The Nottinghamshire Neurodiversity Network: building a multidisciplinary team of experts to improve pathways to care

Neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs), including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and tic disorders, are highly prevalent across the lifespan and are associated with substantial unmet need within publicly funded health systems. In the UK, rapidly rising referral rates, combined with longstanding workforce and training gaps, have placed neurodevelopmental care pathways under constant pressure. Fragmentation across health, education, and social care has further limited services' ability to respond coherently, resulting in prolonged waiting times, inequitable access, and avoidable adverse outcomes for individuals and families.

In response to these challenges, the Nottinghamshire Neurodiversity Network (NNN) was established in 2023 as a locally embedded, multidisciplinary stakeholder network. Its purpose was to translate research evidence and lived experience into implementable improvements across neurodevelopmental care pathways through sustained collaboration, co-production, and knowledge exchange.

This community case study describes the rationale, context, design, and implementation of the NNN. It documents how the network was created, how stakeholders were engaged and organised, and how activities were structured to support pathway development, service evaluation, training, and policy engagement. Reflections on early impacts, lessons learned, and constraints are provided.

The NNN shows how a locally embedded network can bring sectors together, clarify shared pathway problems, and support practical improvements in care. While context-specific, the principles underpinning the network's design and operation are transferable and may inform similar initiatives seeking to improve neurodevelopmental care through collaborative, system approaches.