Neurodevelopmental (ND) Consultation information

Access to the neurodevelopmental pathway is via a school consultation. (See exception lower down this appendix).

School consultation process

The consultation brings together the support networks around the child / young person, including school staff, Parent/Carer, and Mindworks experts, to work together on ensuring the needs of a child / young person are met.

The consultation enhances the collective understanding of the child / young person’s needs and builds on support and strategies that have already been implemented. During the consultation there is an exploration of what has already been done for the child or young person and whether there are any additional areas of support required for the child or young person.

Schools can contact the Neurodevelopmental Service to book a consultation for children and young people where there is a strong suspicion of Autism and/or ADHD and there is at least one of the following:

·         The child/young person’s related expectations associated with learning are not being met despite appropriate Special Educational Needs (SEN) support.

·         Significant risk of presenting needs at home and school for at least two weeks.

·         Significant levels of distress related to the child/young person’s needs.

·         School attendance is below 90%.

·         School attendance is below 50% with accompanying EBSNA (Emotionally Based School Non Attendance) support plan.

Please note that the neurodevelopmental team require consent from children over 12 years of age.

Exception process

·         If your child is not on school roll then a professional from another setting can complete the referral with yourselves. In these cases, professionals such as the child’s GP, if they know the child well, but equally it could be another professional such as an activity leader e.g. sports coach.

·         If your child or young person is not on school roll and there is no second setting a Parent / Carer can request a half hour discovery conversation by calling 0300 222 5856 or neurodevelopmentalservices@sabp.nhs.uk. Please note that the referral forms do still need to be completed ahead of the consultation.

Published on 24 March 2026