Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service - NDAS

Before directing the family to the self-referral form, establish:

• What developmental differences are causing concern
• Why the child, young person or family is requesting diagnostic assessment
• How the differences affect personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning
• Relevant developmental history
• That the child or young person and family consent to begin the assessment process

Explain that the purpose of NDAS is diagnostic assessment. Agree whether this is what the child or young person and family want before identifying NDAS as the appropriate service.

Identify support needs and act on them without waiting for diagnosis or completion of the NDAS pathway.

• Encourage the family to seek support for any aspect of the child's development that is causing concern.
• Support can be requested alongside an NDAS assessment or instead of diagnostic assessment.
• Base support on the child's needs and functional impact rather than on the presence of a formal diagnosis.
• Set expectations that diagnostic assessment may improve shared understanding but does not in itself guarantee new or additional support from health, social work or education.

A child or young person can be referred up to their 18th birthday when all of the following apply:

• The child or young person is developing differently.
• The differences may be due to a neurodevelopmental disorder.
• There is evidence of significant impact on personal, family, social, educational, occupational or another important area of functioning.
• The child or young person and family request diagnostic assessment.

Do not refer to NDAS:

• For support or treatment.
• Where developmental differences do not have a significant functional impact.
• Where the referral criteria are not all met.
• For a person aged 18 or over.
• For an ADHD assessment of a child who has not yet had their 6th birthday.

Do not delay support while waiting for assessment. A diagnosis is not required before a child, young person or family asks for help.

Referrals sent by letter or SCI Gateway are accepted, but there is no advantage to using these routes: NDAS will direct the family to complete the same Microsoft Form.

Information required for screening

• Child's or young person's details
• Consent to begin the assessment process
• Family information explaining why diagnostic assessment is requested
• Developmental history
• Information about the impact of the differences

What happens next?

NDAS uses Microsoft Forms for screening information; these replace the previous paper screening forms.

NDAS aims to review the screening information and share its decision with the family within 4 weeks of receiving the information.

• If diagnostic assessment is recommended: NDAS sends an acknowledgement letter and adds the child or young person to the waiting list.
• If diagnostic assessment is not recommended: NDAS sends a letter explaining the decision and recommending any other services that may be more appropriate.

This guide can be used to direct family.