Diagnosis in Highland

How does my child get a diagnosis in Highland?

Assessment for neurodevelopmental differences, such as Autism, DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder), DLD (Developmental Language Disorder), orADHD ( Attention Deficit/ Hyper activity Disorder), for children and young people in Highland is through the Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service (NDAS). The NDAS team work from The Pines in Inverness and have practitioners in other areas of Highland too. The waiting list for assessment is currently around 3 years, but the team are working hard to reduce waiting times.

You can find out more about the NDAS and making a request for assessment on the NDAS Information Page

You can also watch the NDAS film on Waiting for an Assessment

If you are concerned about your child you should talk to your child’s named person, this may be a health visitor or teacher. Your child may or may not have a Child’s Plan in place and may or may not already be known to services such as Speech and Language Therapy or Occupational Therapy. NDAS is a diagnostic service for neurodevelopmental differences only and sits alongside services which provide support and intervention, your child does not need a diagnosis to get the support needed. If your main concern is around behaviour and/ or mental health issues discuss this with your child’s named person or any other professionals involved with your child. Other services such as CAMHS (Child and adolescent mental health) , PMHW (Primary mental health service) or Educational Psychology may be best placed to help and a neurodevelopmental assessment may not be what is required.

Highland use a neurodevelopmental wheel to help understand a child’s strengths and challenges in a number of areas such as sensory and social skills. There is lots of information about the wheel including videos explaining its use on the neurodevelopmental assessment wheel page by clicking the image below

You can use this wheel and the profile document to help get a better understanding about your child, this may support any discussions you have with professionals.