Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) researching and (b) introducing multi-diagnostic pathways for neurodevelopmental conditions.

The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). It is not usual practice to ring-fence funding for particular topics or conditions. The NIHR welcomes funding on applications for research into any aspect of human health, including neurodevelopmental conditions. Applications are subject to peer review and judged on open competition, with awards being made on the basis of importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality.