Developmental assessment.
Developmental assessment for children whose progress in one or more areas is different from what's expected for their age. A structured review with a paediatrician to understand what's happening, whether further assessment is needed, and what support may help. No question is too small.
Sometimes a phase. Sometimes worth exploring.
Children develop at different rates, and variation within the typical range is common. Sometimes a difference is a phase. Sometimes it's a sign of something worth understanding better. Developmental assessment is the appointment to explore that question with a paediatrician who takes a broad view of your child.
Kids' Dr paediatricians assess the developmental picture as a whole. Where a specific concern (such as ADHD or autism) becomes the focus, we move into that pathway. Where the picture is broader, the assessment stays broad, and support is coordinated across the multidisciplinary Kids' Dr team where relevant.
Dr Moe Moe Thinn is a Consultant Developmental and General Paediatrician. Dr Martina Popelkova is a General Paediatrician with a special clinical interest in behavioural matters.
A broad set of questions.
The whole child.
Your paediatrician walks through your child's development from early years to now, including the current concerns and any allied health input to date.
Your paediatrician examines and interacts with your child in the consultation. For younger children, play-based observation forms part of this.
Where relevant, information from your child's preschool, school or other setting helps ground the picture.
Developmental patterns can reflect many things: growth, hearing, vision, sleep, nutrition, family circumstances, learning environment, and specific developmental conditions.
Four possible next steps.
For many families, assessment ends with a paediatrician's view that development is progressing within expected variation. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to check in over time.
Where a specific area (speech, motor coordination, feeding, learning) needs support, your paediatrician can coordinate referrals within the Kids' Dr multidisciplinary team.
Where the assessment suggests a specific condition (autism, ADHD, learning disorder, or another paediatric concern), your paediatrician will discuss the appropriate next step.
For families with ongoing questions, Kids' Dr paediatricians provide continuity across visits so you don't have to start from the beginning each time.
Six disciplines under one roof.
Where assessment identifies areas that benefit from allied health input, referrals within Kids' Dr are seamless.
Sans Souci and Earlwood.
Privately billed.
Paediatric consultations are privately billed. A GP referral is required for the Medicare rebate to apply.
Billing arrangements vary by paediatrician. Reception confirms the specific fee at booking.
Common questions.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. A GP referral is required for the Medicare rebate to apply.
Is my concern serious enough to book?
If you're wondering, it's worth asking. Paediatricians see the full range from mild questions to significant concerns. Early input often helps regardless of the outcome of assessment.
How is developmental assessment different from ADHD or autism assessment?
Will my child need multiple appointments?
Sometimes. Your paediatrician will discuss what's needed after the first appointment.
Can Kids' Dr work with my child's school or preschool?
Yes, with your consent. School and preschool information often adds valuable context.
What if my child has been assessed before?
Bring existing reports. Kids' Dr can build on previous work rather than starting from scratch.
