Child Development Unit (CDU)

The Child Development Unit (CDU) provides specialist assessment, intervention and support for pre-school children with a range of complex developmental differences including cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, social communication disorders/Autism, Developmental Co-ordination disorder and complex feeding/swallowing difficulties.

The team is based at The Children’s Treehouse Centre on the ground floor at Stepping Hill Hospital.

Aims of the Child Development Unit:

• To provide early identification and diagnosis of complex developmental difficulties
• To work closely with families and education settings to enable children to reach their full potential

The CDU team includes:

• Consultant Paediatricians
• Speech and Language Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Children’s Therapies Assistants
• Senior CDU Practitioner.

We also work closely with:

• Health visitors
• Start Well
• Portage
• Early Years SEND Consultants
• Educational Psychology

What happens at the Child Development Unit?
We provide specialist assessment, intervention and support for pre-school children with a range of complex developmental differences including cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, social communication disorders/Autism, Developmental Co-ordination disorder and complex feeding/swallowing difficulties.

How do I access this service?  Access to the service is usually through referral from a Health Visitor, GP, Paediatrician or other Health professional. We will also accept referrals from Educational Psychologists and from Educational settings.

How do you refer a child to CDU?  All referrals to the Child Development Unit must be submitted on the Developmental Needs Referral Form. Any professional who works with the child can complete the form and request this service.

The Developmental Needs Referral Form should be emailed to CTSAdmin@stockport.nhs.uk requesting an assessment from the Child Development Unit.