to one of our qualified Clinical Psychologists.
