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About the Service

We are a community-based service that helps children and young people with developmental and behavioural concerns. We focus on assessment and support, and work closely with families.

Our team includes doctors, nurses and allied health therapists, such as Clinical Psychologists, Clinical Neuropsychologists, Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Speech Pathologists and Social Workers.

Depending on your young person’s needs, they may see one or more team members. Our team works closely together, so clinicians can support a range of developmental needs, even if they have different areas of training.

Our goal is to help you understand your young person’s strengths and challenges, and to support you in finding the right therapy and supports in your community.

Please note: our service will help with diagnosis for your child, but we have limited capacity for therapy - we help you to find this support locally in your community.

Am I eligible?

This service is free to eligible children and their families.

Your young person must be:

Referral

To access Child Development Service, a referral from the following healthcare providers is required:

  • General Practitioners
  • Private Paediatricians
  • Allied Health Providers
  • Child Health Nurses
  • Other Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service clinicians

For up-to-date information about how to refer to the Child Development service, visit the Refer Your Patient section.

Red Flags Early Identification Guide

Red Flags School Aged Children

About our clinics

We offer a range of Single Discipline and Multidisciplinary Clinics as part of our service.

Location and travel information

Accurate location and travel information is available for children's development health services.

While you wait for your appointment

Parents can ensure the best possible outcome for their child's health by staying informed and prepared.

Meet Our Team

All clinicians that work within CDS are experts in children with developmental and/or learning difficulties.


Last updated 21 Jan 2026