Referrals for further assessment of developmental delay and disability

When developmental disability is suspected or identified, it is often appropriate to involve other specialists in the area. For children this will include a paediatrician. Other relevant specialists for adults and children may include allied health professionals, psychiatrists, neurologists, metabolic physicians, geneticists, rehabilitation physicians or designated disability management teams. These professionals can assist with diagnostic testing, and with intervention and treatment recommendations that are targeted to areas of identified difficulty throughout the person’s life.

For useful referrals, see medical referrals and nursing, allied health and other referrals. Some states have specialist intellectual and developmental disability multidisciplinary services or teams; for examples, see Specialist multidisciplinary clinics and services for people with intellectual or developmental disability. These centres differ in the services they offer (eg medical assessments, education and training), but all are resources for GPs.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding may be available for some assessments.

The general practitioner (GP) needs to remain involved in, and informed about, the person’s health and developmental difficulties, to ensure continuity of care. Effective communication between the GP and others involved is central to good management. See also advice on facilitating a multidisciplinary approach to care.