Neurodevelopmental pathway

A neurodevelopmental pathway, often shortened to ND Neurodivergent Neurodivergent means a brain that works in its own way, not the way most people expect. Autistic people, and people with ADHD or dyslexia, are all neurodivergent. Read the full definition of Neurodivergent pathway, is the route a child joins when autism Autism Autism is a difference in how the brain develops. It shapes how an autistic child sees and experiences the world, how they communicate, and how they respond to things like noise, light and touch. Read the full definition of Autism , ADHD or a similar difference is being looked into. The most useful thing to know is that there is no single national service: what the pathway is called, who runs it and whether autism and ADHD are assessed together or separately all vary by area.

Wales has an all-Wales approach with national standards and a single point of access Single point of access A single point of access is the one phone number or online form that all referrals to a local service go through. Every area runs its own, and the name varies. Read the full definition of Single point of access in each health board. In Scotland each health board defines its own pathway, so neighbouring areas can work quite differently. In both nations the familiar English split between CAMHS CAMHS NHS teams that support children and young people with mental health difficulties. Referrals usually come from a GP, school or another professional. Read the full definition of CAMHS and community paediatrics may not apply, so referred to CAMHS can be the wrong phrase locally. If you are unsure, ask your GP or health visitor what the neurodevelopmental route is called in your area and how to get on it.