Many of us are living with one long term health condition. It's also becoming increasingly common for some people to have more than one long term condition.
We support many people with multiple long term conditions so that they can manage them and live independently in their own home.
Below are some of the conditions and illnesses our clinicians deal with, as well as conditions our children and young people's services advises parents on.
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how people experience the world and interact with others. Autistic people may see, hear and feel the world differently to non-autistic people. Autism is not an illness or disease and there is no medication or 'cure'. Often people feel being autistic is a fundamental aspect of their identity.
Autism is a spectrum condition. All autistic people share certain difficulties, but being autistic will affect them in different ways. Some autistic people also have learning disabilities, mental health issues or other types of neurodivergence, meaning people need different levels of support. All people on the autism spectrum learn and develop. With the right sort of support, all can be helped to live a more fulfilling life of their own choosing.
Some autistic people say the world feels overwhelming and this can cause them considerable anxiety. In particular, understanding and relating to other people, and taking part in everyday family, school, work and social life, can be harder. Autistic people may wonder why they are 'different' and feel their social differences mean people don't understand them.
Over the years, different diagnostic labels have been used, such as autism, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), autism spectrum condition (ASC), pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), high-functioning autism (HFA), and Asperger syndrome. This reflects the different diagnostic manuals and tools used, and the different autism profiles presented by individuals. Because of recent changes to the main diagnostic manuals, 'autism spectrum disorder' (ASD) is now the most commonly given diagnostic term. Many people do not consider autism to be a disorder and so prefer to use the terms 'autistic' and 'autism', and we do not give severity ratings with diagnosis.
The exact cause or causes of autism are still being investigated. Research into causes suggests that a combination of factors - genetic and environmental - may account for differences in development. Autism is not caused by a person's upbringing, their social circumstances and is not the fault of the autistic individual or their parents.
When people with autism experience difficulties, it is often due to the demands of a world that is not well designed for people with autism. Whilst there is no 'cure'; there are a range of strategies and approaches - methods of enabling learning and development - which people may find to be helpful. There is a growing movement among adults on the autism spectrum who don't think in terms of 'curing' autism, but instead of celebrating neurodiversity. This is not to suggest that autistic people do not find life challenging, but they frame autism within the social model of disability.
Getting a diagnosis of autism may be helpful because:
The Neurodiversity Support Hub is an advice service offering support, signposting and guidance about a whole range of things relating to ADHD and autism. The phones are answered by a team of parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people. Your child doesn't need a diagnosis for you to use this service. You can call them on 01727 833963 (Open Monday to Friday 9am - 1pm, closed bank holidays) or email: supporthub@add-vance.org
The Hertfordshire County Council Local Offer includes a range of materials, bookable courses and workshops which can provide invaluable guidance on supporting your child or young person, both before and after their assessment.
ADD-vance is a registered charity with a team of trainers, coaches and volunteers. Their services include workshops, coaching, a Facebook group, and a helpdesk (01727 833963).
The Toolbox from Mindler is a website for young people to access information and support about ADHD and Autism. Offering resources like self-help tools, live streams and an anonymous text chat service (no formal diagnosis required).
The National Autistic Society is a national charity that provides information and resources for autistic people and their families. The National Autistic Society also has a helpful online training module about women and girls.
Autism Understood is a website about autism, for autistic young people:
The Autism Education Trust has lots of advice for parents and teachers of children throughout their school life.
‘Amazing things happen’ is a short introductory YouTube video about autism, which may be helpful to share. It can help family members and peers become more aware of life from an autistic person’s perspective.
Autistic Girls Network is a charity focused on supporting autistic women, girls, and their families by providing education, resources, and community.
Witherslack Group offers a wealth of information for parents, carers and siblings, including online support and webinars
Angels Support Group supports families of autistic children and/or children withs ADHD (and those waiting diagnosis).
Families in Focus offer training for parents of children with and without additional needs.
SPACE is a Hertfordshire-based charity supporting neurodivergent children and young people and their families. They offer a range of training and workshops.
Herts Parent and Carer Involvement (HPCI) register to receive local, regional and national SEND news and information, receive invitations to local and regional events, find out about service changes and developments, and share your views.
