Waiting lists for ADHD and autism assessments are growing, but families cannot afford to wait. This session explores what parents need during the pre-diagnostic period and why “refer and wait” is no longer sufficient. It highlights practical, evidence-informed strategies that improve parental confidence, reduce stress, and support behaviour at home. Attendees will leave with clear approaches to create more stable environments and better support families while they await assessment.

Key Stage: Post 16

Audience Stage: 1-3

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Take immediate action
Apply practical, evidence-informed strategies to improve regulation, behaviour, and day-to-day functioning
- Create stability early
Support families to build calmer, more predictable home environments before diagnosis
- Think system-wide
Recognise opportunities to implement scalable, low-resource support across education, health, and local systems