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Children’s Neurodevelopmental Pathway

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The Children's Neurodevelopmental Pathway Service helps children and young people who could have autism or ADHD to understand themselves better. We provide autism and ADHD assessments and medication guidance for children with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD.

About the team

Our team includes a range of neurodivergence specialists – including consultant community paediatricians, specialist children's doctors, neurodevelopmental practitioners and care navigators.

With years of experience working with neurodivergent children and young people, our aim is to help children who think they might be neurodivergent find answers to the questions they’re having and understand what any potential diagnosis means for them.

If we are not the right service, we will help you find the right place to go.

Who this service is for

We can usually help if:

  • You are aged 0-18
  • You need an ADHD and/or autism assessment to meet their needs

We may not be the right service if:

  • Your child already has an ADHD/autism diagnosis and needs further support
  • You live outside the area covered by this service

Getting help from this service

Before asking for help

The Needs Led Approach is now needed when asking for a diagnostic assessment for autism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The manual explains what the Needs Led Approach is and how to use it. It is for parents and carers, schools, and professionals who are working together to create a Needs Led Profile and Action Plan for a child or young person. It will help you understand the approach and how it focuses on your child’s needs.

The Needs Led Approach was first created in Portsmouth and is now used across the country. It has been trialled in B&NES and Wiltshire since March 2024, and has been updated using feedback from parent carers, schools, and other professionals. The main aim of the Needs Led Approach is to put children and young people at the centre. It helps families access the right support and information, whether or not a child has a diagnosis, and supports everyone involved to better understand how to help a child reach their potential.

Find out more

Self-referral (digital)

Request help online.

Request help from this service

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Questions and answers

What will happen after my child is referred for an autism or ADHD assessment?
We aim to arrange a welcome call within 18 weeks of your child’s referral. On the call, one of the team will speak with you about your child's assessment, or we may speak with your child directly if they're old enough. They may also arrange a medical assessment with a community paediatrician and send questionnaires to you to help better understand your child’s strengths and needs.
What happens during an autism assessment?
Autism assessments are completed by one of our specialist neurodivergence practitioners. There are a range of different assessment types – we’ll include information about each of these in the letter we send you after your first call with us. During your child’s assessment, our team looks at all of the information they have about your child’s strengths, needs and experiences. Then they agree on a diagnosis. Our team will then speak with you about what that diagnosis means, offer advice on your child’s needs and help you find additional services to support them.
What happens during an ADHD assessment?
ADHD assessments take place during an appointment with one of our specialist children’s doctors. During the appointment, the doctor will speak with your child and you, and look at all the information you’ve given us on your child’s strengths, needs and development. If they make an ADHD diagnosis, they will discuss what this means with you and your child, as well as speak with you about ADHD medication.
Will my child need medication after an ADHD diagnosis?
While medication can be part of your child’s post-diagnosis needs, it’s important to remember that not every child with ADHD needs or wants medication. Some children and young people manage their symptoms with practical strategies alone – like plans for routine, structuring their environment, and positive reinforcement. While other children and young people may need this as well as medication. If your child is taking ADHD medication, we can also arrange regular appointments to review how well the medication is helping them manage their symptoms. We’ll also make sure their medication isn’t having an impact on their overall health.

Locations

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Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Community Health
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