Improving Access to Developmental Assessments Before School: Evaluation of Targeted 'School Starter Blitz' Clinics in Metropolitan Sydney.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Timely developmental assessment is essential for children with neurodevelopmental concerns, particularly before starting school. In public health systems, long wait times for multidisciplinary assessments disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, especially those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. To address this, the South Western Sydney (SWS) Local Health District introduced 'School Starter Blitz' clinics-targeted initiatives prioritising school-entry-age children for diagnostic assessment.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analysed data from October 2022 to September 2024 for children aged 1 to 16 years referred to the Child Development Assessment Service (CDAS) with the objective of assessing impact of Blitz interventi

SUBMITTER: Meyers L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12657776 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature