Understanding the Pathway

What is the Neurodevelopmental Pathway (NDP)?

 

The Neurodevelopmental Pathway (NDP) is the NHS Autism and ADHD assessment pathway in Birmingham.

 

A team of different health professionals work together. This team includes:

• Speech and Language Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Psychologists
• Paediatricians (children’s doctors)
• Nurses
• Clinical Assistants or Assistant Psychologists

The team are supported by the Central Booking Service and the Autism administrative team.

 
Children and young people are referred to the NDP when:

• A professional,
• Their family, or
• They themselves

think they might have Autism or ADHD.

 

 

What happens after your child Is referred for an Autism assessment?

1. We receive your child’s referral through our online system.
2. We will ask you and your child’s school or setting to fill in some questionnaires.
3. We look at all the information to decide if an Autism assessment is right for your child. If it’s not the right assessment, we will let you know and your child will be discharged from the service.
4. If we think an Autism assessment is the right next step, we will arrange appointments.
   1. Our team will assess your child directly; mostly, this is done in person, but may be carried out online.
   2. Your child will be observed.
   3. We will talk with you (parents or carers).
   4. We might also do more assessments or visit your child at school if needed.
5. A team including a Psychologist or a Community Paediatrician will meet to look at all the information and make a decision.
6. We will talk with you (and your child if appropriate) to explain the outcome.
7. You will get a written report that includes what we found and what the outcome is.
8. You can contact us with any questions within 6 weeks of getting the report.
9. After that, your child will be discharged from the pathway.