Request a Neurodiversity Assessment
This webpage provides guidance on how Training Programme Directors can submit a request for a NHS England Yorkshire and Humber (NHSE Y&H) funded neurodiversity assessment for postgraduate doctors and dentists in training (PGDiTs).
Introduction
We are really keen to offer as much support to neurodivergent PGDiTs as possible, but unfortunately, we can only fund neurodiversity assessments in situations where training is being impacted by neurodivergence, in line with national guidance produced by the Conference of Postgraduate Medical Deans (COPMeD).
As with other physical and mental health conditions, it would generally be inappropriate for the deanery to become involved in the management of these conditions outside of a context relating to training, as we are not the PGDiT's healthcare provider.
Although we can't provide financial support with a neurodiversity assessment in all instances, the Professional Support team can provide neurodiversity-related support, advice, guidance and signposting to all PGDiTs, regardless of whether it is impacting their training.
Guidance
The Guidance on Neurodiversity Support in Yorkshire and Humber outlines the approach of NHSE Y&H in supporting postgraduate doctors and dentists in training with potential neurodiversity. The guidance applies to all PGDiTs in the Y&H region, with additional procedures for those training in General Practice.
The guidance is also visually represented in the Process Map for Neurodiversity Support in Yorkshire and Humber. The process map must be reviewed alongside the guidance document to provide a holistic representation of the procedures to follow.
An overview of the operational guidance content is below.
Identification of potential neurodivergence
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How potential neurodivergence may be identified
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The circumstances where NHSE Y&H can fund a neurodiversity assessment
- The steps that should be taken before an assessment is requested
Submitting a request for a neurodiversity assessment
- Who can submit a request for a neurodiversity assessment
- How the request is submitted
- Information the request should include
- How the request is reviewed
- How, and where, details of the request are stored
The neurodiversity assessment process
- How the professional support team refer a PGDiT for an assessment
- The format and structure of the neurodiversity assessment
- Potential outcomes of the assessment
- What information is provided in the assessment outcome reports
- Who the PGDiT should share their outcomes report with after the assessment
Post-assessment support
- Reviewing the support recommendations of the assessment report
- Examples of ways trainers can assist PGDiTs with reasonable adjustments and accessing support
Support for PGDiTs who do not meet the referral criteria
- Examples of ways trainers can provide support to PGDiTs with potential neurodivergence, but who do not meet the criteria for an NHSE Y&H funded neurodiversity assessment
- Recommendations of internal and external support options
Support for PGDiTs who decline an assessment
- Where to record the PGDiT's decision not to have a neurodiversity assessment
- Examples of ways trainers can provide support to PGDiTs with potential neurodivergence, but who do not meet the criteria for an NHSE Y&H funded neurodiversity assessment
- Recommendations of internal and external support options
Support for educators
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How to access neurodiversity awareness training and educational resources
- Who to contact if trainers require support
Support
We have produced a range of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for trainers and PGDiTs, to address any questions you may have about requesting an assessment, and the assessment process itself.
Should you have any outstanding questions about the process for requesting a neurodiversity assessment, or questions support for neurodivergence more broadly, please do not hesitate to contact the Professional Support team.