Sussex CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Service
The Sussex CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Service is a CAMHS specialist service offering assessment for Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) for young people aged 11+ and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for young people aged 6 up to 18 years. We may also provide medication treatment for young people diagnosed with ADHD - if this is clinically indicated.
Every child is unique, and sometimes they may show traits linked to neurodevelopmental differences but do not meet the criteria for a formal diagnosis. Our assessments are guided by your child’s individual needs, and we take time to gather information from a range of sources; including parents, schools, and other professionals where appropriate. This helps us build a fuller picture of your child’s strengths and challenges. The process may involve more than one assessment and may, or may not, lead to a clinical diagnosis.
Sussex CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Service is Neurodivergent Positive
The service aims to take a neurodivergent positive position towards the work it carries out, in order to make a greater difference to those children and young people, as well as to support staff in their therapeutic practice.
Neurodivergent positive means acknowledging
- Neurodivergent children and young people have a different neurology or neurotype that is part of natural human variation, like sexuality, gender or race.
- Neurodivergent children and young people are often disabled by barriers put in place by society, not as a consequence of their impairments or differences.
- Diagnosis can be a gift to the child or young person, through which many can acknowledge their strengths as well as their differences and vulnerabilities
- Diagnosis can help a child or young person find belonging and identity in membership of a worldwide community of neurodivergent people
- Diagnosis can provide the language for children and young people to self-advocate
- Diagnosis can provide the legal foundations for equality of access to education and future work through the Equalities Act (2010) and making reasonable adjustments
- Diagnosis can validate educators and parents in growing a more effective and compassionate understanding of children and young people
Helpful links
- What is autism? - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Which form should I complete?
Please ensure that you complete and submit the correct forms. These will be clearly identified on the communication you received from the team. Completing the wrong forms may delay the next steps in the process.
New Referral: If your referral is new, please complete our screening form for Parents and Carers (Form A - Parents and Carers Screening).
At the top of the waiting list for assessment: Please complete our developmental history form for Parents and Carers (Form D - Developmental History).
New Referral: If the young person's referral is new, please complete our screening form for Teachers and School Staff (Form B - Teachers and School Staff Screening).
If the young person is at the top of the waiting list for assessment: Please complete Form E - Update Education Details form.
If you (the young person) have been asked to complete a form, please complete our screening form for Young People (Form C - Young Person Screening).