Type of service: Diagnostic services, Child Development Centres (CDC)

This service is for children aged 0-18 years in Cumbria with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), physical disability or sensory impairment. Children can start to attend as soon as it is clear that support is required. Babies with congenital problems can be introduced at only a few months, usually once immunisations have been carried out. Older children might have been identified as having problems during a routine check by the Health Visitor. They, or their general practitioner (GP), would then refer to the Consultant Community Paediatrician, who in turn would see the child/parents and then refer on. Older children are usually offered a formal assessment before being invited to attend the intervention sessions. During the assessment, the children will be seen by the speech therapist, occupational therapist and physiotherapist. Following the assessment, parents and staff together devise a care plan for the child, if this is appropriate. They may continue to see the individual therapists at separate clinics or in the community, if necessary.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child , Young person

Referral Sources: NHS Only

Specialisms: Generic

Other specialisms: Learning disability