Neuro Developmental Disorders (Local Offer)

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Neuro Developmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders are disabilities in the functioning of the brain. This can affect a child's behaviour, memory or ability to learn. The disorders include dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.  

'Neurodiversity' is a term that refers to the natural differences between people. It can be helpful as it’s a more positive way of thinking about these as differences rather than deficits.

Many people who are not 'neurotypical' have significant strengths and talents. This is because they do not see and process the world in the same way. 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a medical diagnosis that can only be made by a suitably qualified medical professional. 

In Peterborough this is provided for the NHS by the Neurodevelopmental Service, CAMHS.Access to this service is through the Early Help pathway. The Neurodevelopmental Service provides treatment of ADHD using medication and treatment for comorbid mental health disorders in youngsters with ADHD.

People aged 18 and over would need to speak to their GP and request a referral to the Adult ADHD Team. Young people over the age of 18 will be referred by their GP to adults’ mental health servicefor comorbid mental health concerns.

Dyspraxia or Developmental Co-ordination Disorder

What does it mean if you have a Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD)?

Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a condition affecting physical co-ordination. It causes a child to perform less well than expected in daily activities for their age and appear to move clumsily. 

DCD is thought to be around 3 or 4 times more common in boys than girls, and the condition sometimes runs in families. 

If you're concerned about your child's health or development, talk to a GP or health visitor, or speak to a nurse, doctor or special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) at your child's school.  If necessary, they can refer your child to a community paediatrician, who will assess them and try to identify any developmental problems.  If you are older than 16 years talk to your GP. 

Global Developmental Delay

Developmental milestones

Global developmental delay is a name given by doctors when a child has not reached two or more of their developmental milestones at an expected age. The term ‘delay’ is misleading as it is uncommon for children to simply ‘catch up’. Most children with GDD continue to have difficulties as they get older.  

Children are often diagnosed with learning difficulties/disabilities when they start school. Please make sure you speak to the SENCO at your child’s school if you have concerns about your child’s support/ progress.  If you continue to have concerns you may ask your GP for more advice. 

Supporting Young People With Situational (Selective) Mutism

Situational (selective) mutism is a severe anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations, such as with classmates at school or to relatives they do not see very often.

You can read more details about this disorder on the Healthy schools Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Supporting Young People With Situational (Selective) Mutism webpage.

You will also find a link to the Situaltional Mutism Framework

CAMH Neurodevelopmental Service

Assessments and treatments

The CAMH Neurodevelopmental Service can provide assessments of autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  It also provides treatment for comorbid mental health disorders for youngsters already diagnosed with Autism, ADHD or moderate to severe Learning Disability. The service works with young people up to the age of 18, their families and professionals. 

After diagnosis training is provided to parents and carers on the diagnosis given to their child. They can also provide specific interventions including medication if appropriate. 

Treatment is provided to these children where there is also a mental health condition.  

The service is provided by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT).

People over the age of 18 years can seek a referral from their GP to adults’ mental health services, Adult ADHD Team (for assessment) and Cambridge Lifespan Autism Spectrum Service (CLASS) (for assessment of Autism).

Related Pages

  1. Autism (Local Offer)
  2. Assessment and Education, Health and Care plans (Local Offer)
  3. Education (Local Offer)
  4. Supporting your Neurodiverse child booklet

External Links

  1. CAMH Neurodevelopmental Service (CPFT)
  2. PANDAS Learn about Autism.

Downloads

  1. Early Help in Peterborough - a guide for parents and carers

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