Introduction

We continually review the Neurodevelopmental Pathway (also known as Autism and/or ADHD Pathway) for children, young people and families in Somerset.

Our commitment is to listen to a range of people across Somerset to make sure that any changes we make, are done collaboratively so they accurately reflect the needs and knowledge of everyone.

Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopmental Partnership Advice Line

We know that both families and professionals often have questions about referrals. In response to this we have set up a Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopmental Partnership Advice Line.

This line is open to parent, carers, young people or practitioners from health, education or social care.

Phone the Advice Line on 0303 033 3002 – open 9am to 12pm every Wednesday and Thursday.

One of our clinicians will put be on the line to provide a therapeutic space where your voice can be heard (initially you will be put through our admin team and transferred over).

We can give you some advice, including strategies to try and provide brief psychoeducation (where appropriate).

We will signpost you to relevant services and sources of support tailored to your young person’s needs.

The advice line will not be able to answer questions about children who have already been seen by CYPNP. These questions need to be directed to the clinicians involved with the young person.

For general enquiries about the CYPNP, the assessment process, appointments, waitlist times and whether referrals or documents have been received, please contact the administration team on 01823 346127 – open 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday or email ChildNDS@somersetft.nhs.uk.

Principles

The core principles of the pathway are:

• Any approaches must be child and young person centred and based on need rather than a diagnosis
• A multidisciplinary approach is used at each step
• There is a consistent approach in the use of screening and diagnostic assessment tools across Somerset
• Information is securely stored so that it is accessible to each part of the system involved in the child or young person’s care
• Pre and post ‘diagnostic’ assessment strategies and support are identified and agreed.

Useful videos

Mary from the Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopmental Partnership talks through the request for an assessment and what the assessment looks like.