Neurodevelopmental Assessment Team (5-18 years)

Who we are

We are the Buckinghamshire CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Assessment Team, providing assessments for children and young people aged 5 to 18 years for Autism and ADHD.

What we assess

We offer combined Autism and ADHD assessments, rather than assessing each condition separately. This reduces the number of appointments needed, as the developmental history information is similar for both conditions.

Research also shows that people diagnosed with one neurodevelopmental difference are more likely to have the other, although this is not always the case.

All assessments are carried out in person at one of our Buckinghamshire locations and follow NICE guidelines.

Our team

Our team includes a mix of neurotypical and neurodivergent staff, as well as team members with neurodivergent family members. Their lived experience helps us provide compassionate, informed and individualised assessments for young people and their families.

Demand and waiting times

Since June 2024, referrals for ADHD and Autism assessments have nearly doubled. This rise has also been seen across local and national CAMHS services.

As a result, waiting times have increased significantly. We continue to work closely with colleagues and commissioners to find ways to increase our assessment capacity.

In 2025, we more than doubled the number of young people assessed each month.

Assessment and diagnosis only

We are an assessment and diagnosis only team. This means we do not provide support sessions before or after the assessment.

We do not:

  • assess for dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties
  • provide Educational Psychology support
  • submit or support EHCP applications
  • prescribe melatonin or make sleep clinic referrals
  • provide therapy or ongoing support

Support available

Resources

Our Resources  and Neurodiversity pages provides information and resources to help you support your child, whether they are diagnosed with Autism and/or ADHD.  or waiting for an assessment.

Welcome Webinar

Our senior peer support worker has put together a welcome webinar for parents and carers of children newly added to the Neuro Assessment team waiting list, providing an overview of the assessment process, available support, and helpful advice while waiting for an Autism and/or ADHD assessment.

Support in school

We recommend working closely with your child’s school. Schools can apply support based on your child’s needs without requiring an ADHD or Autism diagnosis.

Autism Early Support (AES)Autism Early Support (AES) logo

We work in partnership with Autism Early Support (AES), a local specialist organisation offering a 10‑week online programme for parents and carers.

Despite the name, AES supports families of children with Autism and/or ADHD.

You do not need a diagnosis to attend, and the programme is open to all Buckinghamshire families.

The programme includes:

  • Access to a free online portal with blogs, resources and webinars
  • Workshops and Family Support Groups to help you:
    • understand and support your child
    • develop a profile of your child’s needs to share with schools or professionals
    • find practical strategies to use at home
    • understand and respond to your child’s behaviours
    • connect with other parents for peer support
    • learn more about neurodiversity and its impact on family life

Autism Early Support (AES) – Parent Portal

The Autism Early Support Parent Portal is free to all families living in Buckinghamshire. It is an interactive 24/7 community of support, resources, and guidance. Wherever you are on your journey, the portal will help you with what you need to know and when you need to know it. It gives unlimited access to a huge bank of resources for parents with children aged 2-17 years.

Mental health support

Your child can still receive mental health support while waiting for an Autism/ADHD assessment.

Please contact our Single Point of Access (SPA) team:

Phone: 01865 901 951
Email: BucksCAMHSSPA@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

Online referral

If your child is in immediate medical danger, please call 999.

Private assessments

We have produced Private Providers guidance to help families who are considering or have purchased a private Autism or ADHD assessment.

Newsletters

As part of our active waiting support, we send quarterly newsletters to families awaiting an Autism and/or ADHD assessment. If you are not currently receiving these newsletters and would like to join our mailing list, please contact  Julie.Baumann@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

Page last reviewed: 11 August, 2026