Update on Neurodevelopmental Assessments
Following our recent update on the transition of children and young people’s mental health services in Kingston and Richmond , we are writing to inform you of our plans relating specifically to Neurodevelopmental assessments.
As outlined previously, South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust (SWLStG) will become the lead provider for mental health services across both Tier 2 and Tier 3 CAMHS pathways in Kingston and Richmond. This includes a planned transfer of Neurodevelopmental (ADHD or Autism) assessments. It is anticipated this will happen on 1 November 2025.
Assessment location
From the transfer date, Neurodevelopmental assessments for ADHD or Autism in Kingston and Richmond will be delivered by the SWLSTG Neurodevelopmental Assessment Team which is based at Springfield University Hospital, Trinity Building. This is the same team that already provides assessments for more complex (dual Autism and ADHD) presentations for young people in Kingston and Richmond, as well as all assessments in Sutton, Merton, and Wandsworth. We recognise that this change in assessment location may be disruptive for some families and we are sorry for that. However, moving all Neurodevelopmental assessments to one specialist team at a single location will create a more consistent and streamlined referral and assessment process that will ensure young people across Kingston and Richmond benefit from a more joined-up service.
There will be no change to existing complex (dual Autism and ADHD) Neurodevelopmental assessments for young people in Kingston and Richmond, as they are already accessing assessments through the Springfield University Hospital Neurodevelopmental Assessment Team.
New and existing referrals
Referrals for all Neurodevelopmental assessments in Kingston and Richmond will continue to be processed by Kingston and Richmond Single Point of Access. However, from 5 September, Achieving for Children (AfC) will no longer accept new referrals for Neurodevelopmental assessments; instead, these will be accepted by the Trust.
AfC will, however, continue to manage its existing waitlist for Neurodevelopmental assessments until the transfer date (which we anticipate will be 1 November 2025).
We are working closely together to ensure a smooth and coordinated transition for children and young people already on this waitlist. Families will be contacted as needed during the handover period.
Next steps and support
This development forms part of the wider effort to improve access, streamline pathways, and reduce waiting times for children and families across our region. We appreciate the ongoing support of our partners in delivering a joined-up approach during this transition.
If you have any questions or would like further clarification, please contact: kandrcamhsreview@swlstg.nhs.uk.
