Child Development and Disability Essentials Course
Mac Keith Press, endorsed by BACD, have produced a comprehensive and practical online course Child Development & Disability Essentials, aimed at paediatric trainees and mapped to the RCPCH Progress+ curriculum. It introduces concepts of childhood disability and some of the common disabling neurodevelopmental differences and conditions. Produced by experts in the field, this is a course that will benefit all trainees.
RCPCH Special Interest In (SPIN) Modules
The Paediatric Neurodisability SPIN module has been stopped by RCPCH and is unlikely to be brought back.
There are other SPIN modules relevant to paediatric neurodisability, including epilepsy and palliative care, and in the future there may be other options. Please see the RCPCH website here for the most up to date information.
Community Child Health Specialty trainees
Neurodisability is one of the core skill areas of a consultant in Community Child Health and as a Community Child Health trainee you may choose to develop a special interest in neurodisability, or within an area of neurodisability. This is generally done informally, through exposure to local learning opportunities.
Many of the educational resources and opportunities for speciality trainees noted here will be relevant.
The job description of a Consultant in Community Child Health with an interest in neurodisability will vary according to local set up, but may include:
- Lead for CDC, ASD, ADHD or other neurodevelopmental conditions
- Designated medical officer for SEND
- Delivery of specialist services, such as a spasticity service
- Delivery of neurodisability training/education
- Engagement in neurodisability research
The above would be in addition to the other duties such as safeguarding work, the care of looked after children, management responsibilities, etc.
Further information about the responsibilities of a community child health paediatrician can be found in the Covering all Bases report (BACCH, RCPCH).
