Help Improve ADHD & Autism Assessments — Parent Focus Group (Newcastle)

We are inviting parents and carers to take part in a focus group to help improve ADHD and autism assessment services for children and young people.

Long waiting times for ADHD and autism assessments are a major challenge for many families. We are working with local NHS clinicians and researchers from Newcastle University to explore whether carefully designed digital tools could help improve how information is collected and used during assessments. The aim is to support clinicians and help services work more efficiently, reducing delays for families.

We are particularly interested in hearing about parents’ experiences of referrals, waiting times, and assessment processes. Your insights will help shape how any future tools are designed so they are safe, practical, and genuinely helpful for families and clinicians.

Taking part involves joining a small group discussion with other parents and carers. Sessions are informal, respectful, and designed to give everyone the opportunity to share their views.

Participants will receive:

• Refreshments provided during the session

• A £40 voucher as a thank-you for your time

This project is being developed by local NHS clinicians working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in collaboration with researchers at Newcastle University. Your participation will help ensure that families’ voices are central to shaping future services.

Info: Meet the facilitators and other parents. We will explain the purpose of the session and how your views will be used.

Info: Discussion about referral pathways, waiting times and experiences of ADHD and autism assessments.

Info: Discussion about what works well, what could be improved and how services might better support families.

Info: We will briefly share examples of how digital tools might support assessment processes and gather your views.

Info: Opportunity to share final thoughts and ask questions.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Dr Rugile Rozane