RED FLAG REFERRAL GUIDELINES FOR THE PARENT AND PRACTITIONER
(0-5 years)
As a parent, you want to make sure your child is developing optimally and reaching their expected milestones.
This tool is to help the parent and practitioner to identify any delays and to refer on to an appropriate healthcare professional if necessary.
How to use this guide
Find the child’s age at the top of the table
Read through the list to see whether the child is demonstrating any of the red flags (in their age level)
If the child is between two age brackets, mark against the lower age (e.g. if you child is 3 and a half years, check against 3 years)
Should you be concerned?
If the child shows one or more Red Flags, this could be a sign of delayed development
Parents, you may call your Family Doctor, Child Health Nurse (1300 366 039), or speak to a qualified health professional for further guidance
Who can help?
Health professionals that may be able to assist you, dependent on the developmental concern
Paediatrician
Physiotherapist
Occupational Therapist
Speech Pathologist
Social Worker
Psychologist
RED FLAGS AT ANY AGE
Not achieving indicated milestones
Strong parent concerns
Significant loss of skills
Lack of response to sound or visual stimuli
Poor interaction with other children
Difference between right and left sides of body in strength, movement or tone
Loose and floppy movements (low tone) or stiff and tense (high tone)
Useful Phone Numbers
Broadway Medical Centre
(08) 9296 8324
National Breastfeeding Helpline
1800 686 286 (1800 MUM 2 MUM)
Ngala Helpline
(08) 9368 9368
Child Care Access Helpline
1800 670 305
Family Relationship Advice Line
1800 050 321
Healthdirect
1800 022 222
National Poisons Information Centre
131 126
Parental Anxiety and Depression Australia
1300 726 306
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
1800 882 436\
Adapted from the Queensland Government
Amy Furler
