Children & Young People – Additional Needs

Introduction

Children and young people with additional needs deserve understanding, inclusion, accessibility, safety, and equal opportunities.

Additional needs can affect learning, communication, emotional wellbeing, behaviour, physical health, sensory processing, social interaction, or daily living. Some needs may be temporary, while others may continue into adulthood.

Every child and young person is different. No two individuals will experience additional needs in the same way, even if they share the same diagnosis or condition.

This guide provides information about:

• additional needs awareness
• disability and neurodiversity support
• education rights
• healthcare and accessibility
• emotional wellbeing
• safeguarding
• financial support
• family support
• government services and guidance

Right First Time UK supports child-centred, compassionate, and accessible support for all children, young people, and families.

Understanding Additional Needs

Additional needs may include:

• autism
• ADHD
• dyslexia
• dyspraxia
• speech and language difficulties
• sensory impairments
• learning disabilities
• physical disabilities
• chronic illnesses
• mental health conditions
• emotional or behavioural difficulties
• trauma-related needs

Some children and young people may have more than one condition or support need.

Needs can affect:

• education
• communication
• friendships
• confidence
• emotional wellbeing
• independence
• behaviour
• physical health
• daily routines

Support should always focus on the individual child or young person and their unique needs.

Neurodiversity & Additional Needs

Many children and young people are neurodivergent.

This may include:

• autism
• ADHD
• dyslexia
• sensory processing differences
• Tourette syndrome

Neurodivergent children and young people may:

• communicate differently
• need routine and predictability
• experience sensory overload
• struggle with social pressures
• require additional emotional support

They may also have strengths including:

• creativity
• honesty
• attention to detail
• strong interests and knowledge
• problem-solving skills

Understanding and support can make a major difference to confidence and wellbeing.

NHS Neurodiversity Information:
NHS Autism Guide

NHS ADHD Information

Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing

Children and young people with additional needs may experience:

• anxiety
• low confidence
• social isolation
• emotional overwhelm
• sensory exhaustion
• bullying
• depression
• burnout
• emotional dysregulation

Mental health difficulties may increase when support needs are misunderstood or unsupported.

Young people should feel safe asking for help without fear of judgement.

NHS Children & Young People Mental Health Support:
NHS Mental Health Support for Young People

Education Rights & SEND Support

Children and young people with additional needs may be entitled to support in education settings.

Support may include:

• learning support assistants
• communication support
• exam adjustments
• sensory adjustments
• adapted learning materials
• behavioural support
• therapy support
• specialist educational provision

Educational settings should work towards inclusive and accessible learning environments.

SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)

SEND support is designed to help children and young people who require additional educational support.

SEND support may involve:

• school-based support plans
• assessments
• specialist services
• therapy support
• EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans)

Government SEND Information:
SEND Support Guidance

Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs)

Some children and young people may qualify for an EHCP where needs require additional long-term support.

An EHCP may include:

• educational support
• healthcare support
• therapy services
• communication support
• accessibility arrangements

Parents, carers, schools, or young people may request assessments for an EHCP.

EHCP Government Information:
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)

Equality Rights & Protection

Children and young people with disabilities or additional needs may be protected under the Equality Act 2010.

This protection includes rights against:

• discrimination
• exclusion
• bullying
• unfair treatment
• accessibility barriers

Schools and services should consider reasonable adjustments to support inclusion and accessibility.

Government Equality Guidance:
Equality Act 2010 Guidance

Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments help reduce barriers for children and young people.

Examples may include:

• extra time in exams
• quiet spaces
• sensory adjustments
• communication support
• flexible routines
• adapted learning approaches
• support with transitions
• reduced environmental stress

Support should always be tailored to individual needs.

Healthcare & Accessible Support

Children and young people may require:

• accessible healthcare appointments
• therapy services
• speech and language support
• occupational therapy
• physiotherapy
• mental health support
• sensory-friendly environments

NHS Accessible Information:
NHS Accessible Information Standard

Bullying, Isolation & Inclusion

Children and young people with additional needs may face:

• bullying
• exclusion
• social isolation
• misunderstanding
• discrimination

Supportive environments can help improve:

• confidence
• friendships
• emotional wellbeing
• educational outcomes
• self-esteem

Every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and included.

Family & Carer Support

Supporting a child or young person with additional needs can sometimes feel emotionally, physically, and financially overwhelming.

Families and carers may need:

• emotional support
• respite support
• financial advice
• educational guidance
• advocacy support
• community support services

Families should never feel blamed or isolated for seeking help or support.

Financial Support & Disability Benefits

Some children and young people may qualify for financial support depending on needs and eligibility.

Support may include:

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Carer’s Allowance
• Universal Credit disability elements
• local authority support

Government Disability Benefits Information:
Benefits and Financial Support if Disabled

DLA for Children:
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children

Carer’s Allowance:
Carer’s Allowance

Advocacy & Accessible Communication

Some children, young people, and families may require advocacy support to:

• understand rights
• attend meetings
• challenge decisions
• communicate needs
• access services

Accessible communication may include:

• visual support
• simple language
• extra processing time
• written information
• sensory considerations

Listening to the child or young person’s voice is important.

Safeguarding & Protection

Children and young people with additional needs may sometimes be more vulnerable to:

• bullying
• abuse
• exploitation
• neglect
• online risks
• emotional harm

Professionals and services should ensure safeguarding support is accessible and inclusive.

Safeguarding concerns should always be taken seriously.

Government Safeguarding Information:
Keeping Children Safe in Education

NSPCC Support:
NSPCC Child Protection Support

Supporting a Child or Young Person With Additional Needs

Helpful support may include:

• listening without judgement
• creating safe routines
• understanding sensory needs
• encouraging communication
• supporting emotional wellbeing
• reducing unnecessary stress
• celebrating strengths and achievements

Every child develops differently.

Support should focus on encouragement, dignity, inclusion, and understanding.

Important Reminder

Children and young people with additional needs are individuals first.

They deserve:

• dignity
• accessibility
• inclusion
• understanding
• safety
• emotional support
• equal opportunities
• respectful treatment

Differences should never be treated as lesser, ignored, or punished.

Right First Time UK supports child-centred support, accessibility, neurodiversity awareness, equality, and compassionate guidance for all children, young people, and families.