How to access the service

A referral can be made when there are concerns about a child or young person’s:

• social communication and social interaction
• repetitive behaviour/ imagination/ play
• sensory differences
  and /or
• attention
• activity levels
• impulsivity

These differences must be present in more than one place and there must be some evidence from early childhood. It must have a functional impact on the child or young person’s everyday life.

How to refer:

• For children attending school, the recommended route for referral is via the Pupil Inclusion Panel (PIP). The school additional learning needs co-ordinator (ALNCo) is the best person to discuss this with.
• Referrals are also made by a range of professionals including health visitors, speech and language therapists, paediatricians, CAMHS practitioners, youth intervention workers or family support workers.
• Referrals from GPs will be also considered where it is not possible for a referral to come via school or another professional who knows the child or young person better.

A referral will be considered by a multi-disciplinary team panel of professionals.  The referral may be accepted and placed on a waiting list for diagnostic assessment or the referral will be declined if it is inappropriate, or due to lack of evidence. If the referral is declined, referrer and family are notified accordingly.

We may decline the referral if it is inappropriate or due to lack of evidence. We will send recommended actions and signposting in the case that we do not accept a referral. 

Referral email: powysndreferrals@wales.nhs.uk

From 1st February 2026, diagnostic assessment referrals to the children's neurodevelopmental should be submitted to the email address below using our new referral form.