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Recording autism and ADHD assessments in Community Services Data set (CSDS)

This technical guidance aims to provide detailed information as to how to record referrals in CSDS at each step in the referral pathway for suspected:

  • autism
  • ADHD
  • autism and ADHD

All providers of NHS-funded ADHD and autism services must submit data to the appropriate national dataset, as required under the NHS Standard Contract (unless otherwise stated).

We appreciate that not all services will follow the linear pathway outlined in this guidance, but we encourage everyone to record the following key stages in the pathway: 

Referral and Primary Reason for Referral
Assessment
Diagnosis
Discharge or End of Referral

You should also record any relevant care contacts and care activities throughout the pathway.

Please note this guidance refers to CSDS v1.6.

Autism referrals

Referral

When it becomes clear that a referral for an autism assessment is required, record 'Developmental Problems' as primary reason for referral in clinical system, and service or team referred to as 'Community Paediatrics' for children and young people. 

Add a provisional diagnosis of 'Suspected Autism' using SNOMED code 401204006.

In CSDS this means:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP101Referral C101070 PrimaryReferralReason 017
CYP102ServiceTypeReferredTo C102010 TeamType 06
CYP606ProvisionalDiagnosis C606913 Diagnosis_Scheme 06
CYP606ProvisionalDiagnosis C60610 ProvisionalDiagnosis 401204006
CYP101Referral C101010 ReferralRequest_Received_Date Date

It is preferable to submit data using SNOMED codes, however if providers wish to submit a suspected diagnosis of autism using ICD-10 codes this can be done using the following:                 

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP101Referral     C101070 PrimaryReferralReason 017
CYP102ServiceTypeReferredTo C102010 TeamType 06
CYP606ProvisionalDiagnosis C606913 Diagnosis_Scheme 02
CYP606ProvisionalDiagnosis C60610 ProvisionalDiagnosis F84.0 (excluding F84.2 and F84.4), F88, F89

Please ensure all prior referrals in the pathway are recorded appropriately, that is, referrals to MDT teams or other services.

Assessment

If the assessment is attended then add 'ASD Diagnostic Assessment' as a coded procedure using SNOMED code 1085671000000109.

You should also record the date of the assessment.

In CSDS this means:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP201CareContact C201020 Contact_date Date of assessment
 
CYP201CareContact C201080     ConsMechanism 01,02,04, OR 11
 
CYP201CareContact C201100 AttendanceStatus 5 or 6
CYP202CareActivity C202040 Procedure_Scheme 06
CYP202CareActivity C202050 CodedProcedure 1085671000000109
 

Note: If the assessment takes place over multiple sessions or dates, please record each individual assessment as above. 

Diagnosis

If diagnosis of autism is confirmed, record autism as primary diagnosis and ensure the date of the diagnosis is recorded.

Note: The date should reflect when the diagnosis was given to the patient NOT when it is recorded in the system.

In CSDS this means:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP607PrimDiag C607913 Diagnosis_Scheme 06
CYP607PrimDiag C607010 PrimaryDiagnosis AUTISM_COD
CYP607PrimDiag C607020 PrimaryDiagnosis_Date Date

For a list of the most common SNOMED codes used for autism see appendix 1.

It is preferable to submit data using SNOMED codes, however if providers wish to submit a diagnosis of autism using ICD-10 codes this can be done using the following:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP607PrimDiag C607913 Diagnosis_Scheme 02
CYP607PrimDiag C607010 PrimaryDiagnosis F84.0 (excluding F84.2 and F84.4), F88, F89
 
CYP607PrimDiag C607020 PrimaryDiagnosis_Date Date
 

Further care contacts and activity

Record any other relevant care by updating care contact and care activity as required. For example, if a medication review is carried out record medication review using the appropriate SNOMED code '1099461000000101'. A telephone call being made to the patient can be recorded within the care contact table.  These are just examples of care contacts and activity that could be recorded – providers should continue to record additional care activity as has been done previously.

For example:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP202CareActivity C202040 Procedure_Scheme 06
CYP202CareActivity C202050 CodedProcedure 1099461000000101
 

 

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP201CareContact C201080 ConsMechanism 02 (for example, for telephone)
 
CYP201CareContact C201020 Contact_Date Date
 

Please note that further care contacts and activity can be recorded at any point in the process between referral and discharge. 

Discharge

After assessment, diagnosis (or not being diagnosed) and all additional care contacts and activity then record the discharge from the service when appropriate to do so. Discharge may not happen for some time after the assessment for multiple reasons.

In CSDS this means:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP101Referral C101080 Discharge_Date Date
ADHD Referrals

Referral

When it becomes clear that a referral for an ADHD assessment is required, record 'Developmental Problems' as primary reason for referral in clinical system, and service or team referred to as 'Community Paediatrics' for children and young people.

Add a provisional diagnosis of 'Suspected ADHD' using SNOMED code 1863681000000108.

In CSDS this means:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP101Referral C101070     PrimaryReferralReason 017
CYP102ServiceTypeReferredTo C102010     TeamType 06
CYP606ProvisionalDiagnosis C606913 Diagnosis_Scheme 06
CYP606ProvisionalDiagnosis C60610 ProvisionalDiagnosis 1863681000000108
CYP101Referral C101010 ReferralRequest_received Date

It is preferable to submit data using SNOMED codes, however if providers wish to submit a suspected diagnosis of ADHD using ICD-10 codes this can be done using the following:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP101Referral C101070 PrimaryReferralReason 017
CYP102ServiceTypeReferredTo C102010 TeamType 06
CYP606ProvisionalDiagnosis C606913 Diagnosis_Scheme 02
CYP606ProvisionalDiagnosis C60610 ProvisionalDiagnosis F90.0
 

Please ensure all prior referrals in the pathway are recorded appropriately, that is, referrals to MDT teams or other services.

Assessment

If the assessment is attended then add 'ADHD Diagnostic Assessment' as a coded procedure using SNOMED code 1914891000000100.

You should also record the date of the assessment.

In CSDS this means:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP201CareContact C201020 Contact_date Date of assessment
 
CYP201CareContact C201080     ConsMechanism 01,02,04, OR 11
 
CYP201CareContact C201100 AttendanceStatus 5 or 6
 
CYP202CareActivity C202040 Procedure_Scheme 06
CYP202CareActivity C202050 CodedProcedure 1914891000000100
 

Note: If the assessment takes place over multiple sessions or dates, please record each individual assessment as above. 

Diagnosis

If diagnosis of ADHD is confirmed then record ADHD as primary diagnosis and ensure the date of the diagnosis is recorded.

Note: The date should reflect when the diagnosis was given to the patient NOT when it is recorded in the system.

In CSDS this means:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP607PrimDiag C607913 Diagnosis_Scheme 06
CYP607PrimDiag C607010 PrimaryDiagnosis ADHD_COD
CYP607PrimDiag     C607020 PrimaryDiagnosis_Date Date

For a list of the most common SNOMED codes used for ADHD see appendix 1.

It is preferable to submit data using SNOMED codes, however if providers wish to submit a diagnosis of ADHD using ICD-10 codes this can be done using the following:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP607PrimDiag C607913 Diagnosis_Scheme 02
CYP607PrimDiag C607010 PrimaryDiagnosis F90.0
CYP607PrimDiag C607020 PrimaryDiagnosis_Date Date

Further care contacts and activity

Record any other relevant care by updating care contact and care activity as required. For example, if a medication review is carried out record medication review using the appropriate SNOMED code '1099461000000101'. A telephone call being made to the patient can be recorded within the care contact table. These are just examples of care contacts and activity that could be recorded – providers should continue to record additional care activity as has been done previously.

For example:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP202CareActivity C202040 Procedure_Scheme 06
CYP202CareActivity C202050 CodedProcedure 1099461000000101
 

 

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP201CareContact C201080 ConsMechanism 02 (for example, for telephone)
 
CYP201CareContact C201020 Contact_Date Date

Please note that further care contacts and activity can be recorded at any point in the process between referral and discharge. 

Discharge

After assessment, diagnosis (or not being diagnosed) and all additional care contacts and activity, then record the discharge from the service when appropriate to do so. Discharge may not happen for some time after the assessment for multiple reasons.

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP101Referral C101080 Discharge_Date Date
Autism and ADHD referrals

Referral

When it becomes apparent there is a need for both an Autism and ADHD assessment to be carried out, record 'Developmental Problems' as primary reason for referral in clinical system, and service or team referred to as 'Community Paediatrics' for children and young people.

Add a provisional diagnosis of 'Suspected Autism' using SNOMED code 401204006 and 'Suspected ADHD' using SNOMED code 1863681000000108.

In CSDS this means:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP101Referral C101070 PrimaryReferralReason 017
CYP102ServiceTypeReferredTo C102010 TeamType 06
CYP606ProvisionalDiagnosis C606913 Diagnosis_Scheme 06
CYP606ProvisionalDiagnosis C60610 ProvisionalDiagnosis 401204006
CYP606ProvisionalDiagnosis C60610 ProvisionalDiagnosis 1863681000000108
CYP101Referral C101010 ReferralRequest_receiveddate Date

It is preferable to submit data using SNOMED codes, however if providers wish to submit a provisional diagnosis of autism and ADHD using ICD-10 codes this can be done using the following:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP101Referral     C101070 PrimaryReferralReason 017
CYP102ServiceTypeReferredTo C102010 TeamType 06
CYP606ProvisionalDiagnosis C606913 Diagnosis_Scheme 02
Diagnosis_Scheme C60610 ProvisionalDiagnosis

Autism - F84.0 (excluding F84.2 and F84.4), F88, F89

ADHD – F90.0

Please ensure all prior referrals in the pathway are recorded appropriately, that is, referrals to MDT teams or other services.

Assessment 

If the autism assessment is attended then add 'ASD Diagnostic Assessment' as a coded procedures using SNOMED code 1085671000000109.

In CSDS this means:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP202CareActivity C202040 Procedure_Scheme 06
CYP202CareActivity C202050 CodedProcedure 1914891000000100
 

Diagnosis

If a diagnosis is made for only one condition then follow autism or ADHD specific guidance.

If diagnosed with both autism and ADHD then record:

  • autism as the primary diagnosis 
  • ADHD as a secondary diagnosis

Ensure the diagnosis date is recorded.

Note: The date should reflect when the diagnosis was given to the patient NOT when it is recorded in the system.

In CSDS this means:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP607PrimDiag C607913 Diagnosis_Scheme 06
CYP607PrimDiag C607010 PrimaryDiagnosis AUTISM_COD
CYP607PrimDiag C607020 PrimaryDiagnosis_Date Date
CYP608SecDiag C608913 Diagnosis_Scheme 06
CYP608SecDiag C608010 SecondaryDiagnosis ADHD_COD
CYP608SecDiag C608020 SecondaryDiagnosis_Date Date

For a list of the most common SNOMED codes used for autism and ADHD see appendix 1.

The clinician may decide it is more appropriate to record ADHD as the primary diagnosis and autism as the secondary diagnosis, in which case the following would need to be recorded in CSDS:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP607PrimDiag C607913 Diagnosis_Scheme 06
CYP607PrimDiag C607010 PrimaryDiagnosis ADHD_COD
CYP607PrimDiag C607020 PrimaryDiagnosis_Date Date
CYP608SecDiag C608913 Diagnosis_Scheme 06
CYP608SecDiag C608010 SecondaryDiagnosis AUTISM_COD
CYP608SecDiag C608020 SecondaryDiagnosis_Date Date

It is preferable to submit data using SNOMED codes, however if providers wish to submit a diagnosis of autism using ICD-10 codes this can be done using the following:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP607PrimDiag C607913     Diagnosis_Scheme 02
CYP607PrimDiag C607010 PrimaryDiagnosis F84.0 (excluding F84.2 and F84.4), F88, F89
CYP607PrimDiag C607020 PrimaryDiagnosis_Date Date

If providers wish to submit a diagnosis of ADHD using ICD-10 codes, this can be done using the following:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP607PrimDiag     C607913 Diagnosis_Scheme 02
CYP607PrimDiag C607010 PrimaryDiagnosis F90.0
CYP607PrimDiag C607020 PrimaryDiagnosis_Date Date

Further care contacts and activity

Record any other relevant care by updating care contact and care activity as required. For example, if a medication review is carried out record medication review using the appropriate SNOMED code '1099461000000101'. A telephone call being made to the patient can be recorded within the care contact table. These are just examples of care contacts and activity that could be recorded – providers should continue to record additional care activity as has been done previously.

For example:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP202CareActivity C202040 Procedure_Scheme 06
CYP202CareActivity C202050     CodedProcedure 1099461000000101

 

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP201CareContact C201080 ConsMechanism 02 (for example, for telephone)
CYP201CareContact C201020 Contact_Date Date

Please note that further care contacts and activity can be recorded at any point in the process between referral and discharge. 

Discharge

After assessment, diagnosis (or not being diagnosed) and all additional care contacts and activity, record the discharge from the service when appropriate to do so. Discharge may not happen for some time after the assessment for multiple reasons.

In CSDS this means:

CSDS table XML schema element name Internal column name National code
CYP101Referral C101080 Discharge_Date Date
Appendix 1

Autism SNOMED codes

Full list of all SNOMED codes relating to autism.

The most commonly used codes:

35919005 - Pervasive developmental disorder (disorder)
408856003 - Autistic disorder (disorder)
23560001 - Asperger's disorder (disorder)

ADHD SNOMED codes

Full list of all SNOMED codes relating to ADHD.

The most commonly used codes:

406506008 - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (disorder)

Last edited: 3 June 2025 11:45 am