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Neurodiversity is a term used to describe differences in the way our brains work. Everyone has a unique brain –  different skills, abilities and needs. Neurodiversity may mean that our children experience and interact with the world in many individual ways and see things in many wonderful and intriguing ways.

Neurodevelopmental assessments can take place for conditions such as:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder/Condition (ASD/C) Autism ~ NHS
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) from the age of 6 years. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ~ NHS
• Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (Dyspraxia) (DCD) Developmental co-ordination disorder (dyspraxia) in children ~ NHS
• Global Development Delay Mencap ~ Global Development Delay
• Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) Speech and Language UK ~ Developmental Language Disorder

These are conditions that can occur on their own or together.

To learn more about any neurodiverse conditions, take a look at the SENDLO website here

Here’s some information about how assessments work in Wirral.

Under the new pathway, the first step is to complete a This is Me profiling tool (Will change to ‘Knowing me’ once the digital version goes live). You and your child will work with someone who knows your child well, such as the school’s SENCO or another professional. The tool will help everyone understand your child’s strengths and needs, so the right support can be offered as early as possible.

If your child is receiving mental health support for a moderate to severe mental health problem through CYPMHS (previously known as CAMHS) and is also open to the paediatric pathway for an ND assessment, our team will work collaboratively with your paediatrician to complete a comprehensive, person-centred ND assessment.

The Teams who do the assessments

There are a range of diagnostic assessments that your child may require which will be completed by specialists including:

• Speech and Language Therapists (SALT)
• Consultant Community Paediatricians
• Occupational Therapists(OT)

Other information may be needed from your child’s school or nursery and further reports or questionnaires may be requested for this extra information.  Children may also be seen in their nursery or school setting.

Referral criteria

Families should live in Wirral and be registered with a Wirral GP.

ADHD and DCD referrals are aged 5 up to 17.5 years.

ASD and DCD referrals are aged 2 up to 17.5 years.

Referrals are accepted from schools and colleges. There have been some changes to the way children and young people are referred for a neurodevelopmental (ND) assessment in Wirral. In the past, referrals could only be made by a school or the 0–19 Health and Wellbeing Service. The pathway is now managed by Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH), and GPs are also able to make referrals if they feel an assessment is appropriate. Families also have the Right to Choose, which means you can ask your GP about being referred to another NHS-approved provider if this is the right option for your child. If you have concerns about your child’s development, speak to your child’s school, health professional or GP to discuss the most appropriate next steps. Find out more about the Right to choose Here

Waiting times

Referrals into the neurodiverse pathway are high for ASD/ADHD assessments and the numbers continue to grow; this leads to extremely long waiting times for assessments and diagnosis.

The service continues to work extremely hard to reduce waiting times, including joint working with other professionals and services involved in providing support and services.

For further information and support for your family, please take a look at the useful links below. Please remember that a diagnosis is not required to access support.