Adopted and fostered children are significantly more likely to have neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism or ADHD—but these often go undiagnosed, especially when early life trauma or attachment difficulties are present. Without a clear diagnosis, families can struggle to access the right support.
This free online event is designed to help adoptive parents, foster carers, and professionals better understand these challenges—and what can be done to help.
What the Talk Will Cover
Led by clinical experts in child development and mental health, the session will explore:
How to recognise and diagnose Autism and ADHD in adopted or fostered young people
Why neurodevelopmental conditions are more common in this group than in the general population
The impact of early trauma and attachment difficulties on assessment and behaviour
How families can access specialist neurodevelopmental assessments and services
Practical strategies to support children with these differences at home and in school
Who This Event is For
This session is ideal for:
Adoptive parents and foster carers
Special guardians and kinship carers
Social workers, educators, and mental health professionals
Anyone supporting children who may have unmet neurodevelopmental needs
Why It Matters
Understanding neurodevelopmental conditions in adopted and fostered children can be life-changing. With the right knowledge, families and professionals can seek earlier diagnoses, tailor interventions, and offer children the consistent, informed support they need to thrive.
There will also be time throughout the session for you to ask questions and share reflections.