Appointments and expectations

There may be a wait between your referral being made and your assessment appointment with us.

We will always try to see you as soon as possible.

We recognize the substantial demand for this service and understand the frustration that can arise due to the lengthy assessment and diagnostic process.

Acknowledging this concern, we are actively collaborating with the Welsh Government and other stakeholders to enhance and expedite the Neurodevelopmental Service. It’s crucial to recognize that receiving a diagnosis isn’t an immediate solution; the process can be time-consuming and doesn’t guarantee resolution of all challenges.

Moreover, it’s essential to understand that educational and social service support and interventions are needs-driven, not solely reliant on a diagnosis.

Even with a diagnosis, increased support is not automatic. However, we want to assure you that your child doesn’t have to wait for an assessment to access help. Support is already available within your community.

Our aim is to improve your overall experience, providing you with information about what to expect, potential challenges, and connecting you with available support services. We believe in empowering you with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate this process effectively and ensure your child receives the appropriate assistance promptly.

When we contact you about your appointment, we will speak to you about the options available.

We currently offer appointments through a variety of methods, including video consultation, telephone calls and, where required, face to face appointments.

The first person you will meet if you have a face to face appointment will be a receptionist.

If you tell them your name and that you have an appointment, they’ll tell you where you can wait and let your practitioner know that you have arrived.

Your appointment will include one or two clinicians, depending on what challenges you are facing. Your clinician might be a doctor, nurse, psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist – it will depend on what you need and what you want to achieve.

If you or your family are not confident speaking English or Welsh, please let us know as soon as possible and we can also arrange for an interpreter to come to your appointment.

This is to make sure you understand what’s going on, can talk about what is important to you and participate in your own care.

To offer you the best care, we may need to meet other members of your family to hear their thoughts about the challenges you are facing. We may also speak to talk to you on your own.

We may also find it helpful to speak to your GP, teacher, social worker, or any other professional that is supporting you and your family.

Ahead of your first appointment with us, it may be helpful for you to think about the following:

• What challenges are you facing and how are they affecting your life?

• How long have these challenges been going on?

• What would you like to change? 

• Can you pin point when these challenges began?

• What has been helpful or unhelpful so far?

• What support already exists within your family, friends and wider network?

It may be helpful to write these thoughts down to help you remember this at your appointment.

It might also be useful to do the following:

• Keep a diary of emotions or feelings that you are worried about

• Track your mood and what you’ve been doing for a few days – you could use one of the apps listed on our Resources page

• Think about any questions you may want to ask your practitioner

Your first appointment is your opportunity to tell your clinician about what is happening in your life, how you are feeling and what you would like to change.

It can be really tough to talk about how you are feeling. Just remember – this is a safe space and our clinician want to help you.

Your clinician may ask questions such as:

• What challenges are you currently facing?

• How long have you been feeling like this?

• Who’s in your family and how do you all get on?

• What is life like at school and with your friends?

• How has your mood been recently? Have you been feeling stressed or low?

• Are you, or is anyone around you, worried about your safety?

• What things are you good at and what do you enjoy?

• What would like to achieve in our time together?

They ask these questions to get a better understanding of the challenges you are facing and the support you already have. You do not have to answer all of the questions they ask, and you can also ask them questions.

Here are some ideas for questions you may want to ask

• How often will I be coming here?

• Who will I see when I come here?

• Who can I speak to if I have a problem between appointments or during the weekend?

• Where else can I find information, advice or assistance about my mental health?

At the end of your first appointment, your clinician will talk with you about what happens next based on what you need and what you spoke about together.

An opt in letter is just when we check that you still want support from us. Things may have changed for you and it helps us to confirm we still have your correct details.

It is important that you respond to the opt in letter within the requested time frame.

If we don’t hear from you, we will presume that you no longer require support.

If you’re not sure whether you still need support, give us a ring and we can talk about it.

If you cannot attend an appointment for whatever reason, please let us know as soon as possible to discuss your options.

We  have an attendance policy to ensure the best use of our patient and staff time.

Young people being an active part of their journey alongside their clinician and the people they care about is really important – this includes attending appointments. Missing appointments without letting us know in advance makes it difficult for us to offer this time to another child or young person.

As such, if you miss your first appointment OR two appointments without letting us know in advance, we may discharge you from the service.

This means that you would require another referral to access support from us.