Neurodiversity: Assessments for Children and Young People

Every person’s brain is unique. We all think, learn, and act differently. We all have different strengths and face different challenges. In this section, you can learn more about neurodiversity assessments.

Neurodiversity

Find out more about Neurodiversity and how a diagnosis might help your child

What happens if my child is referred for assessment

We have three community paediatric teams in mid and south Essex.  Although assessments may vary, and there is a difference in waiting times, all assessment pathways work to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (N.I.C.E) guidelines.

The journey to your child assessment might differ from area to area, this might be due to local providers and grassroots commissioned services or local Charites to improve the access to families. But on the whole the journey will be very much the same.

Here is an example journey for reference:

The need of your child has been identified and a referral has been made.

Information will be gathered from schools, health professionals and families, through the My Care Bridge portal. (Find out more about My Care Bridge below).

Neurodiversity assessment, therapy referrals and other services

Either: no needs will be identified for your child, or, needs will be identified and families will be advised of the outcomes and next steps.

Ongoing support for your child’s health, education or other aspects from a range of services.

My Care Bridge

My Care Bridge is the online portal for referrals for children and young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in mid and south Essex.

Who can use it?

  • GPs
  • Health Visitors/nurses
  • Schools
  • Families

Referrals are accepted from education settings, GPs, health visitors, and other healthcare practitioners.

My Care Bridge allows parents or carers to:

  • Provide information about their child
  • Track the referral
  • Access local support

Further information

Whether you choose to pursue a diagnosis or not, health, education, and the wider community can help support your child and your family. We have a range of services to support you and your child which are delivered by a combination of NHS organisations, local authorities, providers (other organisations) and charities.

Support in your area

Local Offer

Essex Local Offer Southend Local Offer Thurrock Local Offer

Assessments

Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock Southend Mid Essex

Family Forums

Essex: Parent Carer Forum Southend SEND Independent Forum Thurrock SEND Family Forum

Supporting your Neurodiverse child

Supporting your Neurodiverse child information pack

Have your say

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