Developmental Paediatrics

Assessment and management of developmental, behavioural and learning concerns in children and adolescents from birth to 15 years.

About the Service

Developmental paediatrics is the branch of paediatrics concerned with how children develop, learn and behave. It covers concerns about a child's development, attention, learning, social communication or behaviour, rather than general medical care.

Our developmental paediatrician, Dr Frank Chen, sees children and adolescents from birth to 15 years, in person at our Strathfield clinic in Sydney and by secure video across Australia. A referral from a GP or another specialist is required.

What We Assess

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Autism spectrum disorder

Developmental delay

Learning difficulties

Behavioural concerns

Where medication is recommended — for example, for ADHD — Dr Chen is authorised to prescribe stimulant medication for children in New South Wales, and will discuss the options, benefits and risks with you in detail before anything is started.

Developmental Paediatrician or Child Psychiatrist?

Both assess children, and there is overlap. As a general guide:

A developmental paediatrician is usually the better fit where the main concern is development, learning, attention or social communication — for example, a child who is behind on developmental milestones, struggling at school, or where autism or ADHD is suspected.

A child and adolescent psychiatrist is usually the better fit where the main concern is mood, anxiety, distress or a change in behaviour — for example, a child who has become withdrawn, is not coping at school, is anxious, or where there are concerns about self-harm.

If you're unsure, ask your GP, or call us and we'll help you work out which service to book. Where both are needed, our clinicians work together within the practice.

View Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

What an Assessment Involves

Assessment usually takes one to two appointments. The first is 50 minutes.

We'll ask about your child's development, health, behaviour, schooling and family history, and spend time with your child.

Before the appointment we'll ask you to complete standardised questionnaires, and where relevant to provide school reports and previous assessments. With your consent, we may ask your child's school to complete a questionnaire as well.

At the end of the assessment you'll receive an explanation of the findings and a plan, and we write to your GP or referring doctor.

Young People Turning 16

We see children and adolescents up to 15 years. Where a young person under our care approaches 16, we discuss ongoing care with you in advance and arrange transfer to an appropriate clinician — within Mind Oasis where suitable, or back to your GP with a clear plan.