The Developmental Paediatric service at Starship offers assessment and management of children with developmental problems, including the ongoing management of children with a disability who have complex multiple problems. These can include:

• developmental delay, learning difficulties and intellectual disability
• autism and autism spectrum disorders
• cerebral palsy
• sensory disabilities
• chromosomal disorders, syndromal disorders and genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome and Prader Willi syndrome
• acquired disability secondary to injury and illness (e.g. meningitis/encephalitis)
• behavioural disorders such as ADHD where these occur in conjunction with learning disabilities.

The service is provided by a group of clinicians who are trained in developmental paediatrics. The senior clinicians on the team are very experienced and their expertise is recognised nationally and beyond.

The service has a truly holistic perspective as it works closely with other professionals and agencies to ensure that children and their families receive the best care available. There are strong links and active liaison with other providers, including a regional perspective that involves working closely with colleagues in Counties Manukau DHB and Waitemata DHB to advocate for fair services from the Disability Support NASC agency.

The Development Paediatric service also provides a consultative service to paediatricians throughout the country; telehealth consults may be provided for some children. The service provides outreach clinics in Rotorua twice a year on referral from the child's primary paediatrician. The Developmental Paediatric service provides developmental assessment of children being considered for cochlear implantation or other procedures when appropriate. Referral from the primary team is required.

The Developmental Paediatric service accepts referrals for children and young people with developmental or learning problems.

For children living in the Auckland DHB area, referrals can be made by:

• General practitioners
• Other health professionals (including physiotherapists, other allied health professionals and public health nurses)
• Education professionals (early intervention teachers, psychologists, RTLBs etc).

For children living outside the Auckland DHB area, referrals must be made by the child's primary paediatrician.

Additional information for non-medical health professionals making referrals is available from the team support administrator for the service. Email AnnH@adhb.govt.nz or phone (09) 307 4931.