We provide the following services for tamariki diagnosed with a physical, sensory or intellectual disability and those at risk of developmental delay and disability:
- diagnostic assessments
- home safety adaptation
- equipment modification services
- visiting therapist services.
We also provide specialised services such as:
- splinting
- orthopaedic physiotherapy
- soiling clinics.
The Child Development Centre diagnostic assessment clinicians assess and help children with or who are suspected of having a developmental disability with functional impairment that may also be eligible for Whaikaha funded disability support.
These are
- autism spectrum disorder
- intellectual disability
- global developmental delay.
We may also refer children on to a neurodevelopmental paediatrician at the Child Development Centre if there are medical needs alongside their disability needs.
We offer autism coordination service to those who have been diagnosed with autism, by helping families access information, supports, and other services through their links in the community.
We offer social worker support to help families of disabled tamariki or rangatahi navigate their journey including supportive counselling by linking families to practical services available within our community.
Our kaitiaki also offers cultural support to Māori patients and whānau.
Who do we help
We predominantly see tamariki and rangatahi aged 0 to 15 years, identified as having a physical, intellectual or sensory disability (or a combination of these) that:
- is likely to continue for a minimum of 6 months, and those tamariki and rangatahi who are at risk of developing such a disability
- needs ongoing support to live independently, to the extent that ongoing support is required.
Our service is available for all New Zealand citizens or those who are entitled to publicly funded healthcare.
Our autism coordination service is available to any tamariki or rangatahi aged 0 to 19 years, diagnosed with only autism, or autism with a global developmental delay.
Our general exclusions are tamariki or rangatahi:
- who have short-term acute illness and are expected to return to their former level of wellness or function
- who require palliative care and are terminally ill
- who have an acute need
- whose parents have not consented and do not understand the reason for referral
- who have an isolated or specific mental health condition, such as ADHD, ADD, or severe anxiety and seeking diagnosis for this condition
- who have isolated speech and language concerns or isolated sensory processing difficulties and seeking a diagnosis.
Each service we offer has specific eligibility requirements. For any inquiries:
Who we are
Our team consists of:
- psychologists
- occupational therapists
- physiotherapists
- visiting neurodevelopmental therapists
- speech-language therapists
- social worker
- kaitiaki | cultural support worker
- autism coordinators
- developmental paediatricians
- paediatric registrars
- administration staff
- manager.