Neurodevelopmental Pathway
ADHD
The NDP team assesses children and young people for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause behaviours ranging from being forgetful, disorganised and unable to concentrate, through to children who are very hyperactive, disruptive and oppositional. It is usually more noticeable in settings such as a school and is a common cause of behaviour which parents/carers and teachers may find challenging or concerning.
In the case of emergency or urgent presentation:
- Emergency behavioural, emotional, or mental health needs should be directed to the Children’s emergency department at the Birmingham Children's Hospital.
- An emergency is where the child or young person is presenting with an immediate threat to their safety or well-being (for example acute presentations of self-harm, acute psychosis or medically unwell).
- Where the child or young person is threatening or compromising the safety and well-being of others ring the emergency services on 999.
- Out of hours urgent but not an emergency for behavioural, emotional or mental health needs should be directed to the out of hour’s services or by ringing 111.
- An urgent need means there is no direct, immediate risk to safety or well-being. Out of hours services are usually after 17:00 to 09:00 weekdays and weekends including bank holidays. Out of hours services can be contacted by ringing your GP service and following the instructions on the recorded message.
How to make a referral
We accept referrals from education and healthcare professionals as well as other agencies or professionals who may already be working with the child and family.
If making a referral, the child/young person should display more than one symptom that is suggestive of ADHD, such as detailed above (our ADHD Summary can help with this).
Criteria for referral to our service also include:
- Children/young people aged between 5 and 16 years of age
- Children/young people registered with a GP within the locality of Birmingham
- Children/young people who are not already under care of a service for ADHD in Birmingham
If you are worried about your child, please note this is not an emergency or mental health crisis service.
If you notice your child’s health is deteriorating or your child is in immediate danger, please call 999 or go to A&E.
If you need urgent help for your child's health call 111, contact your GP for further advice or contact Forward Thinking Birmingham Crisis line on 0300 300 0099 for issues relating to mental health.