The Umbrella Network

 

This ‘diagnosis’ is probably the most frustrating for many parents as it means our children simply ‘do not fit in a box’ ! It is also the most common of reasons given out by medical professionals as so many children have such a ‘mixed bag’ of needs. In fact The Umbrella Network was created because there was no where for a family to go who had a child with GDD. No doubt if you have found this website then you have already ‘googled’ GDD to death and realised that many of the symptoms your child shows can cross over into other diagnosis. They might simply be late talkers, walkers , eaters, toileters..etc and then they might also have more pressing needs such as seizures , health problems , lack of communication etc

At The Umbrella Network we have learnt that we can ‘take’ a bit of info out of everyones books and apply them to us . The cross over with our Autism , Downs syndrome , CP and Epilepsy families is quite amazing and we can all help each other out.

I must emphasis that I am not a health professional but below is a list of really helpful resources that our family have used on our journey with GDD in Townsville.

Umbrella Parent Contact

Angie D’Arcy

0410 452 930

angie@theumbrellanetwork.org

Our Motto is ” Poppy does things in Poppy time”

 

Don’t let doctors and their percentile charts scare you . Of course our bubs are at the bottom of the scale but thats ok.

Kids with special needs should NOT be measured against typically developing children. TAke it slow and try not to plan ahead toooooo much.

We re-evaluate every 6 months or so where Poppy is at. Sometimes a type of therapy wont work now but WILL work in 6 months? Never rule anything out.

This method works well for us and means we dont get stressed out with what she ISN”T doing but rather what she IS achieving

Try and remain positive * Have a good shoulder to cry on if needed * Enjoy your baby

* Key Word Signing – Makaton Courses. – HIghly recommend.

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1st tip

Find a good GP or Paedeatrician! Sometimes it takes a few visits to different doctors to find one that fits.

I have found that :

Fairfield Waters Medical Centre

Ph : 4778 4581

Dr Kerry Patane , Dr Paul Patane, Dr Michael Khong, Dr Kirsten Myles

Bulk Bill for children

 

Dr Pat Ryan

Fulham Rd , Pimlico

4775 4822

 

Early Childhood Developmental Prorgam ( ECDP) Infant Playgroup – Prep class

Vincent State School

Contact : Majella Staweno

280 Palmerston Street

Vincent 4814

QLD Australia

Phone: 07 4728 0436

This was a wonderful place to meet new mums in a similar situation as well as learned staff who can ease you through the process.

 

Cerebral Palsy League Townsville

Donna Sheppard | Acting Manager / Social Worker

Cerebral Palsy League | PO Box 4279 Kirwan 4817

P 07 4799 9600 F 07 4723 5300 M 0408 701 225

NB : You may not realise but CP League do not only help children with CP anymore! They now service many children with differing diagnosis as well as offering a new private therapy service and an IN HOME Help new for 2010. I highly recommend giving them a call to see if you can access their services. We get our therapy from them and they come to our home and our daycare centre as well as loaning out equipment.

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INCLUSION SUPPORT AGENCY – Townsville City Council

This department helps set your childcare centre up with supports for your child. Yes there IS a lot of paperwork but if you have open communication with your Centres Director and ISA then alot can be done!

Susan Wilkinson

North Queensland Inclusion Support Agency Coordinator

Community Development visit website here

P 07 4727 9683

F 07 47714133

M 0409342545

E susan.wilkinson@townsville.qld.gov.au

W www.townsville.qld.gov.au

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BRISBANE SPECIALISTS – all require a referral from a GP

Dr Michael O’Callahan

Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic

( this is not only Autism it has been a recent name change)

Developmental Specialists

Call Mater Hospital and ask to be put through to his rooms.

 

Dr Barry Appleton

Specialist in Child Nuerology

contact details click here

 

Dr Michael Gattas

Clinical Genetics

contact details click here

 

Dr Geoff Wallace

Specialist in Child Nuerology

contact details click here