🧩Supporting Neurodiverse Children and Young People with the Knowing Me Tool
🧠New Support Available for Neurodiverse Children and Young People
Families across Cheshire and Merseyside can now benefit from the Knowing Me Profiling Tool – a new approach designed to help neurodiverse children and young people get the support they need sooner.
The tool has been developed with children, young people, parents, carers and professionals. It helps build a picture of a young person’s strengths, needs and experiences, so that support can be tailored to them as an individual. For a short YouTube video explaining the Knowing Me Profiling Tool click here
🌟You do not need a diagnosis🌟
One of the most important things to know is that children and young people do not need an autism or ADHD diagnosis to access support through the Knowing Me approach.
Instead of waiting for an assessment or diagnosis, families, schools and professionals can work together to identify what support may help now.
💬What does the tool look at?
The profile explores ten areas of everyday life, including:
- Emotions and wellbeing
- Energy levels
- Attention and focus
- Communication
- Sensory experiences
- Flexibility and routines
- Preparing for adulthood
This helps everyone understand how a young person experiences the world and what adjustments or support may be helpful.
🤝A partnership approach
The profile is completed with families, not for families. Children and young people are encouraged to share their views, helping them understand their own strengths and needs and take an active role in planning support.
❓Will it affect an assessment or diagnosis?
No. Completing a Knowing Me profile:
- Does not replace a neurodevelopmental assessment
- Does not stop a child from being referred for assessment
- Does not affect a child’s place on a waiting list
- Can help identify support while waiting for assessment if one is needed
The focus is on ensuring children and young people receive help based on their needs, rather than waiting for a diagnosis before support is available.
🔗Find Out More
The Knowing Me Profiling Tool is currently being rolled out across Cheshire and Merseyside through schools, education settings and other professionals working with children and young people.
To learn more about the Cheshire and Merseyside Neurodevelopment Pathway and the Knowing Me Profiling Tool, visit the Neurodevelopment pathway – NHS Cheshire and Merseyside
Together, we can help children and young people access the right support at the right time, helping them thrive at home, in school and in their communities.
👨👩👧👦Share your feedback
The Knowing Me team would like to hear from children, young people, families and professionals who use the tool. Your feedback will help improve services for neurodiverse children and young people across Cheshire and Merseyside.
Feedback on the Knowing ME profiling tool
Working together, we can help children and young people get the right support at the right time.
Click here for support on using the Knowing Me Tool or general support for Autism and ADHD.
