2. .
.
• The CDS team is committed to helping children achieve optimum
function and well-being.
• It provides therapy, management, and information, as well as support
in the home and community in partnership with caregivers.
• All members of the team work closely with your family doctor,
paediatricians, local Group Special Education services and
associated organisations to provide an holistic approach to the care
of your child.
• They are a district wide team, with therapists based at Nelson and
Wairau Hospitals that offers advice and guidance to whanau and
families of newborn children to school leavers.

3. What to expect
At your child’s first appointment the therapist will carry out a thorough
assessment.
If appropriate, a therapy programme will be developed, in partnership
with you, your child and where relevant, your child’s school.
Your therapist will continually re-assess and adapt this programme to suit
your child’s changing needs.
Where appropriate one of the following may be offered:
Individual sessions where individually designed activity programmes are
carried out. These are monitored and evaluated at regular intervals.
Group Therapy set exercises or games with a small group of children of a
similar age and needs.
Hydrotherapy exercises/ therapy programmes carried out in a heated
pool.

4. Autism
Spectrum
Disorder
Coordinator
Paediatric
Physiotherapist
Paediatric
Occupational Therapist Image retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_development
Visiting
NeuroDevelopmental
Therapist
Speech Language
Therapist
Paediatric Disability
Social Worker

5. Paediatric Physiotherapist………
have specialised training assisting children who experience challenges
with movement, motor skills, coordination and respiration. They facilitate
post operative rehabilitation and provision of orthotics, mobility aids and
postural management equipment.
Paediatric Disability Social
Worker ………….
offers support with parenting issues, financial or practical
difficulties, stress and advocacy for children & their whānau /
families.

6. Paediatric Occupational
Therapist……..
specialise in assisting children to develop skills in the areas of self care,
school and play. This includes: fine motor skills, dressing, handwriting,
visual perception, sensory, behavioural / attention and social skills.
They also provide an assessment and advice on wheelchairs,
household
equipment, housing and vehicle modifications.
Speech Language Therapist……..
provide services for children with disabilities who have feeding or
swallowing difficulties. This may also include supporting students
with alternative forms of communication, such as signing and
communication devices.

7. Visiting Neuro-Developmental
Therapists…..
are registered Physiotherapists or Occupational Therapists with
postgraduate experience and thorough knowledge of child development.
They specialise in children under 5 years of age and provide a holistic
approach to your child’s development. Based in the community, they work
with children in their homes, and visit preschools or any other facility as
requested by caregivers.

8. The CDS will accept referrals from GPs, Paediatricians, or other allied
medical professionals.
How often will the child be seen?
The number and frequency of visits varies according to the individual needs
of each child. The therapist will discuss any changes to the time and frequency of
visits.
It has been found that children respond best to a programme of activities or
exercises that can be incorporated into their normal routine at home or in school.
Where will the child be seen?
The child will be seen in the most appropriate setting, including:
Home
School
Playgroup
Child Development Centre
Hospital, Hydrotherapy Pool

9. Therapy Aims:
• Assist families and caregivers to provide the best care and environmental support to enable
their child to reach his/her potential
• Help identify and minimise any neurological, health or social related problems, embracing
the 24 hour postural management approach
• Provide physical and developmental assessments, ongoing therapy and individual
programmes covering all areas of development
• Assess for and prescribe mobility and daily living aids, seating, therapy
equipment, wheelchairs, vehicle adaptions and house alterations to maximise the child’s
potential and assist in their management
• Provide therapy services post surgery if related to child’s disability
• Provide information, education and support relating to the child’s needs
• Refer to other support agencies
• Advocate for the child and his/her family

10. Agencies that Child Development have Links with
Kids Health
New Zealand CCS
Plunket
Needs Assessment
Services
Equipment Providers
Group Special Education
Early Intervention
Service

11. Contact Details
Child Development Services
Nelson Hospital,
Tipahi Street
Nelson 7010
Private Bag 18,
NELSON 7040
Phone: 03 546 1211
Email: CDS@nmhs.govt.nz

12. How can Child Development Services Help in Our School?
I think teachers need much more information on how to adapt the classroom environment
and curriculum for children with learning/concentration and sensory issues so we are happy
to upskill teachers and RTLB’s.
CDS Team Leader
“(paediatric OT/ ASD coordinator) is a great point of contact and will be
able to direct you to the right service when a family is not sure where to
go or who to talk to with regards to a specific problem. “
parent
“(paediatric occupational therapist) has been great at offering
ideas re a sensory diet.”
parent

13. This power point is based on and with kind permission,
reproduced from information from The Child Development
brochure available online at
http://www.nmdhb.govt.nz/filesGallery/New%20Website/04
When%20I%20Need%20Care/CDSBrochureSm.pdf
and on information from the following website
http://www.nmdhb.govt.nz/ChildYouth.aspx