In 2025, NHS GM designed a new process for reviewing requests for ADHD and autism assessments, which will be introduced gradually across Greater Manchester starting in January 2026.
This new Neurodevelopmental Pathway will bring together experienced professionals from different services – first including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and paediatric clinicians, with a long-term plan for Social Care and Education to be included, so that care is more joined up for families. The services will all work together to decide the right type and level of support for each child or young person based on their needs.
With this new pathway, not every child or young person will meet the clinical criteria for an NHS-funded assessment after the initial review. However, every child and family will receive a personalised offer of support through the new needs-led model of support. Needs-led means that support is based on what a child or young person needs rather than whether they have a diagnosis.
Children and young people with the highest needs will be prioritised for earlier assessment. Children and young people who are eligible for an NHS assessment based on the new criteria but have less urgent needs than others will wait longer for an assessment.
NHS Greater Manchester produced a list of some Frequently Asked Questions, which you can download here.
Below are some articles and events on our website relating to the Neurodevelopmental Pathway:
