At Redlands, we understand that it can be worrying and frustrating when a child or young person is struggling with their behaviour, attention, or emotions — especially when this begins to affect school or family life. Many parents contact us when they are concerned about possible behavioural conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Understanding What We Can Do as a GP Practice
If your child is already on a waiting list for an ASD or ADHD assessment, or you are seeking help for ongoing behavioural challenges, please know that there are limits to what medical intervention can offer at this stage.
GPs are not able to diagnose or fast-track autism or ADHD assessments, and there are no specific medications or tests that can be started without input from the appropriate specialist teams. However, we want to ensure families have access to the right support and resources while waiting for further assessments.
Below are trusted sources of help — many of which can offer practical strategies, guidance, and emotional support for parents and young people.
Local Support in Devon
- Devon County Council
The Local Offer brings together information on services available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including behavioural and emotional support.
Website: https://www.devon.gov.uk/education-and-families/send-local-offer/ - Early Help and Family Support (Devon Children and Families Partnership)
Support for families who are finding things challenging at home or school. You can self-refer or speak with your child’s school for guidance.
Website: https://www.dcfp.org.uk/early-help/ - CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
If your child is experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties affecting their wellbeing, CAMHS can assess and provide support.
Website: https://childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk/camhs/ - Parenting and Behaviour Support Courses
Free local parenting programmes and workshops are available to help parents manage challenging behaviour and support positive relationships.
Website: https://www.dcfp.org.uk/parents-carers/parenting-courses/ - Devon Information Advice and Support (DIAS)
Independent advice for parents and carers about special educational needs, school support, and navigating assessments.
Website: https://www.devonias.org.uk/ - Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD) Neurodiversity Navigators
These navigators provide support and guidance to families with neurodivergent children, offering general advice and help accessing available services.
Website: https://childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk/our-pathways/neurodiversity/#jump-collapse10010
Email: livewell.devonndnavigators@nhs.net - Livewell Southwest Children, Young People and Families Neurodiversity Wellbeing Team (Plymouth): This pilot team offers wellbeing support for challenges such as sleep, diet, anxiety, and behaviour strategies. They also provide advocacy to help connect families with local groups and resources.
Website: https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/camhs-neurodiversity - Calmer Lives (formerly Bis-net)
Supporting disabled and neurodiverse individuals and families to live calmer, connected, happier lives.
Website: https://www.calmerlives.co.uk/
Phone: 01392 360645 – option 3
Email: calmerlives@cedaonline.org.uk - National Autistic Society (NAS) Exeter and District Branch
Offers support groups, advice, and information for autistic children and their families in the Exeter and surrounding area.
Website: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/branches/exeter-and-district
Email: exeterdistrict.branch@nas.org.uk - Young Devon
Provides wellbeing conversations, counselling, and CBT for young people aged 11 and over across Devon, Torbay, and Plymouth.
Website: https://www.youngdevon.org/ - YMCA Exeter
Offers a psychological wellbeing service for 5-18 year olds using CBT techniques and goal-setting.
Website: https://www.ymcaexeter.org.uk/services/cwpwellbeing/ - Sequoia Therapy
A private service using play and creative mediums to help children process feelings and behaviours, with support for parents as well.
Website: http://www.sequoiatherapy.co.uk/ - Devon Child Psychology
A private practice with a clinical psychologist who has experience with neurodevelopmental difficulties.
Website: https://devonchildpsychology.co.uk/ - Esteem Team
Provides 1:1 and group support for parents and carers of children with additional needs.
Website: https://www.esteemteam.co.uk/ - Running Deer School
An independent school for young people with special educational needs, which also offers activities through its CIC group based on rural and land-based skills.
Website: https://www.runningdeerschool.org.uk/
Telephone: 01647 400201
National Resources
- Young Minds
Information and support for parents and young people on mental health and behaviour.
Website: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/ - National Autistic Society
Guidance for families awaiting ASD assessments and managing daily challenges.
Website: https://www.autism.org.uk/ - ADDISS
National ADHD information and support service.
Website: https://www.addiss.co.uk/ - Happy Maps
A free psychological wellbeing service for ages 5-18 that offers support and intervention for low mood, anxiety, and behavioural difficulties.
Website: https://www.happymaps.co.uk/ - Kooth
A free, safe, and anonymous online support and counselling service for young people.
Website: https://www.kooth.com/
When to Contact Us
Please contact the practice if:
- Your child’s behaviour has suddenly changed or is associated with self-harm, aggression, or severe distress.
- You are worried about your child’s safety or wellbeing.
- You need medical advice for another health-related concern.
Otherwise, we encourage families to explore the resources above in the first instance. These services can often provide more immediate and practical support than a GP appointment.
We know that managing behavioural challenges can be stressful and exhausting for families. We hope the links above help you find the right guidance and support while you await specialist input.