Help while waiting for a neurodevelopmental pathway assessment in Brighton & Hove
When a referral is made to a health service for assessment for a neurodevelopmental difference such as autism or ADHD, there will be a wait before the service decides whether to make an assessment. There will be another wait before the assessment can take place.
Help is available to support you and your family while you wait. NHS Sussex has put together the below information about services in Brighton & Hove that can support you while waiting for an assessment.
Live in East Sussex?
If you want to find out information about East Sussex health services while you wait for a neurodevelopmental assessment, visit the East Sussex SEND Local Offer, particularly their pages on Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH).
The Community Paediatrics team at NHS East Sussex Healthcare have put together this online booklet to support families while they are waiting for an assessment. It’s just as useful for families in Brighton & Hove.
Autism (ASC/ASD) or social communication
Under 11s
- Autism and Social Communication Assessment Pathway – Assessment and contact information plus details of drop-ins & workshops in Brighton & Hove whilst you are waiting. This animation from the Child Development Centre will help you talk to younger children about the autism assessment
- Amaze ND Family Support Service is for families with children and young people under 25, before and after assessment for neurodevelopmental differences such as autism, ADHD and tics/Tourettes. We offer training and navigation plus peer support through our parent groups and befriending service.
- Schools Mental Health Service. Advice and support for parent carers, and a range of groups for children who are struggling to attend school, including those who are on the neurodevelopmental pathway or who have mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
11-18s
- Sussex CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Service Assessment and contact information
This animation explains the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) autism and ADHD pathway for young people aged 11-18
- Amaze ND Family Support Service is for families with children and young people under 25, before and after assessment for neurodevelopmental differences such as autism, ADHD and tics/Tourettes. We offer training and navigation plus peer support through our parent groups and befriending service.
- Schools Mental Health Service. Advice and support for parent carers, and a range of groups for children who are struggling to attend school, including those who are on the neurodevelopmental pathway or who have mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Over 18s
- Adult neurodevelopmental services from Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – Information about referral and assessment
This related page has information and resources about neurodevelopmental conditions and information about waiting times for adults - Aldingbourne Trust’s LIMA Service (Low Intensity Management for Autism) – Information about support for autistic adults over 18.
- Amaze ND Family Support Service is for families with children and young people under 25, before and after assessment for neurodevelopmental differences such as autism, ADHD and tics/Tourettes. We offer training and navigation plus peer support through our parent groups and befriending service.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Under 18s
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Neurodevelopmental Service – Assessment information from CAMHS and support information from other organisations
- This animation explains the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) autism and ADHD pathway for young people aged 11-18
- Info and Advice – e-wellbeing – Wellbeing support from CAMHS
- Healthline – ADHD resource guide
- ADHD Foundation – Information for families
Over 18s
- Neurodevelopmental services (adult) :: Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust– Assessment and contact information, waiting times and medication information, plus advice and resources
- Amaze ND Family Support Service is for families with children and young people under 25, before and after assessment for neurodevelopmental differences such as autism, ADHD and tics/Tourettes. We offer training and navigation plus peer support through our parent groups and befriending service.
Other support for families in Brighton & Hove
- Amaze SENDIASS – Amaze’s information, advice and support service for families with children and young people with SEND in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex.
- Amazing Futures peer support and activity groups – Regular social and support groups for young people with SEND in Brighton & Hove.
- Brighton & Hove Community Wellbeing Service – The CYP Wellbeing Service is the hub for all mental health referrals for children aged 4-17 in Brighton & Hove, including CAMHS.
- Brighton & Hove Inclusion Support Service (BHISS)– support via school for families with children and young people on the neurodevelopmental pathway, pre- and post-assessment.
- Chathealth – confidential texting service for young people in Brighton & Hove aged 11-19 offering advice on sensitive issues including anxiety, self-harm and bullying. Text: 07480 635423.
- e-wellbeing – specialist website, run in collaboration with Sussex CAMHS, to support children and young people with their mental health across Sussex.
- mASCot – parent led peer support network for families who have an autistic child/children or young person.
- Mind Brighton & Hove – for mental health advice and information service.
- National Autistic Society – Advice and guidance and online community
- YAC Brighton Support & Advice – Youth Advice Centre safe space where young people age 13-25 can talk to a worker one to one and receive support about issues including mental health.
