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.

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.