NICE guidelines

NICE looks at the evidence for how conditions should be assessed and treated, and turns it into guidance the NHS is expected to follow. For families on a neurodivergence 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, the ones you are most likely to meet are the guidelines on autism assessment Diagnostic assessment The appointments where specialists work out whether your child meets the criteria for a diagnosis, such as autism or ADHD. It is the step that can end with a diagnosis. Read the full definition of Diagnostic assessment and on ADHD diagnosis and management.

NICE guidance applies in England, and Wales and Northern Ireland usually adopt it. Scotland has its own bodies instead, SIGN and Healthcare Improvement Scotland, so advice that quotes NICE may not describe how things work there.

Guidance is not law, and services can depart from it. It still gives you a clear, respected description of what good care looks like, which is useful when you are asking why something has not been offered.