Neurodevelopmental Pathway

The SEND LGA Peer review told us:

Review of action plans to address waiting lists for the neurodevelopmental pathway as a system response within SILAP.

There are significant delays in children being able to access neurodevelopmental services which needs to be addressed.

What we have done already:

We have employed a Locum Paediatrician within the Gloucestershire Hospitals Trust to reduce the number of children awaiting an ADHD assessment.

Over 580 children have been assessed for autism by a private provider, and additional investment has been agreed to continue with this contract whilst the new service is developed.

The Ignite pilot with Young Gloucestershire has been commissioned to support young people on the CAMHS Neuro waiting list.

ICB investment in the 0-18 neurodiversity pathway has been agreed.

The pre-school and primary school age autism pathways have been combined and additional investment been made in the Social Communication Autism Assessment Service (SCAAS).

What’s next

Now that funding has been secured, we will continue with the co-production and development of a 0-18 neurodevelopment pathway and work to reduce the waiting list.

We will also establish a system wide working group to provide clarity, and access to information, on support and services for children who are neuro diverse.

We will extend the contract for a private provider to undertake autism assessments and combine neurodiversity services within GHC from September 2023 with one central point for referrals.

Under 11s ADHD will also move from Gloucestershire Hospitals Trust to the GHC, to be part of one children’s neurodiversity service.

A digital solution is also being developed to improve the experience of families waiting for an assessment, this will include recommended resources as well as a digital referral process.