Centre for Developmental Disability Health (CDDH) supports medical, disability sector and allied health professionals to provide healthcare to their patients with intellectual and associated developmental disabilities through:

• Online clinical information and resources
• Online learning modules
• Telephone support and advice
• Clinical consultation

Please note that CDDH does not have psychiatry or psychology services

HOW TO REFER

We are a secondary consultation service, where our clinicians specialise in the field of developmental and intellectual disability in adults. We assess and provide management strategies for complex presentations including Behaviours of Concern, mental illness, and physical ailments commonly associated with developmental disability.

To make a referral, please complete the CDDH Intake Form and send it to CDDH@monashhealth.org. Please contact our offices on 03 9792 7888 if you require assistance with the form. Once we have the referral, it will be reviewed by our clinical team at their weekly Clinic Review Meeting. Actions taken may include the scheduling of an appointment with one of our Senior Medical Officers, request for further information or interim clinical advice to the relevant parties.

THE CONSULTATION

The initial consultation will usually last for 1-1 ½ hours and is ideally attended by the patient, a support person with a good knowledge of the person and the presenting problem, and other parties who may be able to contribute.

Within 2-4 weeks, a detailed report, including an assessment and management suggestions, is then sent to the referring doctor and the Medical Treatment Decision Maker, with copies sent to other parties with written consent.

Note:

• A guide to primary healthcare for patients with an intellectual disability
• CDDH respects your privacy (Easy English)

People with intellectual disabilities may be unable to describe their feelings or experiences. This contributes to their doctors often finding it difficult to diagnose depression or other disorders of mental health. The Depression Checklist is a tool to assist in this process. The Checklist is designed to be filled out by someone who know the person very well. It guides and records information the doctor can then use to screen for depression or related disorders in adults who are unable to self-report. The checklist is not a substitute for a clinical assessment.

Depression in Adults with Intellectual Disability Checklist

• CDDH Intake Form
• Resources
• A guide to Primary healthcare for patients with an intellectual disability
• CDDH respects your privacy
• CDDH respects your privacy (easy English)