Neurodiversity Week is a wonderful time to celebrate the unique ways children experience the world, from autism and ADHD to sensory processing differences and more. Every child deserves the chance to feel calm, confident, and able to thrive at home and at school.

Neurodiversity brings creativity, curiosity, and unique perspectives to the world, and this week is the perfect opportunity to recognise and celebrate those differences. For some families, accessing the right tools or support can be a challenge. That’s where the Fashion & Textile Children's Trust can help. FTCT grants provide practical support for families raising neurodivergent children, easing everyday pressures and giving children the resources they need to flourish while giving parents reassurance and peace of mind.

How FTCT grants can help neurodivergent children

FTCT grants can contribute towards items and therapies that support children’s wellbeing, learning, and daily life. Examples include:

Sensory support for everyday life

• Weighted blankets, fidget toys, or light tubes
• Adaptive or sensory clothing
• SEN-adapted iPads or computers
• Speech and language resources
• Physical exercise equipment such as trampolines, wobble boards, or bikes
• Adaptive children’s bedroom furniture
• Mobility aids like pushchairs, strollers, or trikes

Therapeutic support

• Speech and language therapy
• Play, art, or music therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy for sensory processing and daily skills

Note: FTCT grants do not fund assessments, only items or therapy recommended by a professional.

Who can apply

You may be eligible if you:

• Care for a child under 18 with neurodivergent needs, and
• Work, or have recently worked, in the UK fashion, textile, or fabric industry.

FTCT supports families experiencing financial pressure due to:

• Illness or injury
• Loss of income or reduced hours
• Bereavement or family changes
• Rehousing after unsafe or unstable living conditions
• Ongoing financial challenges

In some cases, FTCT can fund therapy sessions for neurodivergent children, when support is either not available on the NHS or the provision is not enough to suit a child’s needs.

Find out more about our grants for neurodiverse children

Additional resources for parents

There are plenty of trusted organisations and guides to support you:

• Neurodiversity Celebration Week
• National Autistic Society
• ADHD Foundation
• YoungMinds
• Place2Be

Neurodiversity brings creativity, curiosity, and unique perspectives to the world. This Neurodiversity Week, we celebrate children’s differences and highlight practical ways to support them. If your family is facing challenges, FTCT grants may be able to help, giving children the tools they need to thrive and parents the reassurance they deserve.

Don’t work in fashion or textiles?

If you have never worked for a UK fashion or textile company, unfortunately we won't be the right charity for you. Please try this list of other charities who might be able to help your family.

Related FTCT support

You might also be interested in:

• Helping Children Feel Confident in School
• Supporting Children’s Mental Health Week This February
• A Guide to Managing Sleep and Stress