Kingsley Fairbridge Child Development Unit

The Child Development Unit provides a team approach to the assessment and management of children whose development is of concern in more than one area and provide support to their families.

We undertake developmental assessments of children with multiple difficulties such as:

• slow development
• speech and language problems
• learning disabilities
• problems with their physical activities
• forming friendships with other children
• related behavioural difficulties.

We may involve other hospital departments or community agencies.

We offer an explanation of the assessment results and recommendations to parents, teachers and other involved professionals. Where appropriate we discuss with parents the appropriateness of  involving of other community agencies which may provide a more suitable treatment program.

We appoint a contact person who will act as a key worker for parents and monitor services provided.

We review the progress of children if required.

We have separate teams for assessment of children:

• under 2 years - Infant Development Team
• under 5 years with complex developmental problems - Joint Assessment Team
• over 5 years with complex developmental problems, who have had previous developmental assessments  - School Age Complex Case Assessment Team

How to access the service

The Child Development Unit has an open-referral policy. Anyone may refer a child to this service. Referrals may be made by letter or by telephoning the Unit on (08) 8161 7287.

The Unit Coordinator contacts the child's parents/guardians for information and for their consent to contact other people who have knowledge of the child which may be helpful as part of the assessment process.

After obtaining this information the Unit Coordinator determines what action is required in consultation with families and other involved professionals.

Information for families

The Team: who are we?

• Unit Coordinator
• Clinical Psychologist
• Developmental Paediatrician
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Education Resource Teacher
• Physiotherapist
• Social Worker
• Speech Pathologist
• Audiologist
• Orthoptist
• Unit Secretary

and representatives from:

• Association of Independent Schools of SA
• Autism SA
• Catholic Education Office
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
• Childen, Youth and Women's Health Service (CYWHS)
• Cora Barclay Centre for the Deaf
• Novita Children's Services
• Department of Education & Children's Services (DECS)
• Families SA
• Down Syndrome Society of SA
• Inclusive Directions
• Disabilities SA

Office Hours

9am – 5pm weekdays

Contact Details

Location

Child Development Unit

1^st floor, Rieger Building

Mailing Address

Kingsley Fairbridge Child Development Unit

Women’s & Children’s Hospital

72 King William Road

North Adelaide 5006

Phone/fax/email

Phone (08) 8161 7287

Fax (08) 8161 6099

Email: cywhs.cdusec@cywhs.sa.gov.au

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