Tom's 'superpower moment'

Tom is a young person with Autism and ADHD who wanted to know more about his diagnosis. A member of the Healthy Family Team at Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust worked with Tom and discussed what his diagnosis meant, using the CAMHS booklet ‘what is autism’.

The practitioner created a safe space for Tom to explore his diagnosis and work with him on how he could adapt to his surroundings and consider his positives and strengths. 

This helped Tom to identify his ‘superpower moment’ – something he could do really well. For Tom, this was his ability to work out train timetables. The Healthy Family Team member also worked with Tom around his anger and anxiety.

Tom is now attending the mainstream part of his school and has been able to work on his communications with other pupils.

The Healthy Family Team

The Healthy Family Team is made up of specialist public health practitioners (health visitors and school nurses). They provide support to children and young people from 0 – 19 years and work alongside GP practices, midwifery services, early years settings, family hubs (children centres) schools, social care and other services.

Routine reviews consist of antenatal contact, birth visits (up to 14 days), 6  to 8 week review, 1 year review and 2 to 2.5-year review. Parents and carers receive information at key points during their child’s academic journey and there is also the offer of digital reviews at year 9 in schools along with other interventions that support young people in education. 

The Healthy Family Team has an advice line operating Monday to Friday (9am to 4.30pm): 0300 123 5436.