Neurodevelopmental programme board update for parents and carers - January 2026
We know many families are waiting a long time for support, assessments or answers. This update explains the work happening across Lancashire and South Cumbria to improve services for children and young people with neurodevelopmental needs (such as autism and ADHD).
Our aim is: earlier help, clearer processes, and better support for families.
1. A new neurodevelopmental pathway is being developed
Work continues across health, education and local authorities to design a new end‑to‑end neurodevelopmental pathway. This will cover:
- How referrals happen
- How strengths and needs are understood
- How children are triaged and prioritised
- Assessment processes
- Ongoing support for families
Support hubs will be introduced to guide families through the system and help reduce confusion.
2. Digital pilot starting March 2026
In March, a new digital system will be tested in several phases. This system is designed to:
- Make referrals easier
- Join up information from parents, schools and professionals
- Improve triage and prioritisation
- Reduce admin and speed up decisions
- Provide earlier suggestions for support and reasonable adjustments
The pilot will start with:
- Primary schools
- Then expand to secondary, early years, children not in education, and colleges
Families involved in pilot schools may be invited to take part in testing the new referral and strengths & needs tools.
3. Needs‑led support (help without needing a diagnosis)
We are building a new support model so children can get help based on what they need - not whether they have a diagnosis.
This includes:
- Universal support (available to all)
- Targeted support (for children needing extra help)
- Specialist support (for those with higher needs)
Work is underway to publish clear, local information on what support is available in each area.
A sensory support model is also being developed
This will help families access sensory‑based help earlier.
4. Training for schools and professionals
A new training strategy is being finalised to ensure:
- Schools receive high‑quality, consistent training
- Staff feel more confident supporting neurodiverse children
- Training is matched to job roles and needs
This is a key priority as schools play a vital role in early support.
5. PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) update
A PDA position statement is being finalised.
We are working together with families, health, care and education to agree a consistent language and approach.
6. Local Authority (LA) involvement
We are working closely with local councils to ensure ND is seen as a whole‑system responsibility - not just a health issue. The Board is asking local authorities to attend key meetings and share responsibility for decisions and planning.
7. Risks we’re managing
Some challenges are affecting progress, including:
- National changes to the NHS
- Financial pressures
- High demand and long waiting lists
- Impact of recent pathway closure in Central and West Lancashire
- Possible Autism/ADHD pathway closure
We are monitoring these closely and working to minimise impact on families.
9. Communication with families
A communications plan is underway, including:
- Regular updates
- “Let’s Talk” live sessions
- Clearer information on the website
- Sharing progress through schools, parent carer forums and community group
10. Our commitment to families
We know the system can feel slow, confusing and frustrating. This programme aims to create:
- A clearer, easier process
- Fairer access to support
- Earlier help
- Better communication
- A joined‑up system across health, education and councils
We will continue to update you as plans develop and new tools or pathways go live.