The Born in Bradford team are rolling out the PUNCH project (picking up the needs of children while young) to all primary schools in Bradford district. The project aims to test whether we can use Early Years Foundation Stage profile scores to identify children
who may have undiagnosed ASD. Using the EYFS profile scores, pupils will be flagged up for assessment using range of social and communication tests. If children score poorly on subsequent tests, a full assessment can be carried out with the child and their
parents within the school. Assessments can be completed in one day.
The project builds on an earlier feasibility study with 10 schools in Bradford. Early indications were that the EYFS scores may provide a potential pathway for diagnosis, meaning that children get the support they need much earlier.
This project is funded by the DfE through the Bradford Opportunity Area and is a one of a kind research project with the potential to transform the diagnosis of autism. Please visit our website at https://caer.org.uk/ to register your interest in the project.
For further information please email punch@bthft.nhs.uk