We now have a new referral process in place for young people with possible neurodevelopmental needs such as:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – any of its three subtypes Inattentive, Hyperactive and Combined Type
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
In order to refer, an Assessment of Need form needs to be completed by parents and schools together. It is really important that this is a collaborative process so that we can understand fully what the child/young person's needs are in different environments.
When submitting the form:
- Fill the forms in electronically rather than handwritten.
- Ensure you enclose the word document rather than a photo of it.
- Ensure the form is completed in full including past history of current presentation, any relevant EHCP or SEN documents and please provide specific examples of the difficulties the child is experiencing.
Regardless of whether or not a child/young person is diagnosed with ADHD or Autism, there is a freephone ND Helpline available from 5pm-11pm every day providing support for parents and young people who may be struggling. Contact: 0300 222 5755.
Our new ND process for ADHD and Autism, ensures interventions and strategies are being implemented so that children and young people will not be left without support. Any intervention should be embedded for at least 10 weeks to support the need of the young person. If after strategies are in place there are still concerns, the referrer should update the original referral form with everything that has been tried. At this point we will review whether further support is needed or whether there is a need for a diagnostic assessment.
Initially, an Assessment of Need Form needs to be completed where the child or young person has difficulties which are possibly linked to either Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
It is important that the Assessment of Need form is filled in together at the same time by parents and the school so there can be a discussion rather than separately. The form needs to be submitted via a professional/school email address to our ND Spoke Team by emailing them on NDspoke@sabp.nhs.uk.
Access the Assessment of Needs form here
Within 16 weeks of submitting the referral, our Neurodevelopmental Spoke Team will be in touch to advise you of the recommended support pathway for the young person.
ADHD
If directed by the ND Spoke Team, the first step is to complete screening tools for ADHD. We require completed SNAP forms from parents and school which can be filled out separately. These need to be sent to our ND Referrals team on ndreferrals@sabp.nhs.uk
Once indicated by the team that the young person meets the threshold, parents will need to complete a PADH form (Paediatric Assessment Developmental History Form) and send it to ndreferrals@sabp.nhs.uk.
Access all request for support forms here
Autism
If directed by the ND Spoke Team, the first step is for parents to complete a PADH form (Paediatric Assessment Developmental History Form) and send it to ndreferrals@sabp.nhs.uk.
Only if the Neurodevelopmental Team have been back in touch with you to request further forms should the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AO) form be completed.
Access all request for support forms here
ADHD and Autism
Once directed by the Neurodevelopmental Team, the parent will need to complete our developmental form (PADH form) in order for us to understand the history of the child/young person. The school and the parents will need both need to complete the SNAP form.
Only if the Neurodevelopmental Team have been back in touch with you to request further forms should the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AO) form be completed.
Access all request for support forms here
Only if the Neurodevelopmental Team have been back in touch with you to request further forms should these be completed.
If the young person has been diagnosed with ADHD, NICE Guidelines recommend that parents complete a post-diagnosis parenting course. We collaboratively work with Barnardos who run this course. Once the course has been completed, and if medication is required, the parent will need to attend their GP to make a referral to our team. Please find the link below that takes you to our request for support forms page and where the ADHD Medication Referral form can be found.
Further support for parents include an ADHD support pack.