Development of Multi-agency Referral Pathways for Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Developmental Coordination Disorder and Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Reflections on the Process and Suggestions for New Ways of Working

Abstract

This article summarizes the rationale for multi-agency working when assessing children and young people with suspected neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, developmental coordination disorder and autistic spectrum disorders. Details of referral pathways that have been drawn up for each separate disorder are given and the process through which multi-agency agreement was reached is described. Key features thought to be common to all three pathways are discussed and factors thought to have contributed to successful multi-agency working highlighted. The work is described in the context of existing national policy documents in the UK.

Best practice principles for management of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD): results of a scoping review

“…Raising awareness in the community at large was also recommended (Salmon et al . ; Forsyth et al . ).…”

“…DCD impacts on multiple aspects of children's lives and many authors emphasized the need for health care and education professionals to collaborate to develop holistic evaluations and interventions (Rodger & Mandich ; Salmon et al . ; Sugden , ; College of Occupational Therapists ; Maciver et al . ; Missiuna et al .…”

“…). Salmon and colleagues present a school‐level pathway with the point of entry being teacher's expression of concerns (). Many described a graduated approach to intervention, recognizing that many children might only need adaptation, rather than individualized treatment.…”

Diagnosing developmental coordination disorders

“…However, health or educational professionals should always consider motor coordination difficulties whenever a child presents with any symptoms suggestive of any developmental disorder, a learning difficulty, speech and language delay or behavioural issues. Forsyth et al 33 and Salmon et al 34 describe the need for a defined pathway, for DCD and other developmental disorders. The European guidelines also emphasise the need for a multidisciplinary assessment.…”

A Service Delivery Model for Children with DCD Based on Principles of Best Practice

“…Many pathways described in the literature begin with the identification of concerns about children with DCD by teachers (Campbell and Skarakis-Doyle, 2007;Missiuna et al, 2012a;Salmon et al, 2006). It is important, however, that primary health care providers can also recognize and refer children with DCD for support.…”