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[The development consultation for children in whom the physician suspects a developmental disorder: early experiences
L van der Linden-Kuiper1, T Ausems-van Herten
1Het Groene Kruis Heuvelland, Maastricht.
Insights
Early detection of developmental disorders in children under six is crucial. This multidisciplinary approach aids in timely diagnosis and treatment planning for conditions like cerebral paresis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Neurology
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Established a multidisciplinary developmental consultation for early detection of developmental disorders in children aged 0-6 years.
- Integrated services of pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, physiotherapists, educationalists, and speech therapists.
- Aimed to minimize dysfunctioning through timely identification and intervention.
Observation:
- Children aged 0-6 years were referred by health center physicians, general practitioners, and school doctors.
- The consultation saw 3-6 referred children per month after the initial phase.
- Referring physicians often attended the joint consultation sessions.
Findings:
- The initial cohort of 60 children revealed 9 cases of cerebral paresis.
- 18 children presented with combined motor and speech developmental delays.
- 8 children were referred for the exclusion of neurological or cerebral abnormalities.
Implications:
- Highlights the effectiveness of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing complex pediatric developmental issues.
- Emphasizes the importance of early intervention for conditions like cerebral paresis and developmental delays.
- Provides a model for integrated pediatric healthcare services focused on early detection and management.
Abstract:
The so-called development consultation of the Heuvelland health care organization in Maastricht was organized with a view to early detection of developmental disorders in young children (< or = 6 years), thereby minimizing dysfunctioning. Health centre physicians, general practitioners and school doctors can refer children aged 0-6 years to this combined consultation hour of a paediatrician, a children's neurologist, a children's physiotherapist and in some cases, an educationalist and a speech therapist. After the starting-up phase, the number of referred children was three to six per month. The referring physician is usually present at the joint consultation after the examinations. At this meeting it is attempted to arrive at a diagnosis or at least to draw up a treatment plan. After the meeting, the child's parents or guardians are informed of the team's findings. The first group of 60 children included 9 with a cerebral paresis and 18 with retarded motor development and speech retardation; 8 children were referred for exclusion of neurological/cerebral abnormalities.