The LYCALI Framework
Understanding needs, finding support that fits
When everyday life is difficult, people often need practical help before they have a name for what they are experiencing. The L.Y.C.A.L.I Framework™ brings together two clinician-led pathways: Discovery before or without diagnosis, and Navigate after diagnosis.
A child may be struggling with the noise of the school day. A teenager may find planning takes far more energy than it seems to take their peers. An adult may know that work is becoming unsustainable but be unsure which change would help. Their experiences deserve to be heard now. Lycali is based in Kent and works with children, young people, adults and families across Kent and Medway, as well as online.
Two pathways, connected by the person’s needs
Discovery Pathway
Discovery starts with the person’s strengths, daily experiences and support needs. An age-appropriate questionnaire can help start the conversation. Across six clinician-led sessions, the person and clinician explore what helps at home, in education, at work and in the community.
Discovery is support and exploration. It is not a diagnostic assessment and does not confirm or rule out autism, ADHD or dyslexia.
Explore DiscoveryNavigate Pathway
Navigate is post-diagnostic psychoeducation for people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia or a combination. Across six clinician-led sessions, it helps the person understand what their profile means in their own life, recognise strengths and choose practical adjustments.
The clinician leads the outcome and provides a separate summary report at the end. Someone who already has a diagnosis can start with Navigate.
Explore NavigateHow the support can fit together
This is a possible route, not a requirement. A person may need assessment, therapy or other specialist input, or practical changes in their setting. The pathway should follow their goals and circumstances.
What does needs-led support mean?
It means beginning with the situation that is causing difficulty and testing changes that might make it more manageable. If a child finds transitions hard, the first step might be a predictable warning and a visual plan. If an adult loses track of verbal instructions, it might be a brief written follow-up after meetings. The person and clinician review what helped and adapt it.
That can provide useful support while someone is seeking or waiting for an assessment. It also builds a clearer account of strengths, barriers and adjustments to share with relevant professionals, if the person chooses.
Not sure what support you need? Start here
“Mornings take two hours” is a clearer starting point than “I need better organisation.” Note when and where it happens.
Think about places, people, routines or tools that make the day easier. These are clues to build on.
Choose something you can test this week, such as a written checklist, a quieter space or time to process a question.
Tell your clinician what changed, what felt unhelpful and what still matters most. You do not need a perfect explanation.
The app supports the work between sessions
People given access to the Lycali app can revisit session themes, explore practical resources, record reflections and gather strategies for their final Passport or Journal, depending on age. The app complements the six clinician-led sessions. The clinician provides a separate summary report at the end.
What helps me?
Explore how I learn and what makes the day easier.
My strengths and choices
What does my diagnosis mean for me?
My priorities
Choose strategies that fit my life.
These are illustrative app views, not screenshots of a person’s account. Access to the app is provided as part of the pathway.
What is changing in Kent and Medway?
NHS Kent and Medway has published an update to its autism and ADHD diagnostic services for 2026/27. From April 2026, it is introducing indicative activity plans for providers of adult and children’s autism and ADHD services. Its stated priorities include people with the greatest clinical need, people already on an assessment or treatment pathway, and those who have waited the longest. Referrals have not stopped, but routine referrals may face longer waits.
NHS Kent and Medway also describes plans for screening or triage to determine whether someone meets the clinical threshold for a full diagnostic assessment, alongside a move towards support for people who suspect they may have neurodevelopmental differences. These are NHS Kent and Medway’s local plans, not a new national rule applying identically everywhere. The local NHS provides information and support for children, young people and adults whether or not they have a diagnosis.
This is one reason needs-led support matters in Kent and Medway. A person can begin to understand their strengths and barriers, try useful adjustments and record what helps while they explore the assessment route. Discovery does not guarantee an NHS referral or replace a diagnostic assessment. If you are considering a referral, check the current NHS Kent and Medway update and speak with the relevant NHS service or your GP about your circumstances.
Start with what matters to you
Whether you are exploring a possible diagnosis or making sense of one you already have, Lycali can help identify a useful next step.
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