New online hub launches to support families waiting for neurodiversity assessments
Waiting Well offers free, expert guidance for families on neurodiversity assessment waiting lists.
If your child is on a waiting list for an autism or ADHD assessment, you’ll know how long, lonely and uncertain that wait can feel. But now, families across the UK finally have a new source of free, practical support to turn to.
Launched today, to mark World Autism Acceptance Month, Waiting Well, a new online resource funded by a £20,000 National Lottery Community Fund grant, has been created to help bridge the gap while families wait—often for years—for a formal neurodiversity diagnosis.
With waiting times now stretching beyond two years in many areas, parents are often left feeling overwhelmed, without guidance, and unsure how best to support their child. This new hub, developed by The Owl Centre Charity in collaboration with neurodivergent individuals, researchers, healthcare professionals and advocacy groups, is designed to change that.
What help is available?
The hub is packed with expert-led, practical tools and emotional guidance for families and individuals navigating the long wait for a diagnosis. Highlights include:
- Easy-to-follow strategies from occupational therapists, specialist advisory teachers and psychotherapists—covering everything from supporting your child at school to helping with day-to-day routines and relationships.
- Wellbeing support, including tips to ease anxiety, manage sleep and help children feel calmer and more confident while they wait.
- Hoots Hoo podcast, where professionals share real-life stories and advice to help parents feel heard, empowered, and equipped to support their child.
Nicola Lathey, Head of Therapy at The Owl Centre and the driving force behind the hub, says:
“We’re at breaking point, with thousands of individuals up and down the country in an autism and ADHD diagnosis limbo—without hope, guidance or support.
The NHS doesn’t provide much beyond a confirmation letter, and most community resources are patchy. Many people feel judged or misunderstood. We created this service to ensure no one falls through the cracks just because they’re waiting. Support shouldn’t only begin after diagnosis—it needs to start now.”
We’re at breaking point, with thousands of individuals up and down the country in an autism and ADHD diagnosis limbo—without hope, guidance or support. The NHS doesn’t provide much beyond a confirmation letter, and most community resources are patchy. Many people feel judged or misunderstood. We created this service to ensure no one falls through the cracks just because they’re waiting. Support shouldn’t only begin after diagnosis—it needs to start now.
'We felt completely in the dark'
Mum-of-one Lynette Webster knows just how tough the wait can be. Her daughter Bethany received her autism diagnosis five years ago—after years of struggle.
“Bethany was not a happy baby at all. She hated social settings, screamed constantly and had an incredibly low boredom threshold,” Lynette recalls. “At school she did well, but at home the behaviour was incredibly hard. She also developed anxiety and stopped eating.”
After years of feeling unheard and unsupported, Bethany finally received her ASD diagnosis in Year 6. But for over two and a half years—spanning both lockdowns—Lynette says their family felt “completely left in the dark”.
“There was no help, and the information online was so conflicting. I was desperate for guidance but didn’t know where to turn. A resource like this would have been a total game-changer for us back then.”
Expert tips for managing the wait
Speech and language therapist Nicola Lathey shares her top tips for supporting your child while you wait:
Start a behaviour journal
Note any patterns in your child’s behaviour, strengths and differences. These can help guide support strategies—and be invaluable when the assessment happens.
Use strategies now
Don’t wait for a diagnosis to try supportive techniques. Visual schedules, quiet corners, or sensory tools can make a huge difference to day-to-day life.
Find your people
Connect with other parents in the same boat. Local support groups and online communities can offer comfort, advice and solidarity.
Speak up at school
You can ask for support at school even without a diagnosis. Many teachers welcome suggestions that help your child feel more comfortable and included.
Look after yourself, too
Waiting can take a toll on your mental health. Take breaks, talk to someone, and remember—your love and advocacy matter more than any label.
This new hub is a welcome step forward for parents who feel stuck in limbo. By offering expert guidance and emotional support early on, it’s helping families feel more confident and less alone as they navigate the long road to diagnosis.
For more information and to access the hub, visit waitingwell.co.uk
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.