A neurodivergent child's brain processes information in a different way to others. They may have sensory differences, difficulty sleeping or adapting to a change in routine. They could find it hard to sit still, make friends or say how they feel. All of these things can make school very challenging.  

How does it work?

 

Working with schools, families and children, a trained professional will complete a 'This is Me needs summary' after observing the child and talking to them. The professional could be a teacher, special educational needs coordinator (SENCO), family liaison officer or another professional who works closely with your school and has been appropriately trained. This will not result in a diagnosis but will help the child get the support they need.

 

A personalised support plan will then be created that will help inform reasonable adjustments which can be put in place at school, at home and in community settings such as sports clubs and Scouts. This animation explains how 'This is Me' works.

Waiting lists

As waiting lists for autism and ADHD assessments are so long, we want to ensure  families and children receive support as soon as possible. However, i f a child is waiting for an assessment for autism or ADHD, they will not lose their place on the waiting list by taking part in 'This is Me'.  

When 'This is Me' has been introduced in a school, it will be the primary method of referral. This means a child will get access to support from a new community team long before they have an assessment, which may not be needed once the support is in place.   

 

Assessments can still be accessed through Right to Choose, although GPs will need a report from the child's school to progress the referral. 

Resource hub

 

The 'This is Me' resource hub can be accessed by anyone, although it will be most useful to those using the tool at school. 

 

Support offer

The tool comes with robust support. GP practices remain a key part of the offer, as does the community neurodiversity team. The team ensures families are able to access the support that meets their needs, as well as providing additional support and guidance to schools. 

The hope is that children and young people can access help and support at the earliest opportunity rather than waiting for long periods without the support they need. 

'This is Me' does not prevent diagnostic assessment when needed. We believe that schools and families are best placed to provide the information needed to support a referral for assessment when it is appropriate.

How 'This is Me' has helped children and families

 

Five-year-old Sindy O'Cock, who has neurodivergent traits, found starting school difficult. Find out how 'This is Me' helped make the process easier.  

 

The video below was filmed at The Wells Free School in Tunbridge Wells. 'This is Me' was successfully introduced several years ago so we were able to speak to the headteacher, parents, and a child about their experiences with the tool. This film was not scripted and all participants are using their own words.  

Testimonial: A view from a Kent parent who took part in 'This is Me'

We were invited to take part in   This Is Me when it first launched as a pilot in our area. At the time, we were really struggling with our son, who was showing early signs of autism that were manifesting in violent behaviours. 

Our daughter was also deeply affected—not only by her brother's challenges but also by her own, which we weren't even aware of before starting the programme. 

School staff knew we had reached out to our GP for help with our son and suggested we join  This Is Me as a way to support us all as a family. What we didn't realise then was just how life-changing that invitation would be. 

The programme ultimately helped us get to the root of the challenges we were facing—not just with our children, but with ourselves as parents. It has since become the strong foundation our family now stands on. 

The programme also welcomed my mum, which was incredibly important. While she could see there were issues, she wasn't initially on board with the idea that the children might be autistic. Like many, her understanding of autism was based on outdated or extreme portrayals, which didn't match what we were experiencing.

For example, when our daughter was younger and would arrange her bath toys by colour, size, and shape, we thought she was just clever and organised. But through This Is Me , we began to see other signs—like the anxiety she experienced when pavement patterns didn't align or when drains didn't match up. These seemingly small things were actually causing her significant distress. 

One of the most impactful tools we learned about was the Zones of Regulation . This helped our son begin to recognise when he was dysregulated. Over time, he learned to understand and express his emotions—distinguishing between hunger, tiredness, embarrassment, shame, and so on. Before, any of those feelings would result in what our coach called him putting on his “big angry coat,” and we couldn't reach 
him.

This analogy was a lightbulb moment for me, and I will never forget that phrase. Now, we understand his triggers, know how to support him during meltdowns, and use simple language and calming strategies that really work. We also learned the importance of reflection—both for him and for us as parents.

The difference in him now is nothing short of remarkable. Perhaps most unexpectedly, This Is Me led us to reflect on ourselves as well. Through this journey, we discovered that we are all neurodivergent. Being able to talk openly and honestly as a family about our experiences has brought us closer together. We've learned to protect our peace, to share only with those who support us, and to stop worrying about what others might think. 

We are stronger than ever—and every one of us is achieving amazing things every day.  

I truly believe that  This Is Me was the beginning of our journey. It gave us hope at a time when every door felt closed. It's not easy to admit you're struggling—but it's OK to say you need help. And there is help out there.

How will 'This is me' benefit my children?

'This is Me' will help families, teachers and the child themselves to have a better understanding of their needs, strengths and differences.  

 

This will help everyone to understand the child and meet their needs at home and at school. That could involve making adaptations, such as introducing additional breaks, changing the environment or doing more outdoor learning.  

Where is ‘This is Me’ taking place?

'This is Me' was introduced in all mainstream schools in Maidstone during the 2024-25 academic year, following a successful pilot in Tunbridge Wells. During 2025-26, 'This is Me' will be introduced in Swale and some Medway schools.

 

In time, 'This is Me' will be introduced in all mainstream schools in Kent and Medway.

How do you know ‘This is Me’ is working?

As 'This is Me' is rolled out in more areas, we are listening to feedback and working with parents, families, carers, schools and people with lived experienced to make sure the tool is right for people.  

This means we can review and refine the tool - which is an ongoing process - before it is rolled out to other districts.

We would like to continue to engage with people with lived experience, parents and carers and the community generally as we develop this tool and service.

Evaluation is ongoing as we work with children, families and schools who have taken part in 'This is Me' to determine what difference it makes to their lives.

Why has ‘This is Me’ been created?

Over the last few years, demand for autism and ADHD assessments in England has risen at such speed that services are unable to keep up.  

 

In Kent and Medway, some children are waiting many years for an assessment and not getting the support they need. We are changing the process so that we offer support first, rather than children spending many years on a waiting list without help.  

 

Many children may not need to join a waiting list for a diagnosis as they will already have the support they need.  

Who is running ‘This is Me’?

NHS Kent and Medway is working with Kent County Council, Medway Council and NHS providers to transform the neurodevelopmental support pathway for children and young people. 

 

Our two-day training for school staff, enabling them to provide the 'This is Me needs summary' in children's own schools, focuses on neuro-affirming practice and wider culture change.

I think my child has ADHD and needs medication. Will this stop me accessing that?

No. Many children do not need medication but if your child does need it, 'This is Me' will not stop that happening.  

 

'This is Me' will help parents and schools to manage the needs of children who may have ADHD, which may mean medication is not needed.