Every family deserves support when they need it most—not months or years later.
The Fidget Project was created because too many families of children with Sensory Processing Differences (SPD), Autism, ADHD and AuDHD are left navigating long waiting lists, limited services and overwhelming day-to-day challenges on their own. We believe support should be available before, during and after diagnosis, giving children and families the tools, confidence and community they need to thrive.
The Reality for Many Families
Every week, we meet parents who are doing everything they can to support their children in a world that often feels inaccessible.
They talk about children struggling with anxiety, sleep disruption, sensory overload, difficulties with eating, emotional dysregulation, and school refusal. Many children mask their challenges during the school day, only to come home completely overwhelmed or exhausted.
These are not isolated experiences. They reflect a wider system where support is often delayed, fragmented, or difficult to access—especially in rural communities.
For many families, simply finding the right help can feel like a full-time job.
Why Early Support Matters
Across the UK, families can wait years for assessments and diagnosis, and months for key support plans such as EHCPs. But children do not stop needing help while they wait.
We believe support should begin the moment concerns are raised—not after a diagnosis is confirmed.
Early understanding and practical strategies can make a significant difference to a child’s emotional wellbeing, confidence, and ability to navigate daily life.
Who We Are
The Fidget Project is a Community Interest Company (CIC), created by parents and professionals with lived and professional experience of supporting neurodiverse children.
Our aim is simple:
To help children with sensory processing differences thrive, not just cope.
We focus on practical, accessible support that meets families where they are—emotionally, financially, and geographically.
What We Do
We provide a range of services designed to offer immediate and meaningful support:
- Parent and carer support sessions, creating safe spaces for shared experience and guidance
- Specialist-led workshops on topics such as PDA, ARFID, and Interoception
- Donation-based access to sensory-trained therapists who help create personalised sensory profiles
- Support with complex applications, including EHCPs, diagnostic referrals, and disability benefits
- A sensory Lending Library, allowing families to explore tools before investing in them
- Training sessions for schools, organisations, and community groups
- Partnerships with local services to improve access to practical, real-world support
Each of these services is designed with one goal in mind: reducing isolation and increasing understanding.
Understanding Sensory Processing Differences
Sensory Processing Differences affect how the brain receives and responds to sensory information such as sound, touch, movement, and internal body signals.
They are commonly experienced by children with Autism, ADHD, AuDHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and also by children with medical or early developmental conditions.
These differences can impact:
- Emotional regulation
- Learning and concentration
- Behaviour and communication
- Social interaction
- Daily routines and independence
With the right support, children can build strategies that allow their strengths to shine—such as creativity, problem-solving, focus, empathy, and unique perspectives.
Our Vision for the Future
We are now working towards expanding The Fidget Project into a more accessible support hub, both in-person and online.
Our future plans include:
- A membership platform offering structured resources and guidance
- Expanded community support sessions across more locations
- Increased access to sensory-trained professionals
- Webinars and training for parents, schools, and professionals
- Practical toolkits and resources for everyday use
- Greater support for low-income families
Our goal is to make support easier to access, not harder to find.
What We’ve Achieved So Far
Thanks to the support of our community, we have already:
- Established a community base at The Kingsbridge Hub
- Built a growing sensory and learning resource library
- Delivered parent support sessions across South Devon
- Provided sensory awareness training in schools
- Developed partnerships with local professionals and organisations
- Built a network of more than 30 supporting local businesses
- Increased awareness of sensory processing differences in our communities
While we are proud of this progress, we know there is still much more to do.
How You Can Help
The Fidget Project is powered by community.
Whether through donating, volunteering, fundraising, or simply sharing our work, every action helps us reach more families who need support.
Together, we can build a world where children with sensory processing differences are understood, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.
