Resources for referrers

GP resources

Disclaimer: This guide is intended as a practical reference to support clinical decision-making but is not exhaustive. Clinicians should apply their own judgment and may prefer to use alternative or locally endorsed resources. This guide is designed to complement, not replace, clinical expertise and existing protocols.

At Albert Street Paediatrics, we believe that the best care happens when families, GPs, and paediatricians work together. This resource has been developed to support our local GPs in Gippsland with practical, accessible information to guide developmental care, early identification of concerns, and shared decision-making with families. By sharing tools, red flags, developmental milestones, and trusted parenting resources, we aim to strengthen our partnership and streamline the care journey for children across our region. This guide is not exhaustive but is designed to be a “pocket companion” - easy to use, quick to access, and grounded in current best practice.

Urgent concerns & red flags

These presentations require immediate medical attention and are not appropriate for routine referral to Albert Street Paediatrics.

Please refer directly to the Emergency Department or call the Paediatric Registrar at your local or tertiary hospital, or contact relevant protective services.

Albert Street Paediatrics DOES NOT provide acute crisis care, statutory assessments, or emergency services.

Red Flag Presentations – Refer to ED or hospital based paediatrics for Urgent Assessment.

General Paediatrics (All Ages):

Abnormal vital signs or unexplained clinical deterioration
Suspected or confirmed child abuse (including any bruising injuries in pre-mobile infants; any disclosure of harm)
Unexplained altered conscious state (e.g., BRUE, weak or high-pitched cry, poor feeding, maternal concern)
New-onset seizures or focal neurological signs
Sudden developmental regression
Severe aggression or self-harm
Suicidal ideation or acute mental health crisis
Failure to thrive or weight loss with systemic signs
Non-verbal child in distress (possible infection or pain)
Red flag headaches (e.g., early morning, vomiting, visual disturbance)
Severe school refusal or acute functional regression

Infants (Additional Red Flags):

Fever or respiratory distress (<3 months)
Irreducible or painful inguinal hernia
Absent or weak femoral pulses
New murmur with signs of cardiac compromise
White pupil or absent red reflex
Ambiguous genitalia
Escalating vomiting or blood-streaked stools

Understanding Child Development

Children grow and develop at their own pace, and there is a wide spectrum of what’s considered “normal.” Variability in speech, motor skills, play, and social interaction is common — especially in the early years. However, some differences can be early signs of developmental delay or neurodivergence. Early detection allows families to access the right support at the right time, making a meaningful difference in long-term outcomes. Through shared care, respectful listening, and evidence-based tools, we can identify concerns early and work together to help every child reach their potential.

Developmental referral triggers: Signs that warrant paediatric assessment or escalation to specialist care.

If in doubt, early referral is preferred. Parental concern should always be taken seriously. Parents are experts in their child’s development, and their concerns are usually accurate.

By 6 months:

No social smile or eye contact
No head control
Not reaching for objects
Persistent primitive reflexes

By 12 months:

No babbling
Not sitting independently
Not responding to name
Not transferring objects

By 18 months:

No single words
Not walking independently
No pointing or waving
Regression in speech or motor skills

By 2 years:

No two-word phrases
Very limited interest in play
No pretend play
Not following simple commands

By 3 years:

Unintelligible speech
Frequent falls or clumsiness
Inability to follow two-step instructions

At Any Age:

Developmental regression (see also urgent above)
Loss of previously acquired skills
Parental concern
Concerns about hearing or vision
Extreme behaviours or stereotypies

Measuring Normal

Accurate assessment of growth and development is essential for early detection.

Royal Children’s Hospital Growth Charts:

https://www.rch.org.au/childgrowth/about_child_growth/Growth_charts/

Physdiological Variables

https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/normal_ranges_for_physiological_variables/

Blood Pressure Charts

https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/hypertension/

Developmental Milestone Resources
ACECQA Milestones

Queensland Health Milestones
Berry Street Trauma-Informed Milestones

Alyce’s favourite resources

These resources are not affiliated with our practice but are frequently recommended by families and clinicians alike. They are intended as a guide only, not a substitute for clinical advice or assessment.

Parenting Support Programs

Social Media Accounts

@biglittlefeelings
@busytoddler
@nurturedfirst
@kidseatincolour

Books for Grown-Ups

10 Things You Need to Know About Your Child’s Mental Health - Dr Billy Garvey
Why I Jump - Naoki Higashida

Books for Children and Families

The Invisible String - Patrice Karst
The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be - Joanna Gaines
In My Heart - Jo Witek
The Colour Monster - Anna Llenas

Apps & Websites
For Families:

For Clinicians:

Podcasts