Review of Neurodevelopmental Services

Demand for diagnostic assessment for neurodevelopmental conditions has outstripped the capacity of services over many years. A review was undertaken of the demand, capacity and design of neurodevelopmental services for children, young people and adults in Wales. It focused primarily upon two conditions, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and two neurodevelopmental services, Children’s ND Services and the Integrated Autism Service (IAS). The aim was to develop recommendations and evidence-informed options for improving services.

The report identifies the main problem underpinning the demand-capacity gap for diagnostic assessment as the small size of services relative to demand, rather than issues with the design of services. The report also discusses the unmet need for pre-diagnostic and post-diagnostic support, and it identifies groups that face particular difficulties in accessing diagnostic assessment and support.

The report suggests that no change is not an option. It makes recommendations for short to medium term measures to improve experiences and outcomes, and to reduce the pressure upon existing services. It also discusses options for the development of new service models in the longer term.

A supplementary paper to the report also considers actions to develop the workforce to support recommendations for neurodevelopmental services. The paper draws together key issues identified by the review; actions in the Health and Social Care Workforce Strategy and The Strategic Mental Health Workforce Plan for Health and Social Care that are particularly relevant to these issues; and additional actions identified by the review to address these issues.