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- I'm thinking about making a referral
I'm thinking about making a referral
In recent years, referrals for autism and ADHD assessment have seen an exponential increase and wait times both nationally and locally are at an all-time high. We understand this can be an anxious wait for children, young people and their families and you may have questions or concerns you wish to raise. We feel it's important to offer as much clarity about who is involved in the assessment and diagnostic process and who is best to contact should you wish to ask any questions.
Common Questions
The Neurodevelopmental Pathway is for children and young people, aged between 5 and 18 years old, who live in East and West Suffolk. For those children under the age of 5 there is a separate pathway.
Although we acknowledge that neurodevelopmental disorders incorporate many conditions, such as developmental disorders, learning disorders, as well as Tic disorders and Tourette’s. The Neurodevelopmental Pathway primary focus is to assess children and young people who may have either an Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD and/or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
At present the Suffolk Neurodevelopmental Pathway is not currently commissioned to assess additional neurodevelopmental disorders, and after careful consideration it has been decided that the current pathway should dedicate its support and expertise to the increasing number of families who require assistance with an ASD or ADHD diagnosis.
The primary role of the Neurodevelopmental Pathway is to conduct a comprehensive specialist neurodevelopmental assessment that is compliant with the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance. Following this assessment, it will be determined if the child or young person meets the clinical diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of ASD and/or ADHD.
While you are on the pathway journey, the coordination function of the Neurodevelopmental Pathway may be able to help by providing guidance and directing you to appropriate support services. They can assist with signposting you to resources and organisations that can offer assistance and support.
It's important to reach out to the designated contact within the Neurodevelopmental Pathway for specific information about the services and support available to you and your family. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding your situation.
The following page offers signposting and support for those from Lowestoft and Waveney looking for support.
This pathway does not include access to mental health services. If you believe that your child or young person’s needs are related to mental health and well-being, please visit the following websites for emotional wellbeing support, information and advice:
Support services
The School Nursing Service
The service covers the whole of Suffolk and works in partnership with school-aged children, young people, and their families to address health needs and to promote health and wellbeing with a focus on early help and support.
For more information, please visit the Suffolk County Council website.
The Family Support Service (formerly known as Early Help)
Support for families to become more resilient, to improve their outcomes or reduce the chance of a problem getting worse.
This can include support available to families from universal services like schools, community health teams, family hubs and local voluntary and community services, through to targeted services such as social care and youth justice.
Emotional Wellbeing Hub
Information, advice, and guidance to families and young people in East and West Suffolk who are worried about the mental health of a child or young person aged 0-25.
You can find useful emotional wellbeing information on common mental health issues and search supports services throughout Suffolk on the Emotional Wellbeing Gateway website.
The Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)
Provide confidential, impartial information, advice and support to young people and children with SEN or disabilities aged 0 -25, and their parents/carers.
For more information, visit the Suffolk SENDIASS website.
Specialist Education Services (SES)
Comprising the Cognition & Learning, Communication & Interaction, Sensory & Physical, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Whole School Inclusion Services and the Education Access team, the Specialist Education Services are part of Suffolk County Council.
Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs)
Mental Health Support Teams are an early-intervention service that supports children and young people, their families and school/college communities with mild to moderate mental health difficulties. Each MHST is allocated to specific secondary schools/colleges and their feeder primary schools in Suffolk. They work directly in schools, on site, and in the wider school/college community, both in and out of term time.
Beans at Access Community Trust
An early access intervention service that provides support to children and young people aged 0 to 25 who are presenting signs of neurodiversity such as autism and ADHD.
For more information, visit Beans website.