Developmental Delay and Intellectual Disability Identification Pathways to Diagnosis and Referral Support

Welcome and Introduction

• Host: Hannah Coffey, Intellectual Disability Project Coordinator at Central and Eastern Sydney PHN.
• Team: Lydia Connick (CPD Program Officer), Claire Woods, and Jennifer Brennan (Intellectual Disability Service Navigators).
• Acknowledgement of traditional custodians of the land.

Housekeeping

• Webinar is recorded and will be available in the video library.
• Questions via Q&A function, answered post-presentation.
• Evaluation survey post-webinar for feedback.
• Certificates of attendance and RACGP points processed in two weeks.

Project Grow

• Commonwealth-funded pilot program to improve health outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities.
• Includes CPD events and in-practice training for GP and allied health practices.

Key Presentation: Dr. Vanessa Sarkozy

Introduction

• Role: Developmental paediatrician at Sydney Children's Hospital.
• Focus on child development, behavior, and care of children with disabilities.

Child Development Overview

• Rapid growth occurs in the first five years after birth.
• Development involves acquiring skills in gross motor, fine motor, communication, and personal social areas.

Developmental Delay

• Occurs when expected developmental milestones aren't met.
• Delay is descriptive, not diagnostic, and primarily focuses on children under five.

Importance of Early Identification

• Early intervention supports skill development, adaptation, family support, and genetic counseling.
• Critical periods in child development where intervention is most effective.

Developmental Surveillance and Screening

• Involves observing child development regularly using tools like Ages and Stages Questionnaire.
• New South Wales Health Pathway is used for identifying and managing developmental delays.

Causes of Developmental Delays

• Prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors including genetics, infections, and environmental.

Management and Investigation

• Involves evaluating developmental progress and possibly performing genetic and metabolic tests.
• Coordination of care through referrals to appropriate services such as speech therapy, audiology, etc.

Case Studies: Dr. Zoe Case

Case Study 1: Three-Year-Old with Social and Communication Concerns

• Child shows signs of autism: plays alone, sensitive to noise, limited speech.
• Importance of early intervention with OT and speech therapy.
• Referral process for funding and assessment through Lifestart.

Case Study 2: Four-Year-Old with Behavioural Concerns

• Ongoing support through childcare and psychological services.
• Importance of regular GP check-ins and addressing parental mental health.

Early Childhood Approach: Elise Lee from Lifestart

Introduction to Early Childhood Approach

• Supports children 0-6 years with developmental concerns or disabilities.

Process

• Referrals can be made by parents or professionals with consent.
• No diagnosis needed initially; focuses on functional needs and goals.

Services

• Involves observations, assessments, and short-term support.
• Helps families access mainstream and community supports.
• NDIS eligibility may lead to individualized funding plans.

Considerations

• Plans based on functional capacity, not a specific diagnosis.
• Collaboration with health and education sectors for comprehensive support.

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Conclusion

• Emphasis on early intervention and collaboration across health and educational services.
• Acknowledgment of the complexity of navigating developmental services.

Final Notes

• Encourage participation in evaluation surveys for feedback.
• Acknowledgment of all participating speakers and attendees.

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