Cheshire and Wirral Partnership neurodevelopmental pathway
Autism assessments age 5-17
ADHD assessments age 6-17
| Question | Answer |
| What forms need to be filled out at the initial stages – is there a checklist to ensure everything which is needed for the referral to be accepted is completed? | Referrals to the Autism and ADHD Team (AAT) in Eastern Cheshire are via the MyMind website which lists and contains all the forms needed. |
| Where do the forms go? |
The referral information and all the forms are collected together by the AAT and the multi-agency triage team (MAT) review and discuss the information together. The MAT decide about the young person being accepted CWP Autism or ADHD diagnostic process. |
| Who will the child/young person see at each stage of the diagnostic process and where? |
The young person will meet a clinical member of staff trained to provide that part of the assessment process. E.g. Staff trained in using ADOS assessment will undertake ADOS assessments. Assessments take place in clinics suitable for the assessment In Eastern Cheshire. Sometimes this is at Elm House in Macclesfield but other venues are used and you would be advised of the location. |
| What tests will be done? |
ADOS assessments – Autism Diagnosis Observation Schedule Parental Interviews QbTests – for ADHD |
| What reasonable adjustments can be done if my child has, for example, PDA and would struggle to attend a ‘normal’ appointment |
We can be flexible, based of your child’s needs. Examples include:
If you tell us what works best for your child we will do our best to help. |
| What is the MDT (sometimes referred to as the ‘panel’) and when are they involved? |
The Multi Agency Panel (MAT) is involved in the initial triage of the assessment to decide on the approach taken based on individual needs. A multi professional panel is involved in reviewing assessments (a group of practitioners across different roles). A multi professional panel is also involved in discussions around diagnosis. |
| What happens at the point of diagnosis and how are people supported (whether or not a diagnosis is made) |
Whether your child or young person receives a diagnosis or not, we make sure you have the information and support you need You will receive:
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| What’s the difference between ASC and ADHD in this process (at what point would the practitioners decide whether they are looking at an ASC diagnostic, an ADHD diagnostic or both)? |
The multi-agency triage initially decides which pathway to follow (NB. ADHD is not assessed in children below the age of 6). During assessment, clinical staff may want to review the child or young person for the dual pathway (autism and ADHD), with existing information used to support any request to reduce duplication. |
Further information is available on the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust website.