Children and young people - National Neurodevelopmental Specification: implementation review report

Policy Background

The Specification was developed following discussions within the Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Taskforce in 2019 and its development supported through the Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme Board and the subsequent Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Joint Delivery Board.

A range of terms are utilised in relation to neurodevelopment. The Specification describes these as:

Neurodevelopmental (ND) disorder is a term reserved for those who present with a ‘functional’ impairment in day-to-day life due to difference in one or more neurocognitive function which lie at the extreme of, or out with the normal range.

Neurodiversity is the statistical normal range of a function in a population at a particular age. Diversity is a trait of the whole group, not a specific individual.

Neurotypical describes individuals where a selective neurocognitive function falls within the prevalent societal norm.

Neurodivergent describes individuals where a selective neurocognitive function falls out with the prevalent range.

Where neurocognitive function is out with the anticipated range a child, young person or their family may require support in a range of different settings including at home and within education. Should a formal diagnosis be required this will require the support of relevant health services.

The Specification is intended for consideration by the range of partners that may provide relevant supports and services for children and families and is based around seven standards that those accessing care should expect.

Neurodevelopmental Specification Standards of Care

• High quality care and support that is right for me.
• I am fully involved in decisions about my care.
• I will receive high quality assessment, formulation and recommendations that are right for me.
• My rights are acknowledged, respected and delivered.
• I am fully involved in planning and agreeing my transitions.
• We fully involve children, young people and their families and carers.
• I have confidence in the staff who support me.

Tests of Change

Whilst supports and services across Scotland have given consideration to the Specification following its publication, in March 2022 dedicated funding was provided to five specific areas to take forward Tests of Change to provide learning on implementing specific aspects of the Specification.

The five areas funded were Aberdeen City, East Lothian, Fife, Highland and Forth Valley. In the case of Forth Valley, the funding was distributed to NHS Forth Valley to coordinate across the three local authorities of Stirling, Clackmannanshire, and Falkirk.

While Forth Valley did not continue Test of Change work beyond the first year, the remaining Tests of Change concluded in March 2024 and have provided reports to the Scottish Government. Further funding was provided by the Scottish Government to East Lothian and Fife in 2024/25 to support continuation and enhancement of the work put in place by the Tests of Change, such as the creation of support programmes for parents, teachers and clinicians; investments in ADHD assessment tools and development of ND assessment pathways.