Assessment and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions (including Autism and ADHD)

The South East Essex Neurodevelopmental Service supports children who have a neurodevelopmental condition, and their parent carers. It is based at the Lighthouse Child Development Centre in Southend.

Their `neurodevelopmental pathway' (sometimes called the `ND Pathway`) helps children and young people who are showing signs of a neurodevelopmental condition. Clinicians are able to assess children and young people and diagnose neurodevelopmental conditions such as:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder/Condition (ASD/C)
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (children aged 6 years plus)
  • Tics and Tourette's syndrome
  • Dyspraxia

Referrals to the Children's Autism and ADHD pathway

The service is not currently able to accept referrals from families. Parent carers seeking support for their child should speak with their GP or another professional (such as a Health Visitor, other health professional, early years setting or school) to discuss making a referral.

Referrals are made by professionals through an online portal called `My Care Bridge`. After a referral is made, parent carers can use the portal to provide information for their child's referral and track the progress of the referral.

Read about referrals to the Autism and ADHD assessment pathway

Read about the Autism and ADHD assessment process

Support and resources

The Lighthouse have a range of resources for parent carers of children with neurodevelopmental conditions. They also run a range of Austism and ADHD support groups and workshops.

Information about ADHD medication can be found on this ADHD information leaflet.

There are local and national resources for parent carers supporting a child or young person with a neurodevelopmental condition.