General Paediatrics
A general paediatrician is a medical doctor who specialises in the health of children from birth to early adulthood. Their role in neurodevelopment is crucial as they are often the first point of contact for families with concerns about a child's development, learning, or behaviour.
Initial Assessment and Diagnosis:
A general paediatrician conducts a comprehensive assessment that includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and developmental screening. This helps to identify or rule out any underlying medical conditions that might be affecting development. They are trained to recognise signs of neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability, and learning difficulties.
Providing Referrals and Coordinating Care:
Once a concern is identified, the paediatrician acts as a central coordinator for the child's care. They refer to and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of allied health professionals, which may include psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and educators. This collaborative approach ensures the child receives a comprehensive and tailored care plan.
Ongoing Management:
For many neurodevelopmental conditions, the paediatrician provides ongoing management. This can involve monitoring the child's progress, adjusting treatment plans as they grow, and providing parental guidance and support. They may also manage medication for certain conditions, such as ADHD, and help families navigate funding and support services like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia.
Advocacy and Education:
Paediatricians advocate for the child's needs in various settings, including schools. They help families and educators better understand the child's unique needs and strengths, promoting an environment that supports their development and well-being. They also provide vital education to parents on developmental milestones and the importance of early intervention.
To learn more, you can read our article What Does a Developmental Paediatrician Do? on our blog.
Our general paediatrics team
General and developmental paediatrics at Hunter Children's Clinics is provided by our paediatricians: Dr Robert Parry, Dr Neil Anderson, Dr Kristin Mansour, Dr Sally Quill, Dr Sabah Brown, Dr Nidhi Panicker and Dr Rakel Hansen.
Content reviewed July 2026
