{"id":736,"date":"2025-08-14T09:51:50","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T08:51:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/neurodiversity\/?page_id=736"},"modified":"2026-03-26T10:03:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T10:03:55","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/neurodiversity\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQs – Children and Young People"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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FAQs: Supporting Neurodivergent Children and Young People<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Below, you\u2019ll find answers to common questions about where to start, how to find support, clinical assessment, and what to expect when seeking care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You do not need a diagnosis to access most supports. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clinical assessment and diagnosis are only possible parts of support \u2013 and these are not the starting point for most children. Learn more where to start below<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last updated: March 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>

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For life-threatening emergencies, please dial 999.<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For all other urgent needs please contact NHS 24 on 111 and choose option 1 for \u2018mental health\u2019 or call your GP.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Neurodiversity Explained<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Understanding the Terminology<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Neurodevelopmental conditions and neurodiversity uses specific terms that might be unfamiliar. Use the dropdown arrows below to learn more about each term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about terminology and using neuro-affirming language: language guide<\/a> and NAIT’s Neuro-Affirming Language Checklist<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Neurodiverse<\/summary>\n

Neurodiverse describes a group<\/strong> of individuals who represent all types of neurodiversity. An individual <\/strong>cannot be neurodiverse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An individual who is not neurotypical is neurodivergent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Neurodivergent<\/summary>\n

The term neurodivergent is broad and used to refer to an individual <\/strong>whose brain functions differently than societal standards of \u201ctypical.\u201d Neurodivergent is not a diagnosis, but the term is used to describe people whose neurological conditions mean they do not consider themselves to be neurotypical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People whose brain functions differently than dominant societal norms may be identified with one or more neurodevelopmental conditions. More well known neurodivergent neurotypes are autism and ADHD.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Neurotype<\/summary>\n

A neurotype refers to the unique way a person’s brain processes information, learns, communicates and interacts with the world. Different neurotypes include autism and ADHD.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Masking<\/summary>\n

Masking is a strategy used by some neurodivergent people, consciously or unconsciously, to appear neurotypical \u2013 like a social camouflage. This strategy can help neurodivergent people cope in school, work and social situations, but it can also have negative impacts on their mental health and lead to burnout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Masking may look like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n