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

Provides a multi-disciplinary diagnostic service for children and young people aged 0-18 in North Down and Belfast. Disciplines involved in the assessment include: clinical psychology, paediatrics, speech and language therapy and social work. Post-diagnostic support may include parenting/support/therapy with psychology or speech and language therapy, or medical review with GP. May also refer to local voluntary sector projects.

Assessment procedure: Initial referral from GP reviewed at weekly meeting. Agreement on initial assessment. If autism is likely, then a multi-disciplinary assessment takes place. If presentations are unclear, then a single professional does the assessment and then relays information to team.

Follow up service: Yes, may be parenting/support/therapy with psychology or speech and language therapy, or medical review with physician. Also refer on to Forward Steps, Barnardos project.

Multi-disciplinary assessment: Yes, professions included: Clinical psychology, paediatrics, speech and language therapy, team social worker.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child

Referral Sources: NHS Only

Covers: Ards and North Down, Belfast, Mid and East Antrim

Other specialisms: Learning disability