Our team consists of a specialist consultants, an associate specialist and specialist nurses. We are also supported by specialist health visitors and children’s psychologists. We work closely with our colleagues in acute paediatrics, speech and language, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.
We are based in two child development centres, one based at Danestrete Health Centre and one based at the New QEII Hospital, and we also cover a large geographical area and have outpatient clinics at Lister Hospital, New QEII Hospital and Hertford County Hospital.
Criteria for referral
We see children and young people (CYP) in a clinic setting who meet the following referral criteria:
Medical assessment and monitoring for:
• CYP with physical disabilities
• CYP with medical conditions affecting development and genetic diagnoses
• Children aged under 5 with significant developmental delay
• CYP attending severe learning disability schools
• Children in care
Additionally we undertake:
• Diagnostic assessments for Autistic spectrum disorder (in absence of complex mental health difficulties).
• Diagnostic assessments for ADHD (in absence of complex mental health difficulties).
• Initiation and management of ADHD medication.
• Neurological assessment for Developmental Coordination Disorder
• Medical assessment of child with significant learning disability.
Please be aware that we do not assess for the following:
• Learning disability in school age children – we do not undertake cognitive assessments.
• Tics/Tourettes Syndrome
• Mental health or Emotional/behavioural dysregulation/dysfunction
• Restrictive Eating Behaviours
• Sleep Difficulties
• Sensory/Auditory Processing Disorder.
Please be aware that all CYP have an initial assessment with a community paediatrician. This is an holistic and comprehensive assessment, and all neurodiverse conditions are considered in that initial appointment.
Separate referrals for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not required at the point of referral. However, we do require that any referral contains completed paperwork from parents/guardians and nursery/school. The referral will not be accepted otherwise.
