https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/your-hospital-visit/adolescent-hub/specialities-and-teams/neurodisability/
Neurodisability
We are a big team, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and psychologists. We run a number of different outpatient clinics, and some day case treatments. We see young people for lots of different reasons.
Together, we help you work out what you need and want. We also work to understand what you enjoy and what you are good at. Getting to know you helps us understand what might help and support you might need to be happy, healthy and reach your goals.
These are some of the conditions that we see in our clinics:
- Intellectual disability
- Autism spectrum
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)/Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
- Movement disorders
- Visual impairment
- Issues with eating and swallowing
- Language and speech differences, including use of alternative ways to communicate
Some rare conditions including:
- Sturge Weber
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
- Some metabolic conditions
- Epilepsy
There may be some conditions where medicine or other treatment is needed. Your doctors will discuss this with you. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor or nurse.
Many young people who come to our clinics communicate in different ways. Many may need help in communicating, even when they are adults, and that is fine.
If you are able to communicate by yourself, you may want to talk to your medical team on your own. It can be good practice for when you are older. You can choose who supports you for your appointments.
If you have a hospital or communication passport, please share this with the team.
Depending on your diagnosis, your team may know already which team will look after you as an adult. For some conditions, like Sturge Weber and Osteogenesis Imperfecta, there is a special adult team who will take over around the time you turn 18.
Some of our clinics are “one off” clinics, designed to investigate a particular issue you may have. They will not continue to see you long term. In this case, your local team will usually continue your care, and they will refer you to an adult service if this can help.
There are some websites that are helpful in understanding some of the terms we use and how these may affect young people.
Information about Autism
- What is autism? (video)
- Preparing for adulthood | Ambitious about Autism
- The National Autistic Society information for teenagers
Information about Intellectual disability
- Mencap are a charity for children and adults with intellectual disabilities - Access Learning Disability Advice and Support | Mencap
Information around transition from GOSH
- Each area has a list of services available for young people with additional needs. This is called a Local Offer page.
- Your school should also have a Transitions team and it might be helpful to make an appointment to speak to your school about support with transitions.
For families