Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service CYP – Dumfries & Galloway Health & Social Care

Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service For Children and Young People in Dumfries & Galloway

Who are NDAS?

Since 2018, NHS Dumfries and Galloway have been designing and testing a Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service (NDAS) for children and young people, aligned to the National Neurodevelopmental (ND) Service Specification published in 2021.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders are complex and include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Intellectual Disability (ID), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

While some children present with one disorder in isolation, research and clinical evidence tells us that, very often, these disorders co-exist and so assessment services should be designed to screen for all disorders before reaching conclusions about one condition in isolation.

This service will deliver the NDAS pathway which is aligned to the National ND pathway and delivers on the recommendations of the National Neurodevelopmental Service Specification.

Who is in the team?

The Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service team is a multidisciplinary team with dedicated time from:

Admin
Clinical Psychology
Psychiatry
Nursing
Speech and Language Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Paediatrics
Service Manager

Referring to NDAS?

Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service is designed to be open access and so the team welcome requests from young people, their families and any adult who supports them when someone identifies that there may be differences that relate to a Neurodevelopmental Disorder and there is (or could be) an impact on the child or young person’s wellbeing if these differences are not understood.

Please note, if a referrer is concerned about Intellectual Disability (ID) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and there are no indications that a wider Neurodevelopmental Assessment is required, referrals can continue to be directed to Individual Clinical Teams as below:

ADHD contact CAMHS
DLD contact Speech and Language Therapy
ID contact Intellectual Disability Psychology Service
DCD contact Occupational Therapy

If Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are part of the referral or if there are indicators of a varied Neurodevelopmental history, we would recommend a referral for assessment is directed to NDAS.

All requests to NDAS require an NDAS Request form

This form is an editable PDF and can be filled in by a family directly or by an adult on behalf of a family as long as the family are included in the discussion and for this to be returned by email: dg.nd-requests@nhs.scot

This request form can also be provided in paper format for anyone who would prefer this.

This ensures that the family are actively involved in the discussion about diagnostic assessment and their consent and the views of the young person are recorded at the first point of contact.

Contacting Us

Have a look at the Willows, Children, Young People and Family Centre walk through building tour.

Helpful Websites / Resources

NDAS Service Information leaflet for Young People and Families

Parents Inclusion Network, known to our members as just ‘PIN’, are here to offer practical advice and support to help you and your family. We bring together parents and carers of a disabled child to share experiences and reinforce that you are not alone.

Scottish Autism – Autism Awareness Charity & Services for Children & Adults in Scotland

Learning differences and disability – HappyMaps is an award-winning charity developed by healthcare professionals with help from parents and young people. They have pooled together what they think are some of the best mental health resources for parents, carers, and young people, all in one place.

Autism Outreach Service this is a specialist service for children and young people aged 8-16 who have autistic spectrum disorders or who are awaiting assessment in Dumfries and Galloway. Any requests for training or consultation should be directed to autismoutreachservice@dumgal.gov.uk

Better Lives Partnership A Scottish registered charitable organisation that supports young people with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

The Usual Place, a café, providing work opportunities for young people with additional support needs.