Charity Autism Anglia is rolling its Community Connect service, which is already supporting hundreds of families in Colchester and north-east Essex, out into Norwich and mid-Norfolk from May 1.

The service will provide one-to-one support to autistic children and young people up to the age of 25, as well as their parents and carers, including families who are waiting for assessment or do not yet have a formal diagnosis.

The Community Connect service was created to help families feel less alone while navigating autism and ADHD.

The number of children in Norfolk being referred for assessments for autism and ADHD has more than doubled in just four years.

Officials from the NHS say referrals in Norfolk and Waveney shot up to 5,719 in 2024, compared to 2,795 in 2021, as parents and teachers seek diagnoses that might help their children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support.

Such is the surge in demand that some youngsters are waiting more than six years for a diagnosis from healthcare professionals.

Children in Norfolk are facing long waits for assessments (Image: Press Association)

Jessica Davis, from Autism Anglia, said: "Families repeatedly tell us how overwhelming it can feel when you’re waiting for answers or unsure where to turn.

"Community Connect exists to offer clarity, reassurance and practical support early on and in a way that fits around real life.”

From the start of May people will be able to get support in person or by phone as well as monthly online drop-in sessions.

Running on the first Thursday of every month, these are bookable 15-minute online appointments.

Norfolk County Council's finances are under pressure because of the need to provide extra SEND support for the rising numbers of children with ADHD and autism.

However, council leaders have been keen to stress that, while diagnoses of conditions are important, children can get support without them, based on their needs.

Details of how to access Autism Anglia's new service will be on the charity's website at www.autism-anglia.org.uk from May 1.

© Norwich Evening News