Do you support a child or young person?
Neurological conditions affect at least 1 in 6 people in the UK, including children and young people. Many children and young people will have a loved one with a neurological condition, and in some cases multiple family members with complex and life changing conditions.
Mental health is as important to physical health when enabling people to live well. Neurological conditions can co-occur with anxiety, depression, behavioural change, attention challenges, sleep disturbance and more. It can be hard for children and young people to express how they are feeling, particularly if they have access to limited vocabulary. For children living with neurological conditions in the family, many take on caring roles without identifying as a young carer. Too often, access to mental health support for families impacted by neurological conditions is inadequate.
Out of the children and young people you work with, do you know who is affected by a neurological condition? Are you supporting them effectively? In collaboration with our charity members, we have developed resources to help those working with children and young people to better understand the impact of neurological conditions and support their mental health.
Don’t Assume I’m OK: A Toolkit
Neurological conditions can impact children and young people in diverse and sometimes hidden ways. It is important to never assume a child or young person is “ok”. In 2026, member organisations developed a useful toolkit to help professionals such as teachers, youth club workers, and health and social care workers support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people they work with.
The toolkit outlines key things you can do to better support a child or young person’s wellbeing and signposts to further information, resources and support.
Download our toolkit here.
Download an easy read version here.
Download our extended toolkit with case studies here.
Webinar: Bridging the Gap: Understanding Neurological Conditions and Mental Health in Children and Young People
In collaboration with our charity members, The Neurological Alliance of Scotland hosted a webinar exploring the often-overlooked relationship between neurological conditions and mental health in children and young people.
Aimed at professionals working with children and young people, as well as those working within local authorities, the webinar looked at how neurological conditions can affect emotional wellbeing, behaviour and daily functioning, often in ways that are not immediately visible.
Drawing on lived experience evidence and case studies, the session examined the challenges children, young people and families face in accessing appropriate support, including gaps in understanding and service provision.
It also shared practical insights, recommendations and sources of support to help professionals better recognise need, respond effectively and work collaboratively to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Watch the recording: Bridging the Gap: Understanding neurological conditions and mental health in children and young people - recording
Download a PDF of the presentation with hyperlinks to further resources: Bridging the Gap: Understanding neurological conditions and mental health in children and young people - pdf
