Our story • Our purpose
A community built around families.
Child Sparks is a parent-led charity built around a simple belief: when parents and carers have knowledge, support and a strong community around them, children have a better chance to thrive.
We work with families, professionals, schools and community organisations to improve understanding, reduce isolation and create practical opportunities for children and young people impacted by neurodiversity and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Our story
SPARKS began on 14 September 2018 as a parent support group for families of children affected by neurodevelopmental conditions. Families were experiencing uncertainty, long waits, limited guidance after assessment and the isolation that can come when others do not understand a child's needs.
From the beginning, the group combined lived experience with professional knowledge. Parents learned together, shared practical ideas, supported one another and created opportunities for children and families to meet in a welcoming environment. English and Tamil support helped make the group accessible to families within the community.
In 2026, CHILD SPARKS became a registered charity. That formal step gives the organisation a stronger foundation for the future while preserving the parent-led values on which it was built.
Our mission
To relieve the needs of children and young people impacted by neurodiversity and neurodevelopmental conditions, and their families and carers, through practical resources, learning, peer support, inclusive activities, signposting, outreach and partnership working.
Our vision
A society where neurodivergent children and young people are understood, accepted and included, and where their families have the knowledge, support and community they need to move forward with confidence.
What SPARKS stands for
S - Special needs children: recognising needs and helping families seek appropriate support.
P - Promote: promoting wellbeing, development, opportunity and quality of life.
A - Acceptance: challenging stigma and helping children and families feel understood and included.
R - Resilience: building the confidence and support networks that help families adapt and keep moving forward.
K - Knowledge: sharing useful, timely information that families can understand and act on.
S - Support Group: creating a community where families, friends and professionals support one another.
Working with others
We value collaboration with organisations, professionals and communities where sharing knowledge and working together can strengthen understanding and improve support for families. We may also build relationships and share learning with organisations and communities beyond the UK where this supports learning, understanding and the charitable work of CHILD SPARKS.
A next step, together