Neurodiversity First Contact Service

Somerset Pathway for Autism and ADHD Referrals

In Somerset, neurodevelopmental assessments are completed by the Children and Young Person’s Neurodevelopmental Partnership (CYPNP). Referrals to the CYPNP are typically made by the school, although any professional who knows the patient well can make this referral. In most cases, this is unlikely to be your GP.

Currently the waiting time for an assessment is around 2 and a half years, although this is subject to change.

When individuals go through the Somerset Pathway, the diagnosis will be recognised by the council and NHS and they will be moved onto the post-diagnostic pathway (ADHD only). There is currently no pathway for post-diagnostic support for Autism.

Right to Choose

Everyone has the legal right to choose which neurodiversity provider they are referred to. This service is offered through the NHS and is free. There are a number of clinics throughout the UK that can offer Right to Choose ADHD and/or Autism assessments; some services will offer post-diagnostic ADHD medication support also.

To become a Right to Choose clinic provider, the clinic must supply the same service to the NHS somewhere in England, they cannot be a private only clinic.

When choosing a Right to Choose provider, the individual should consider:

• The waiting time for an assessment
• Whether the assessment is in-person or online
• Whether the provider offers medication prescribing and shared care
• Whether there is a secondary waiting list for medication prescribing

Shared Care

Redgate Medical Centre and local GPs will not agree to shared care of medication prescribing if the Somerset Pathway is not used. This means that if you are prescribed medication by your right to choose provider, you may have to continue this privately.

After a Right to Choose Diagnosis

After a Right to Choose Diagnosis For a diagnosis to be officially recognised in Somerset, the assessment will need to be ratified by the Somerset CYPNP.

In order to request your referral to be ratified, you should send your report to the CYPNP, by emailing ChildNDS@somersetft.nhs.uk.

There is a waiting time for this, but it is also acknowledged that all individuals should receive support regardless of a confirmed or ratified diagnosis.

Individuals can be added to the wait list for post-diagnostic support following ratification. There is a 9-month wait for an appointment with the ADHD nurse, which would then be eligible for shared care with the GP.