Community paediatrics

A child or young person with complex developmental needs or disability may be referred to our Community Paediatric Service. We are available to children and young people where there are significant concerns about a child’s development, health or educational progress. The children referred to us should have the greatest level of need and we would expect that other professionals will already have been involved in supporting the child and their family.

We see children from the ages of 0 to 18 years. Our service can assess, diagnose and support children with developmental disorders such as cerebral palsy, developmental delay, autism spectrum conditions, muscular dystrophy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. We can advise the child’s parent/carers on useful resources and other sources of support. We can contribute towards Educational Health Care Plans (EHCPs). We have expertise in looked after children (children looked after) and adoption.

It is important to recognise that the threshold for an assessment is high and therefore only children who are presenting with significant difficulties at both home and school and who have failed to respond to interventions put in place are likely to be seen.

Getting information about your child from all the places they spend time and are cared for is vital to get a rounded picture of them. Once we have received full information, all referrals are considered carefully by our team. Find out more about our referrals process. 

Support and intervention from education or social services is needs based and is not dependent on a diagnosis.