Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics
Our Neurological Paediatrics service is dedicated to diagnosing and treating neurological and developmental disorders in children. We understand that each child is unique, and our approach is centred on providing individualised care that addresses their specific needs. This service is crucial for children who may experience conditions such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and developmental delays.
Early and accurate diagnosis of neurological and developmental conditions allows us to tailor intervention strategies that support your child’s unique needs. Our team works closely with families to develop personalized care plans that address specific challenges, helping children manage symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
How It Helps:
By conducting thorough neurodevelopmental assessments and offering targeted interventions, we aim to enhance your child’s development in crucial areas such as motor skills, communication, and cognitive functions. Early intervention is key to maximising your child’s potential, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive in all aspects of life.
Comprehensive Neurodevelopmental Assessments:
To ensure a thorough understanding of your child’s needs, we offer comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments. These assessments are designed to be holistic, often involving multiple sessions with various specialists from our multidisciplinary team. We strive to create individualised assessments that consider how your child interacts in different environments, such as at home or school, providing a complete picture of their development.
- Clinical Examination and Interview: A detailed evaluation that includes a clinical examination and an in-depth interview with parents or caregivers.
- Screening Questionnaires: Tools to identify potential concerns in areas such as attention, behaviour, and sensory processing.
- Developmental Assessments: Full assessments to evaluate your child’s overall development, including cognitive, motor, and social skills.
- Diagnostic Tools: Specific instruments used to diagnose particular conditions, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
Some of the key screening and diagnostic tools we use include:
- The Conner’s Rating Scales: Identifies symptoms of ADHD and other mood disorders.
- ADHDT-2: A norm-referenced screening test for diagnosing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
- SPM-2 (Sensory Processing Measure): Assesses sensory processing, praxis, and social participation, helping us identify difficulties in sensory systems like visual, auditory, and tactile.
- CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale): An autism assessment tool that helps distinguish between autism and other cognitive disorders, and determines the severity of autism.
We are also trained in administering advanced diagnostic tools, such as:
- ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule): The gold standard for diagnosing autism spectrum disorders. This semi-structured assessment evaluates communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviours.
- ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised): A detailed interview that assesses behaviours related to autism, covering early development, communication, and social interaction.
- Griffiths III: A comprehensive developmental measure for children from birth to 6 years of age, providing a profile of strengths and needs across key areas of development.
OUR SPECIALISTS
Dr Carla Jardine
Dr Zinhle Vilakazi-Vundla
Dr Laura Hogarth
