The Neurodevelopmental Service is a multidisciplinary service specialising in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for children and young people with social, emotional, behavioural and attention difficulties across the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust geographical area.
Our team assesses children and young people that are experiencing a range of difficulties, across a variety of environments. These difficulties often significantly impact on their daily life and functioning. These difficulties, while not exhaustive, may include; inattention, poor concentration, impulsivity, difficulties with social interaction and social communication, behavioural difficulties, emotional regulation and sensory difficulties.
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Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition which can affect social communication and interaction abilities, as well as the presence of restrictive and repetitive behaviours (including sensory interests and/or sensitivities). The symptoms must cause significant impairment in social, occupational and other areas of current functioning. There are numerous behaviours and mannerisms that people may perceive to be autism but there often can be other explanations for how a child presents.
There are many interventions that can help people with ASD, please see the relevant leaflet on this site for information.
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with symptoms which may range from mild to severe. It occurs across the lifespan. Symptoms include hyperactivity, impulsivity and poor attention and concentration. Please see the relevant leaflets on this site details on strategies for managing ADHD.
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Assessment, Formulation and Outcome
When your child is referred to the Neurodevelopmental Service they will be assessed by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians who are specialists in ASD and ADHD. Referral to the service is not a guarantee of a diagnosis. Length of time of assessment can vary depending on which methods of assessment and intervention the clinician deems necessary.
The assessment will include exploring wider areas of child and family functioning including birth and early development history, child and family mental health and trauma history; parenting, intellectual abilities, academic progress and neuropsychological functioning.
Your clinician will guide you through the process of assessment. A formulation will be developed to help understand your child’s presentation. As part of the wider formulation, some children and young people may receive a diagnosis of both ADHD and ASD. Some may have a diagnosis of one or the other and some may not receive a diagnosis.
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Intervention, Support and Guidance
The Neurodevelopmental Service may signpost your child and family to external relevant agencies and voluntary services who can provide support post diagnosis. This will be dependent on yours and your child’s needs.
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Referral
Your GP can refer to the Neurodevelopmental Service using the form in the resources section.
If your child is known to another health care professional and they believe that there is significant evidence of the previously mentioned difficulties they may discuss a potential referral to the Neurodevelopmental Service with you.
There must be sufficient evidence of difficulties impacting on everyday functioning across environments for a referral to be accepted.
