Neurodevelopmental service for children and young people
Our CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Service provides diagnostic assessments of neurodevelopmental conditions in children.
We have assessment teams in East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove to undertake the assessment and diagnosis of ADHD for ages 6-18 and Autism for ages 11-18. This is known as the Neurodevelopmental Team (NDT). For young people aged 18 and over, please click here.
The Neurodevelopmental Team includes the following professions:
Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Nurses, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Mental Health Practitioners, Assistant Psychologists, Prescribers, Speech and Language Therapists, Managers and Admin staff. You will see a combination of these professionals during treatment.
We have a mixed team of neurotypical and neurodivergent staff who bring lived experience. This enables us to take a positive position towards the work we carry out, in order to make a greater difference to those children, young people and families/carers, as well as to support staff in their therapeutic practice.
You can find out more about specific conditions and what different terms mean on our A-Z of conditions page.
Useful resources
ADHD Resource Guide - www.
The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity - https://
And Next Comes L - www.
e-wellbeing - www.
Healthy Place - www.
Living with ADHD - www.
mASCot - (managing Autism Spectrum Condition ourselves together) - www.asc-mascot.com
Tel: 07943346055
Email: info@
mindEd - www.
Young Minds - www.
Well at School - www.
Parent carer forums
West Sussex: https:/
Tel: 07341 183449
Email: office@wspcf.org.uk
East Sussex: https:/
Tel: 0300 770 1367
Email: info@
Brighton & Hove Parent and Carers Council: https:/
Tel: 01273 234862
Email: admin@
The Department of Health and Social Care has alerted us that there is a national supply shortage of the medication prescribed to help manage ADHD symptoms.
The supply disruption of these products is caused by a combination of manufacturing issues and an increased global demand.
How long will the shortage last?
At present, (March 2024) the supply for most medications has improved. However, some still remain affected. It is hoped that it will improve by April and supplies for all medicines will be available.
This is a national supply problem and all UK ADHD services; Paediatrics, CAMHS, Adults, and Pharmacies within the community and in hospitals are affected.
Although some are now available you may need to ring a number of pharmacies to check individual stock levels.
The main medicines that remain affected are:
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) - Some strengths of capsules (30mg/40mg) predicted to be unavailable until April.
Equasym XL - Some strengths of capsules (10mg) resupply date is predicted April.
Concerta XL / Xaggitn XL, Xenidate XL, Delmosart XL tablets - Supply issues continue.
Are there alternative medications available?
Other ADHD products remain available, they may not be suitable for everyone and may not be able to meet the increases in demand.
Your ADHD team may contact you to offer you the choice between taking a treatment break or changing your medication to one that is not currently affected by the supply shortage. The change in medication may mean you are taking medication more often through the day, or that they are tablets instead of capsules. Once the supply shortage has been resolved (if you have been contacted and any medication has be altered) your medication will be changed back to the medicine you were previously prescribed.
Please be aware that there may still be delays at pharmacies in obtaining the newly prescribed medication.
What should I do if I cannot get my ADHD prescription from the pharmacy?
If one pharmacy is unable to obtain supplies, please try a different pharmacy.
Pharmacies may use different suppliers or wholesalers to source medicines so availability will depend on whether each pharmacy’s suppliers have stock or not.
Where there is a known shortage of a medicine, supply levels can change quickly. This is why pharmacies in one area may be able to find a medicine and others may not.
Alternatively, it may be best to leave the prescription (FP10) with a pharmacy that could check wholesaler stock levels daily and place an order.
Is it safe to stop taking ADHD medication abruptly?
Please consult your GP or ADHD service for guidance if you think you are running out of medication.
NICE guidelines recommend having regular treatment breaks from SOME ADHD medications. It is not unusual to stop taking medication over the weekend or during school holidays.
Therefore no harm should come from stopping the medication but this should be done in a planned way.
If you are prescribed Guanfacine (Intuniv®) please contact your ADHD service and this medication must be stopped slowly as it can cause your blood pressure to increase if stopped suddenly.
Consult your GP or ADHD service as soon as possible if you cannot get your prescription from the pharmacy.
If you have any question please contact the ADHD medication team.
West Sussex
Neurodevelopmental Pathway
New Park House
North Street
Horsham
West Sussex
RH12 1RJ
Telephone: 0300 304 0229
Email: ndp.westsussex@
East Sussex
The Neurodevelopment Team,
Highmore CAMHS,
Western Road,
Hailsham,
East Sussex,
BN27 3DY
Telephone: 0300 304 0209
Email: spnt.adhdeastsussex@
Brighton & Hove
Aldrington House
35 New Church Road
Hove
East Sussex
BN3 4AG
Telephone: 0300 304 0061