EARLY PATHWAYS

Refer a young person
Refer a young person
Woman in the foreground cooking salad, woman in background on the phone

Supporting young people while they wait for answers

Early intervention and structured support for children and young people awaiting autism and ADHD assessment

The PrOblem

Many young people wait months or years for autism and ADHD assessments. During this time, they often receive little or no support, leading to increased anxiety, reduced daily functioning, and growing distress.

What We dO

Early Pathways provides structured early support for young people while they wait for assessment, helping them manage daily challenges and remain engaged in education and everyday life.

How We Help

1. Early SuppOrt

Structured interventions to support emotional regulation and daily functioning

2. FunctiOnal Understanding

Assessment of how difficulties affect everyday life

3. Family SuppOrt

Practical guidance for parents and carers

  • Early Pathways is a specialist early‑intervention service supporting children and young people who are awaiting autism or ADHD assessment. We provide structured support during the waiting period to help manage difficulties and improve day-to-day functioning.

  • Our service is for:

    • Children and young people awaiting autism or ADHD assessment

    • Individuals experiencing anxiety, emotional or behavioural difficulties

    • Families seeking support while waiting for services

  • No, we do not provide formal diagnoses.
    Our role is to offer support before assessment, helping young people manage difficulties and prepare for future care pathways.

  • No. We accept:

    • Parent/carer referrals

    • Self-referrals

    • Professional referrals (schools, health services)

    • Complete a short enquiry form

    • We review the information

    • We contact you to discuss next steps

  • We aim to review referrals and make contact within 5–7 working days.

  • Structured early‑intervention support

    • Functional assessments (how difficulties affect daily life)

    • Guidance for families

    • Practical strategies for managing challenges description

  • All services are delivered remotely, allowing access for young people who may find attending appointments difficult.

  • No.
    We work alongside existing services, providing support during waiting periods and helping individuals engage more effectively with future care.

  • Early Pathways CIC is not a crisis service.

    If there is immediate risk, please contact:

    • Emergency services (999)

    • NHS 111

    • Your GP or local crisis team

    • With consent

    • If there is a safeguarding concern

    • If required by law

  • We aim to offer a mix of:

    • Funded/subsidised support (where available)

    • Paid services

    Further details will be discussed following referral.

Frequently Asked Questions