Child Development Unit

Referral Information

The WCH Child Development Unit (CDU) is a Developmental Assessment Service for children with complex developmental concerns in three or more areas.

Referrable Criteria

• A query about Global Developmental Delay
• Speech and language problems (excluding stuttering)
• Fine motor problems (hand writing, cutting, manipulation and dexterity)
• Gross motor problems (locomotor, ball skills, coordination, climbing, motor planning)
• Sensory processing issues
• Socialisation problems (not relating to peers, poor play skills)
• Restrictive and repetitive behaviours (repetition, inflexible, routines, posturing)

Exclusions

(Unless occurring in conjunction with 3 aforementioned criteria areas)

• Single area of concern including those listed above:
• Residing outside of CDU catchment area
• Learning difficulties
• Stuttering
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Auditory Processing Disorder
• Aggressive and/or violent behaviours
• Anxiety, Depression, Paranoia
• Toileting/Constipation
• Failure to thrive.

Non-Medicare Families

Please note that charges apply to services provided to patients who do not hold a Medicare Card. If the family does not have a Medicare Card, please contact the hospital’s finance team on 8161 7390 to discuss likely costs.

Who can refer to CDU?

All referrals must be completed using the CDU Referral Form.

• Medical Professionals (General Practitioners, Paediatricians, Medical Officers, Specialists)
• Allied Health Professionals
• Care/Education via Leadership Team in consultation with Support Services eg. Speech Pathology, Psychology or DECD Special Educator, Catholic Education / Association of Independent Schools SA Special Education Consultants/Advisors. Reports documenting this consultation must be provided. 

 Please note* If a child is referred by an allied health professional or educator, the CDU process can begin. However, if a paediatric appointment is required, the child will also need a GP referral.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term used for a spectrum of conditions caused by fetal alcohol exposure.

Referrals for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder must meet existing CDU referral criteria as well as additional documentary requirements. If you are referring for FASD, please contact the CDU to request further information.

Referral Acceptance

Referral to the CDU will allow an information gathering process to begin but referral acceptance and allocation of appointments is only determined following completion of this referral, parent and/or school questionnaires (if required) and CDU review of the information provided.

Catchment Areas

Acceptance of referrals is subject to catchment areas which are defined for the three assessments units. If you are unsure of the appropriate unit, please call any of the numbers on the Catchment Area Map for assistance.

Documents

CDU Referral – type in (open, type in information and email back) - (370kb)

CDU Referral – hand write (print, write in information and send back) - (345kb)

CDU Pamphlet (416kb)

CDU Catchment Area Map (404kb)

CDU Video Call Information – Fact Sheet  (331kb)

Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating your way through the CDU process can be confusing. The FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document below answers the most common questions and enquiries regarding referral, assessment and post diagnostic care.

Child Development Unit – Frequently Asked Questions  (396kb)

Waiting Times

Autism Diagnostic Assessments have a waiting time of approximately 14–18months. Please note once a child is referred the family and referrer will receive correspondence from the CDU. If you have not heard from the CDU following a referral (usually contact within 6 weeks from receipt of referral) please contact to make sure referral has been received.

last modified: 14 Jan 2021

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