Salts Healthcare Symposium - How the complex role of SSCN supports individuals living with neurodivergence and how introducing small tweaks can positively impact their acceptance of life with a stoma

Sponsored by Salts Healthcare

Approximately 1 in 7 people (over 15%) in the UK are neurodivergent. This figure encompasses conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. NHS England data indicates rising diagnosis rates, with over 200,000 people waiting for neurodevelopmental assessment as of mid-2025, while GP-recorded autism diagnoses increased to 1.3% in 2023 - 24. For any individual being told that stoma formation is necessary, this poses significant physical and emotional challenges - possibly even more so for a neurodivergent person. The SSCN plays a vital role in the pre-operative information giving and preparation of any patient for living life with a stoma, preparing an individual with a neurodivergent diagnosis may well be more challenging and complex. The SSCN uses their advanced skills and knowledge to assess and plan a pathway of care for every individual. Each individual processes the news of needing a stoma differently, and the SSCN must adapt their approach to meet those individual needs.

During the symposium, we will use real-life case studies of an adolescent undergoing stoma formation and an older person with a cancer diagnosis - both living with neurodivergence - to explore how SSCNs use their advanced communication skills to support individuals at this critical time. Through these examples, we'll examine the wide range of factors that impact acceptance and the various ways challenges can be met across different care pathways and diagnoses.

Finally, this session will offer practical suggestions on making “small tweaks” towards a more positive patient response and outcome.