Development and behaviour in children

What is development and behaviour?

Development and behaviour includes:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Developmental delay

Development and behaviour in childhood is affected by many factors. Children who require support for their development and behaviour are often generally healthy but may require additional support to meet their individual needs. The assessment, diagnosis and management of behavioural and developmental conditions is a complex process and can take a long time to collect all of the information needed to best support your child.

If you are concerned about your child’s behaviour or development, the first step is to discuss your concerns with your general practitioner. If needed, the GP will make a referral to your closest paediatric clinic. These are located at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, North West Regional Hospital (Burnie) and Mersey Hospital (Latrobe). The referral should include details about your child’s current needs, a detailed history of concerns, copies of any previous assessments or relevant school reports and outline any previous interventions.

Your referral will be sent to the relevant service for triage and you will be contacted when an appointment is available.

How to access the development and behaviour clinic

A general practitioner referral is required, which your GP can submit on your behalf. 

Learn more on the Tasmanian Health Service Outpatient Clinics website

Your development and behaviour team

Your development and behaviour team will provide assessment, diagnosis monitoring and support referrals for allied health intervention to meet the health-related needs of children with behavioural and developmental challenges living in Tasmania.

The people who support you and the way in which you are supported will be tailored to your child’s needs.

Your development and behaviour team usually includes:

Child and family/caregiver

Children, their families and caregivers are valued members of our health care team. You have a unique view on how your family works and the impact that behavioural and developmental challenges have on your everyday life. We create management plans with your input.

General practitioner (GP)

Your GP takes care of your general health needs within the community. They often provide initial assessment and can refer to a paediatrician if more specialised care is required. Your GP can provide care in between more specialist appointments and assist with prescriptions and community care plans/action plans for your family or school. They will receive updates from other professionals.

Paediatric registrar

The paediatric registrar is a doctor training to become a specialist such as a paediatrician or endocrinologist. Once they have met with you they report back to the paediatrician or relevant specialist.

Paediatrician

Your paediatrician is a key member of your health care team, they provide specialist medical care and look at your health holistically. Your paediatrician often takes the lead in providing a diagnosis or organizes referrals for tests or assessment with other health professionals.

Depending on individual needs the following health professionals may also provide care:

Paediatric nurse

A paediatric nurse may help to gather supporting information, complete pre-assessment work up and meet with you to perform a clinical assessment.

Psychologist

A psychologist works with the child and family to understand the impact developmental and behavioural challenges have on your life. They provide assessments, therapy and recommendations for support.

Occupational therapist (OT)

Occupational therapists help people to participate in activities they find meaningful and daily activities that they need to do.  These activities include self-care (such as mealtimes or getting dressed), play, learning, school, work, leisure, hobbies and spending time with friends and family.  Occupational therapists assess and assist with movement, thinking, sensory processing and equipment.

Speech pathologist

Speech pathologists are experts in speaking, language and communication. They can also help with assessment and therapy around feeding and swallowing.

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists are experts in musculoskeletal assessment and treatment. They can help with motor skills (such as walking), joint problems, pain and fatigue.

Dietitian

The dietitian will assist in the assessment and management of your nutritional needs related to your condition. They will talk to you about your diet and make recommendations to support your health and growth.

Family support services

Some families may require increased support through a community organisation due to the complexity of their situation or other vulnerabilities.

Development and behaviour resources

Attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• ADHD an overview (Royal Children's Hospital)
• ADHD at school and at home (Royal Children's Hospital)

Autism spectrum disorder

• About Autism spectrum disorder (Royal Children's Hospital)
• Autism support (St Giles)

Fetal alcohol syndrome

• Fetal alcohol information and support (NOFASD)

Developmental delays

• Developmental delay support (St Giles)
• Tasmania’s Early Childhood Intervention Service (Education department, Tasmania) support children with developmental delays from birth to school entry

View additional resources from the Child Health (Paediatrics) team

Other support

Child Health and Parenting Service (CHaPS)

CHaPS work in partnership with families of children 0-5 years of age and aim to enhance the health and wellbeing of all young children in Tasmania, through supporting their parents to understand their child’s growth and development needs.

Learn more about Child Health and Parenting Services

Family Support Services

Some families may require increased support through a community organisation due to the complexity of their situation or other vulnerabilities.

Learn more on the Strong Families Safe Kids website

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Depending on your child’s needs, they may be eligible for NDIS funding for disability support and equipment.

Learn more on the NDIS website

School

Tasmanian Government schools can access extra support or services to meet health and disability needs. It is important to discuss any individual requirements with school staff.

Learn more on the Department of Education website

St Giles

St. Giles are a state-wide organisation that have a range of allied health professionals offering community-based therapy and other disability services.

Learn more about St. Giles on their website