Important:

Please ensure that all prescriptions needed over Easter are requested by 16th March. This will allow sufficient time for us to request and pharmacies to process them before the Easter holidays

ADHD and Autism (ASD) Support and Wellbeing for Patients

 

ADHD and Autism (ASD) Support and Wellbeing

Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can shape how you experience the world, how you think, feel, and interact with others. Whether you have a diagnosis, are waiting for an assessment, or are beginning to explore whether this may apply to you or your child, you are not alone.

Many people experience challenges with focus, organisation, emotional regulation, sensory sensitivities, sleep, and social communication. It is also common to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or burnt out at times. For some, traits of both ADHD and autism overlap.

Support is available at every stage. You do not need to wait for a formal diagnosis to start accessing help. There are a wide range of local and national services, tools, and community resources that can support your wellbeing, build confidence, and help you manage day-to-day life more effectively.

This page brings together trusted information, practical tools, and support options to help you find what works best for you.

ADHD and Autism (ASD) Support and Wellbeing 

Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC/ASD), whether diagnosed, awaiting assessment, or simply exploring whether this may apply to you or your child, can affect many areas of daily life. 

People may experience challenges with: 

  • Focus and organisation• Emotional regulation
    • Sensory sensitivities 
    • Social communication 
    • Sleep difficulties 
    • Anxiety or low mood 
    • Burnout or overwhelm 

Many people also have both ADHD and autism traits. Support does not have to wait for a formal diagnosis. There are many services and resources available locally and nationally that can help improve wellbeing and day-to-day functioning. 

NHS Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources 

Every Mind Matters (NHS) 

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/ 

An NHS wellbeing tool that provides personalised advice after answering a few questions about stress, sleep, anxiety, and mood. 

Marbles Lost and Found (Plymouth) 

https://www.marbleslostandfound.co.uk/home 

Created by someone with lived experience of mental health difficulties, this Plymouth-based website links to many local services and community support options. 

Apps That May Help 

Technology can support focus, emotional regulation, mindfulness, sleep, and routine building. 

Recommended sources: 

NHS App Library https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/category/mental-health/ 

ORCHA Health (independent health app reviews) 
https://www.orcha.co.uk/about-us/app-categories/ 

Look for apps supporting: 

  • ADHD organisation tools
    • Anxiety management
    • Mindfulness 
    • Sleep improvement 
    • Emotional regulation 

Books on Prescription 

Many libraries provide free self-help books recommended by healthcare professionals. 

Reading Well — Books on Prescription https://reading-well.org.uk/books/books-on-prescription/mental-health 

Topics include anxiety, depression, autism understanding, and coping strategies. 

Mindfulness and Sensory Regulation 

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help manage racing thoughts, emotional overload, and sensory overwhelm. 

Short daily practices can help improve: 

  • Focus
  • Emotional resilience
  • Sleep quality 

Many free apps and podcasts are available. 

Exercise and Physical Wellbeing 

Regular movement can significantly support mental wellbeing and executive functioning. 

Exercise releases endorphins (“feel-good hormones”) which may improve: 

  • Mood
  • Concentration
  • Sleep
  • Stress tolerance 

Local resources include: 

MINDset Gym 
Active4Life 

Self-Referral for Professional Support 

You can often access support without needing a GP appointment. 

Plymouth Options - NHS Talking Therapies 

Talking therapies, CBT, counselling, and group support. 

01752 435419 

MIND Plymouth 

Support groups, wellbeing activities, and community support. Many staff and volunteers have lived experience of mental health challenges. 

01752 512280 

Rethink Mental Illness 

Recovery-focused support for people experiencing mental health difficulties. 

01752 251072 

Headspace Plymouth - Crisis and Emotional Support 

https://www.colebrooksw.org/head-space/ 

Open evenings and weekends (6pm–midnight). 

Provides:

  • One-to-one support
  • Group support
  • Crisis support
  • Recovery planning 

07890 257614 

Shekinah 

https://www.shekinah.co.uk/ 01752 203480 

Supports people through activity, skills development, and work opportunities. Many staff have lived experience of mental health challenges. 

Autism (ASD) Specific Support 

If you or your child experiences sensory sensitivities, social communication differences, or overwhelm, the following organisations may help: 

National Autistic Society https://www.autism.org.uk 

Provides information, advice, and practical support guides. 

Ambitious about Autism 
https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk 

Support and guidance particularly for young people and families. 

Support for Survivors of Abuse or Trauma 

Many people experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties have experienced trauma or abuse. Specialist support is available. 

First Light https://www.firstlight.org.uk/ 
03458 12 12 12 
info@firstlight.org.uk 

Sunflower Women’s Centre (Trevi House) 
https://trevi.org.uk/services/sunflower-womens-centre/ 
01752 977 614 

Operation Emotion (support for men) 
https://operationemotion.co.uk/ 
07539 810096 

Life Coach and Social Prescribing Support 

Our in-house Life Coach and Social Prescribing Service can support you to: 

  • Identify what matters most to you  
  • Build routines and achievable goals
  • Improve confidence and wellbeing
  • Access local activities and organisations 

Please contact the practice if you would like a referral. 

If You Are in Mental Health Crisis 

If you feel unsafe or overwhelmed, please seek urgent support. 

First Response Mental Health Team (24/7) 01752 434922 

Samaritans 
Call 116 123 

Shout Text Service 
Text SHOUT to 85258 

If you are in immediate danger, please call 999 or attend A&E.