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

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

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

The diagram in the PDF version of this guide 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.

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. The team may also use a questionnaire called the SNAP-4 which assesses the same things.

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

• talk to the people directly involved in your care
• ask a member of staff for a feedback form, or complete a form on the Trust website
• telephone the Complaints Department on 0191 245 6672
• email [email protected]. Please note that information sent to the Trust via email is sent at your own risk

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.

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

Newcastle and Gateshead CYPS
Benton House
136 Sandyford Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 1QE
Telephone: 0800 652 2864
Email: [email protected]
Website

Bensham Hospital
Fontwell Drive
Gateshead
NE8 4YL
Telephone: 0800 652 2864
Email: [email protected]
Website

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

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
2025 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref: PIC/924/0125 January 2025 V1
Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0191 246 7288
Review date 2028