Working together to help families thrive
At the EDAN Hub, we offer a range of services designed to support families with children and young people with disabilities or who are neurodivergent. Our services are available to families living in Edinburgh, covering postcodes EH1–EH17, EH28, EH29, and EH30.
Our Direct Access services (universal) are available to everyone without a referral, while our Specific Access services (targeted) provide more tailored support based on specific needs. Whether you’re seeking advice, play sessions, or targeted support, we’re here to help you find the right service at the right time.
To help you navigate the range of support we offer, we’ve created an overview of all our services at EDAN Hub, making it easier for you to find the support that best meets your needs.
Planning your visit?
We’ve created ‘What to Expect’ guides for The Yard and Barnardo’s Hubs to help you feel prepared before you arrive. Each guide provides key information on what you’ll find at our centres, who you’ll meet, and what support is available.
Download The Yard guide
Download The Barnardo’s guide
Direct access
The following universal services are open to all and you don’t need a professional to refer you.
No diagnosis is required.
If you feel this service would be helpful for you, simply book your appointment below.
Direct access
EDAN Family Sessions
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Provided by –
The Yard, Edinburgh
The fun and adventure of The Yard, with dedicated playworkers supporting children and young people to create, play, and grow in confidence.
What we offer
A safe, neuro-affirming environment for Edinburgh families on Mondays and Tuesdays. With capped numbers, expect a quieter experience.
What’s coming up in Family Session:
We are inviting Occupational and speech and language therapists along during the following sessions to demonstrate fun play activities which give children opportunities to explore new foods.
When? 30th June, 7th, 14th July – During afternoon play sessions at the Yard.
Direct access
Next Step Appointment
What we offer
Time with a skilled practitioner experienced in supporting children and young people with disabilities and their parents/carers to identify supports and services to meet their needs. Follow-up information and introductions to partner organisations available.
Direct access
Speech & Language Next Step Appointment
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Provided by –
NHS -
Who for:
Parents and carers with concerns about their children’s communication skills.
Families that require signposting and guidance in next steps following their child’s neurodevelopmental diagnosis
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Childcare may be requested, see booking for more details
What we offer
The aim of this appointment is for you to meet with the speech and language therapist experienced in working with children and young people with developmental differences, to discuss any concerns that you might have about your child’s communication skills or neurodevelopmental differences.
Direct access
Occupational Therapy Next Step Appointment
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Provided by –
NHS Lothian -
Who is it for –
Parents and Carers of children and young people with disabilities or neurodiversity who require support with everyday living skills i.e. getting dressed, using cutlery, toileting skills.
What we offer
What We Offer
This appointment is an opportunity to speak with an occupational therapist who has experience supporting children and young people with developmental differences.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy helps children and young people take part in daily life — from self-care (like dressing, eating, and using the toilet), to being productive (attending nursery or school), and enjoying leisure activities (playing or doing hobbies).
During your 30-minute appointment (by phone, online, or in person), you’ll be able to discuss whether occupational therapy might support your child in areas like dressing, brushing teeth, mealtimes, play, handwriting, or organisation.
We’ll talk through helpful strategies, suggest useful resources, and if more specialist support is needed, we’ll explain how to access this and provide relevant contact details.
Direct access
Occupational Therapy Parent Information Sessions
Online
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Provided by –
NHS Lothian -
Who is it for –
Parents and Carers of children and young people with disabilities or neurodiversity who require support with everyday living skills i.e. getting dressed, using cutlery, toileting skills.
What we offer
What We Offer
Join relaxed information sessions for parents and carers, led by a Children’s Occupational Therapist with experience supporting children and young people with developmental differences.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy helps children and young people take part in daily life — from self-care (like dressing or using the toilet), to being productive (at school or nursery), and enjoying leisure (like playing or doing hobbies).
Sessions will cover:
- An introduction to sensory processing and how it affects everyday life
- Exploring your child’s sensory world and how our senses work together
- Practical strategies to support daily activities like dressing and personal care
- Ways to build everyday skills, including using cutlery and managing fastenings
These sessions aim to help you better understand and support your child’s needs at home and beyond.
What we offer
Join informal information sessions for parents and carers, led by members of the CAMHS team.
Topics covered include an overview of global developmental delay, sleep basics, understanding behaviour in children with developmental disabilities, and practical approaches to managing behavioral difficulties.
Direct access
Social Work Advice Appointments
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Provided by –
Disability Social Work Team, City of Edinburgh Council -
Who is it for –
Children and young people with a diagnosed lifelong disability of autism and/or intellectual disability. We also work with children who have chromosomal conditions and physical disabilities. We do not work with children whose only diagnosis is ADHD. Children with complex medical conditions are usually referred to the hospital social work team.
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Childcare may be requested, see booking for more details.
What we offer
Meet with a social worker from the Children’s Disability Team
The aim of the appointment is for you to share your child and family’s needs and the type of support you’re looking for. We’ll offer advice on services that may suit those needs and let you know if social work can provide further support or suggest other next steps.
When booking a Social Work Advice Appointment, we require your consent for Social Work to check records to know if your child is open to a social work team. This is to ensure that the appointment is as meaningful as possible. The appointment is for you as a parent/carer, but we will ask for your child’s information when booking.
Direct access
Captain Chaos and the Zones of Regulation Parent Group
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Provided by –
Tailor Ed -
Who is it for?
This service is for parents/carers of children and young people with disabilities or neurodiversity.
What we offer
Does it sometimes feel like you are standing in the middle of a whirlwind of emotions? Are you on a roller coaster ride, up and down with no steady track in sight? Do you feel that you should have handled things better? You should have handled yourself better?
The Zones of Regulation are widely used in schools to help children understand their emotional state, recognise triggers and develop personalised strategies to stay in control. Neurodivergent children are often more sensitive to emotional states and need more support to understand and develop strategies that work for them.
As a parent, you are the best person to help your child so come along to our four Captain Chaos and the Zones of Regulation sessions and learn about your own emotional life and how to support your child.
A diagnosis is not required for these sessions.
Sessions will run online 8am-9pm: 26th May, 2nd June, 9th June, 16th June
Sessions will run in person 10am-11am: 27th May, 3rd June, 10th June, 17th June
Attendance at all 4 sessions is required.
Direct access
Intensive Interaction Online Workshop
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Provided by –
NHS Lothian – Speech and Language Therapy -
Who is it for?
Parents/carers of children working on the early foundations of communication.
What we offer
A workshop to learn how to use Intensive Interaction with your child at home. This is an approach that we use to develop a child’s early communication skills. We use it to share enjoyable and meaningful interactions with children. It involves using the child’s own movements, body language and vocalisation to take turns and share attention with each other. It works on developing the foundation communication skills.
You will watch videos of Intensive Interaction sessions with a range of children.
Direct access
Gestalt Language Processing (GLP)
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Provided by –
NHS Lothian – Speech and Language Therapy -
Who is it for?
Parents/carers who want to learn more about Gestalt Language Processing (GLP)
What we offer
An online workshop where you can learn more about Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and how to help children with practical supports and strategies.
Children who tune into the intonation/melody of language and start communicating by using whole memorised phrases that they have heard can be described as gestalt language processors, rather than analytic (“typical”) language processors. Their language development follows a different path and therefore needs a different approach.
Your child might be a Gestalt Language Processor if they:
· Have a strong interest in music or songs
· sing songs without using the words
· Use chunks of language they have heard before. This could be a phrase they often hear, from a programme, film, story or favourite nursery rhyme or song.
· Use long strings of sounds tunefully, almost like they are using their “own” language.
· Show more interest when you use playful melody.
· Are stuck using a bank of single words.
· Replay parts of tv programmes or songs.
Direct access
In-person Support Group
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Provided by –
Tailor Ed -
Who is it for?
Parents, carers, and families of neurodivergent children and young people. No diagnosis is required.
What we offer
A weekly in-person group where we explore topics essential to the wellbeing of neurodivergent children and young people and their families. The group covers subjects such as sharing a diagnosis, understanding the Getting It Right for Every Child framework (GIRFEC), sleep, energy management, emotional regulation, sensory processing, gaming, and community support. Led by a Family Support Worker, the group is responsive to the needs of participants and aims to create a supportive, understanding environment.
No more sessions to run this quarter
Direct access
Online Information Sessions
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Provided by –
Tailor Ed -
Who is it for?
Parents, carers, and families of neurodivergent children and young people. No diagnosis is required. Professionals welcome.
What we offer
Exploring topics essential to the wellbeing of neurodivergent children and young people and their families. The group covers subjects such as sharing a diagnosis, understanding the Getting It Right for Every Child framework (GIRFEC), sleep, energy management, emotional regulation, sensory processing, gaming, and community support.
Individual appointments will be available to attendees to explore content further and personalise understanding and support strategies.
Sessions will be held Wednesday’s 1pm – 2pm and run for 9 weeks.
Last session 18th June 2025. No more sessions to run this quarter
Specific access
The following targeted services have specific access criteria to help ensure you recieve the right service at the best time for your family. If you think one of these services could support your family, please contact the provider directly for more information on how to access the service.
Specific access
Cygnet
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Provided by –
Barnardo’s -
Who is it for?
Parents and carers of autistic children and young people aged 5-18 with a confirmed diagnosis.
What we offer
This six-week group helps parents and carers navigate the challenges of autism post-diagnosis. Sessions offer practical advice in a supportive group setting, either in person or online.
How to access this service – [email protected]
Specific access
Early Positive Approaches to Support (E-PAtS)
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Provided by –
Kindred -
Who is it for?
Parents and caregivers of children aged 0-6 with an intellectual disability or neurodiversity. No formal diagnosis required.
What we offer
Co-produced by families and professionals, this eight-week group offers guidance on supporting your wellbeing and your child’s development and behaviour.
How to access this service – [email protected]
or call 0800 031 5793
Specific access
Parent and Carer Support Service
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Provided by –
Mindroom -
Who is it for?
Parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people aged 0-25. No diagnosis needed.
What we offer
Our Parent and Carer Support Service is here to provide personalised support for you and your family. We know every family is different, so we tailor our guidance to meet your unique needs. Whether you need help navigating education, healthcare, social work, or justice services, we’re here to offer emotional support and practical advice.
How to access this service – [email protected]
or call 0131 370 6730
Specific access
Advocacy & Information
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Provided by –
Kindred -
Who is it for?
Parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people who are finding it hard to attend school.
What we offer
We offer 1:1 advocacy and support, including functional assessments to help support children and young people in returning to school.
How to access this service – [email protected]
or call 0800 031 5793
Specific access
Parent Factor in ADHD
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Provided by –
Barnardo’s -
Who is it for?
Parents and carers of children and young people aged 5-16 recently diagnosed with ADHD.
What we offer
After diagnosis parents and carers may have a lot of questions about ADHD and how to manage their child’s needs. This six-week group provides content that is specific and most relevant to an ADHD diagnosis.
How to access this service – [email protected]
Specific access
Children and Young People Support & Advocacy
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Provided by –
Mindroom -
Who is it for?
Neurodivergent children and young people up to age 25. No diagnosis required.
What we offer
Tailored support to help young people address challenges and take part in decisions that impact their lives. Focuses on building strengths, confidence, and empowering children and young people.
How to access this service – [email protected]
or call 0131 370 6730
Specific access
Wellbeing Groups for Children & Young People
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Provided by –
Tailor Ed -
Who is it for?
Neurodivergent children and young people aged 5-18 with a wellbeing need. No diagnosis required.
What we offer
A weekly group focused on topics like sleep, energy, emotions, and senses. Sessions include sharing information, chatting, and fun activities. Small groups (max 6) meet once a week for 8 weeks. Groups last 1 hour, with extra time before and after to socialise or relax.
How to access this service – [email protected]
Specific access
Preschool Intellectual Disability Assessment Pathway
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Who is it for?
Preschool children starting Primary 1 in August 2025.
What we offer
Assessment of intellectual disability is offered, which can add to the GIRFEC planning process. Please note that this assessment pathway is independent of the local authority’s decision-making process regarding educational placements.
This service specifically aims to support children who meet the following criteria:
Significant Developmental Delay – Children with recognised and significant developmental delay in areas such as thinking, learning, play, communication, and social skills (including those who may have already have a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental condition like Autism).
Significant Impact on Daily Life – Developmental differences may significantly impact various aspects of learning, development, and everyday experiences.
Part of ongoing GIRFEC Process – There is an active GIRFEC (Getting It Right For Every Child) planning process, which includes a focus on enhanced transition planning and tailored support for starting school.
How to access this service – This service will be available starting January 2025. All requests for assessment will be made through GIRFEC Planning meetings (typically at your nursery) using the Request for Assistance form (and should include an up-to-date Assessment of Need). Please submit form to [email protected]
Specific access
Counselling
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Provided by –
Kindred -
Who is it for?
Parents/carers of children and young people with disabilities or neurodiversity.
What we offer
Counselling offers an opportunity for you to:
• reflect on what’s going on in your life
• take time to consider how you’re coping (or not coping)
• explore how you might be able to increase your understanding, confidence and control of events.
Counselling provides a safe and confidential place for you to think out loud and put feelings into words. It can offer an opportunity to slow down, take stock of emotions and look for alternative perspectives on your worries, stresses and fears. You can receive up to 8 sessions of counselling to support you to reflect on your current circumstances and explore strategies to support you.
How to access this service – [email protected]. If you are unable to email please call 0800 031 5793
