Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics

Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrician

Use this page to book a video consultation with our Developmental Paediatricians for the assessment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning difficulties, speech and language problems, and behavioural problems such as aggression, anxiety, and depression.

(For Adult Psychiatry and ADHD assessments and prescriptions CLICK HERE.)

Your appointment will be within 4 weeks. 

The out-of-pocket cost of an initial consult is $336. You will need to pay $595 when you accept the appointment and claim the rebate from medicare ($259). This includes a one hour consultation, detailed report, letters to the school & GP and a e-prescription if indicated.

A referral from your GP is preferred, but if that is not possible, we can provide one for $79.

The out-of-pocket cost of a follow up consult is $175-239 depending on previous consultations. You will need to pay $315 when you accept the appointment and claim the rebate from medicare ($71-125).

If you live in Tasmania, a referral from your regular GP is essential. In the referral letter, your doctor must agree to be the authorised prescribing doctor, if medications are required.

Please include the following with your booking:

1. A referral from your doctor that includes height, weight, heart rate, blood pressure, heart sounds, an ECG (heart tracing) and hearing test.
2. Parent questionaire - CLICK HERE to download
3. Teacher questionnaire - CLICK HERE to download
4. Teenager questionnaire -  CLICK HERE to download

If you have had an assessment from a Psychologist that includes the questionnaires and school reports, there is no need to repeat them. Please understand that the specialist will still need to go through the process to make a diagnosis, and medication is rarely prescribed at the first visit.

Diagnosis in Behavioural and Developmental paediatrics is a complex and often multi-step process that involves a thorough evaluation of the child and their family. This includes reviewing the child's medical history, hearing tests, speech pathology, school report,  developmental history, and behavioural assessment. 

Treatment in Behavioural and Developmental paediatrics can take many forms, depending on the child's specific needs and their family. This may include behavioural therapy, medication, and educational or vocational interventions. If medication is indicated, e-prescriptions are provided with close communication and collaboration with the referring general practitioner, so the response can be carefully monitored.

One of the key features of Behavioural and Developmental paediatrics is its emphasis on family-centred care. The child's family is integral to the treatment process and is involved in every aspect of their care. This includes working with the child's physician to develop and implement a treatment plan, providing support and guidance to the child and family, and helping the child to develop the skills and strategies they need to manage their behaviour and reach their full potential.

Childhood ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common mental health disorder that affects about 11% of adolescents. If your child has a short attention span and is often acting impulsively, it's possible these behaviours could be linked to ADHD. It can adversely affect social interactions with peers, academic performance, and behaviour, so we are here to help.

As a parent, youre committed to helping your child thrive  emotionally, academically, and socially. So are we! At DOCTO Telehealth, were here to guide you through the process of your childs assessment, diagnosis and treatment options. And we dont make you wait for answers. While some clinics can take up to a year to get a consultation appointment, DOCTO Telehealth knows time is of the essence when you need solutions. On average, a patient can be seen for a consultation within a week of contacting our practice.

You can trust DOCTO Telehealth to give you the answers you need to manage everyday life with ADHD. Every child is different  and should be treated as such  so our approach is to give each child a proper evaluation and personalised treatment plan.  

Causes and symptoms of ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), sometimes referred to as ADD (attention deficit disorder), is a mental health disorder that can run in families. One-third to one-half of children with ADHD have a parent with the disorder. There is no evidence that ADHD is linked to parenting style, diet, or exposure to trauma or stress. So parents should not worry about how they caused this or what to do next,  as we are here to support an effective treatment plan.

While ADHD is not curable, it is manageable. Early identification can offer the best long-term management results, so parents need to recognise the signs and symptoms of ADHD.

At times, ADHD can be misunderstood, and since symptoms are similar to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it can even be misdiagnosed. Therefore, careful evaluation is necessary to ensure a child gets the most appropriate treatment plan.

Research shows that children who do not get an early diagnosis are more likely to encounter depression, low self-esteem, learning disorders, and/or substance abuse. These challenges are a result of negative interactions and the inability to cope. So, book now to complete an evaluation to give your child the best tools to cope with and manage the disorder.

Common issues include: