* Service operating at reduced capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please refer as normal.
* Where it is safe to do so, some face to face appointments are being offered.
COVID-19 Information Leaflet
Click here to go to the Birmingham Communication and Autism web pages, including resources and support for transitioning children and young people with autism back into their school/ setting after COVID-19 lockdown.
Additional advice and support from the following organisations;
- www.hanen.org lots if helpful strategies to manage your child’s communication needs
- Autism west midlands info@autismwestmidlands.org.uk pic.twitter.com/DeYTTE3POY
- National Autistic Society Amazing Things Happen:
Who needs a Child Development Centre?
The service is for pre-school children with physical or developmental delay who may need additional help, support or intervention in order to reach their potential. If children show delay in development in two or more areas, for example physical development and communication development they may need to be assessed at the Child Development Centre.
Access to the Child Development Centre
Referrals are accepted from Pediatrician's.
Referral criteria are detailed below:
Click here to download the PDF version of the Children and Families referral form for all services.
Click here to download the Children and Families Referral form for all services (Word document version).
- Children for whom there are significant concerns in 2 or more areas of development, who may or may not have a diagnosis
- Children registered with any Birmingham GP
- Children under 5 where children attend pre-school provision, it should be demonstrated that the CDC will provide added value.
Services provided by a Child Development Centre
The Child Development Centres are supportive and inclusive and take into account other services available to children in the community. The service offers an integrated and coordinated approach for children using a “team around the family” ethos.
Birmingham Child Development centres offer 3 pathways: (click here to download NDP referral letter.
- Neuro developmental pathway
- Early development pathway children under 5
- Global developmental pathway children under 5
- Click here to view an easy-to-read flowchart explaining your journey through our child development centres.
The Multidisciplinary Team
This involves a range of health professionals, who will work together to deliver a comprehensive package of care for children. Within the Child Development Centres this comprises of:
Clinical Assistants
Clinical assistants will be your first point of contact at the child development centre. They will support you through the assessment process.
Speech and Language Therapists
The Speech and Language Therapist looks at communication interaction and language skills. Feeding and swallowing skills will be assessed if required.
Click here to find out more.
Clinical Psychologist
The clinical Psychologists are involved in the assessment for Autistic Spectrum disorder. They will look at your child’s emotional, behavioural and cognitive strengths and needs.
Consultant Paediatricians & Registrars
Assess all children referred to the CDC to determine their medical needs and diagnosis. They may refer children to other services or professionals.
Learn more by clicking here.
Clinical Co-ordinator's
They coordinate the services provided by the multidisciplinary team and are the main point of contact for staff, families and other professionals. They are the link between the family, the team and other agencies involved.
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapy assesses children to establish any movement and posture difficulties.. Input involves advice and the recommendation of exercise and positioning programmes for families. Onward referral e.g. orthotics wheelchair services and other professionals can be made. Input may also involve the assessment and provision of equipment such as specialist seating walking aids or standing frames please click here to learn more about physio therapy.
Occupational Therapists
The Occupational Therapist will check fine motor skills. This is concerned with how we learn to handle and manipulate toys and other objects. They may also be involved in assessing children for appropriate equipment and aids. They may be involved in assessing your children’s sensory needs . Please see click here to find out more.
Secretarial Team
The Secretarial team is responsible for the all the administrative duties concerned with children within the centre.
