Japanese Government to establish consultation system for developmental disorders, supporting children, families, and local communities

From Kyodo via Yahoo! Japan

February 1 2025

TOKYO – The government has decided to strengthen support for children and families who may have developmental disorders from fiscal 2025, officials announced on the 1st Local childcare, health, and welfare officials will work together with medical institutions. The aim is to establish a system where families can receive “developmental consultations” regarding their children’s characteristics and concerns, such as delayed speech and restlessness, at an early stage, leading to smooth support.

As developmental disorders become more widely known to the public, there is a shortage of child psychiatrists and other specialists, and shortening the waiting period for an initial consultation has been an issue.

The Children and Families Agency has included a total of 2.5 billion yen in the initial budget proposal for fiscal 2025 for strengthening support, including “developmental consultations.”

In the support framework, developmental consultations will be conducted in places close to children and families, such as health centers that conduct infant health checkups and childcare support centers. Psychologists dispatched from medical institutions commissioned by local governments will provide consultations. An assessment of the child’s characteristics will be conducted and an explanation will be given as to whether a specialist examination is necessary in the future.

Information will be shared with childcare workers, public health nurses, and staff at facilities where children with disabilities attend, and support from the local community will also be considered. Specialist doctors will also be involved if necessary.