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.
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
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.
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.
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 and 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
OT and Clinical Psychology 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 eat a limited range of foods.
What we offer
What We Offer
You’ll have the chance to speak with an occupational therapist and a clinical psychologist who have experience supporting children and young people with limited diets. They’re here to help you explore ways to help your child experience new foods with the hope these can be introduced into their diet.
Your appointment will last 30 minutes it can be online or in-person. It’s a time for you to share your concerns and talk about ideas that might help your child try new foods.
It’s really helpful if you’ve already been to the EDAN Encouraging Eating online parent sessions-CAMHS ID. If you haven’t, watching the video below before your appointment will be useful.
What we offer
Join informal information sessions for parents, carers and professionals led by members of the CAMHS team.
Encouraging Eating Support from Occupational Therapy and Clinical Psychology. (Parent sessions)
Gestalt Language Processing workshop (For parents and professionals)
Evening Parent Online Information Sessions (OT)
Making Sense of Sensory Processing: How It Impacts Everyday Life.
Promoting Independence: Practical Approaches for Daily Living Skills.
Direct access
Occupational Therapy Parent Information Sessions
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Provided by –
Children’s Occupational Therapy
What is Occupational Therapy?
It’s all about helping children and young people take part in everyday life. Daily life is full of activities (or “occupations”) such as:
- Self-care – getting dressed, eating meals, using the toilet
- Being productive – going to nursery or school
- Leisure – playing with friends or enjoying hobbies
What we offer
Join informal information sessions for parents and carers.
These relaxed sessions are led by a Children’s Occupational Therapist who has lots of experience supporting children and young people with developmental differences.
The sessions are designed to give you practical ideas and confidence to support your child in ways that really make a difference.
What will we cover?
An overview of sensory processing and how it affects daily life.
Understanding your child’s sensory world and how all the senses work together.
Practical strategies for children who experience sensory differences, to make activities like dressing and personal care easier.
A further session on building independence for everyday living skills, such as managing clothes fastenings, using cutlery, and supporting personal care routines
Session 1
Making Sense of Sensory Processing: How It Impacts Everyday Life
8pm-9pm (online)
Session 2
Promoting Independence: Practical Approaches for Daily Living Skills
8pm-9pm (online)
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.
Monday 2nd March – 23rd March 8 – 9 pm
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 will cover a range of subjects decided by the participants. Led by a Family Support Worker, the group aims to create a supportive and understanding environment. All parents are welcome regardless of whether their child has high or low support needs.
Friday 9th January – 13th February 10.00-11.30am
The Homeroom drop-in session
Join a small group of parents to talk about the day to day challenges of navigating life with a neurodivergent child/family. These sessions are standalone for quick access support.
Friday 28th February, 13th March, 20th March, 27th March 10.00 – 11.30am
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
Life through a Neurodivergent Lens – Monday 9th January – 2nd February 8.00-9.00pm
Swimming Against the Tide –
Wednesday 21st January 1.00-2.00pm
Monday 9th February 8.00-9.00pm
What happens when traditional parenting techniques aren’t working. This session is for parents whose children don’t respond ‘like other kids’ and who, instead, need something different.
Zen and the Art of Teenagers – Monday 30th March 8.00-9.00pm
How to support your Neurodivergent teenager through this period of sensitive growth.
Four Seasons in one Day (The AuDHD Experience) – Wednesday 28th January 1.00-2.00pm
Exploring what we know and ways to support AuDHD Children and Young People.
The Diagnosis Journey – Wednesday 14th January 1.00-2.00pm
A compassionate look at the parent journey from noticing ‘difference’ to diagnosis and beyond.
Beating the Boss – Wednesday 4th February 1.00-2.00pm
Mario Kart mayhem? Fortnite Fights? Join our Gaming session and get the Meta (most effective tactics available) on the PlayStation standoff.
Direct access
Professionals Information Sessions
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Provided by –
NHS Lothian -
Who is it for?
Staff who work in nurseries and Early Years settings, and who support children with restricted eating.
What we offer
Encouraging Eating in Nurseries and Early Years Settings
What will we cover?
- Why do some children develop restricted eating patterns?
- Top tips for encouraging eating at nursery mealtimes
- Child-led food play stations
- Structured food play sessions
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.
Dates Our next EPATS are Wednesday 21 January 2026 – 11th March 2026 (No Session 18th February). These are online sessions.
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.
We provide tailored one-to-one advocacy, information, and emotional support to help parents as they guide their neurodivergent children and young people through the process of returning to school. Through this support, parents are equipped to advocate confidently for their children’s needs and work in partnership with schools to make the transition back into education feel safer and more manageable for the whole family.
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.
We are currently at maximum capacity for this service, please keep an eye on this page for updates.
