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.

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A guide to a Children and Young People Neurodevelopmental assessment (16kB)

  • 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.

  • What if I have a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint about the service?

    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 www.cntw.nhs.uk (click on the ‘Contact Us’ tab)
    • telephone the Complaints Department 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/poy
    – complete a Points of You survey, available from staff.

  • 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
    Web: www.cntw.nhs.uk/

    Cleadon Park Primary Care Centre
    Prince Edward Road
    South Shields
    Tyne and Wear
    NE34 7QD
    Telephone: 0191 566 5500
    Web: www.cntw.nhs.uk/

  • Useful contacts

    • PALS – Patient Advice and Liaison Service
    Provides confidential advice and support for service users, relatives and carers.
    Tel: 0800 328 4397 or 0191 246 6800 (9am – 5pm, Mon-Fri)

    • Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust Tel: 0191 246 6800

  • 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 Tel: 0191 246 7288

    Published by the Patient Information Centre
    2023 Copyright, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

    Ref, PIC/883/0323 V1 March 2023

    www.cntw.nhs.uk Tel: 0191 246 7288

    Review date 2026