A guide to a Children and Young People’s (CYPS) Neurodevelopmental Assessment – Information for parents

This leaflet is to help families understand and what to expect with a neurodevelopmental assessment within Children and Young People's Service (CYPS). Your young person may be being assessed for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or both.

Quality Approved Resource logo

This leaflet may not be reproduced in whole or in part, without the permission of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

A guide to a Children and Young People Neurodevelopmental assessment

  • Named Key Worker

    Your named Key Worker is: ________________________________________

  • Introduction

    We have developed this leaflet to help families understand what to expect with a neurodevelopmental assessment within Children and Young Peoples Service (CYPS).

  • What to expect

    Your young person may be being assessed for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or both.

    The diagram on the following page shows the process we go through to collect information. All parts of the assessment your child has received will be discussed with you at the feedback appointment and within the assessment report.

    The assessment will involve gathering information from different people and different settings e.g. home, clinic or school. We may also speak with healthcare professionals and education staff. We may not need information from every section of the diagram in the green section, this will depend upon the information we receive throughout and type of assessment the young person is having.

    You will have a named key worker who will keep in touch with you throughout the process.

  • Glossary of terms used in this leaflet

    Neurodevelopmental assessment
    An assessment to look at your child’s strengths and difficulties to provide a full developmental profile.

    Developmental history
    An interview discussing your child’s development.

    Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
    A play-based assessment that assesses social, imagination and communication skills. This is not a diagnostic tool on its own.

    QB test
    A computer-based test that assesses inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. This is not a diagnostic tool on its own.

    Conners questionnaire
    Questionnaire that assesses inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

  • How to make a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint

    If you want to make a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint you can:

     

    We are always looking at ways to improve services. Your feedback allows us to monitor the quality of our services and act upon issues that you bring to our attention. You can provide feedback in the following ways:

    • the quickest way for you to do this is to complete our short online survey at www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourvoice
    • complete a Your Voice survey, available on wards, reception areas or from staff
    • other options for sharing your feedback and experience www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourfeedback

     

    Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
    PALS provide confidential advice and support, helping you to sort out any concerns that you may have about any aspect of your or your loved ones care.

    We act independently when handling patient and family concerns, liaising with staff, managers and, where appropriate, relevant organisations, to negotiate prompt solutions. If necessary, we can also refer patients and families to specific local or national-based support agencies.

    North of Tyne
    Telephone: 0800 032 0202
    Email: [email protected]
    Post: FREEPOST PALS

    South of Tyne
    Telephone: 0800 328 4397
    Text: 07825 061 035
    Email: [email protected]
    Post: Patient Advice and Liaison Service, Garden Lodge, Hopewood Park, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0NB

    9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday

    An answerphone is available at all times for you to leave a message. A member of the PALS team will aim to return your call as soon as possible.

  • Contact information

    You can contact your named key worker or CYPS duty team if you have any further questions throughout the assessment process.

    Sunderland and South Tyneside Children and Young People Service
    Monkwearmouth Hospital
    Newcastle Road
    Sunderland
    SR5 1NB
    Telephone: 0191 566 5500

    Cleadon Park Primary Care Centre
    Prince Edward Road
    South Shields
    Tyne and Wear
    NE34 7QD
    Telephone: 0191 566 5500

  • Useful contacts

    Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
    Telephone 0191 246 6800
    Website www.cntw.nhs.uk

  • Information about content, other formats and version control

    Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

    This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (eg Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre on telephone 0191 246 7288.

    Published by the Patient Information Centre
    2024 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

    Ref: PIC/883/1024 V2 October 2024

    Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk

    Telephone: 0191 246 7288

    Review date 2026