Every child grows at their own pace. But sometimes things get harder. Behaviour problems, slow development, or emotional struggles can affect daily life. They can affect school. They can affect your whole family. When this happens, it is time to get expert help.
A behavioural paediatrician is a doctor. They assess children. They diagnose conditions. They help manage challenges. They focus on what is best for each child.
At the Continuum Paediatric and Specialist Centre in Canberra, we help children of all ages. We see toddlers with early signs of delay. We see school-age children with ADHD or Autism. We also help children with learning difficulties. Our clinic is in Deakin, ACT. We care for your child at every stage.
Signs Your Child May Need an Assessment
Many parents notice something is different when their child starts school. But signs can show up much earlier. Here are some signs to look for.
Ages 0 to 5
- Limited or no eye contact
- Late speech or language
- Odd play habits or no pretend play
- Hard time with changes in routine
- Severe tantrums past normal stages
Ages 6 to 12
- Trouble staying focused or sitting still
- Trouble with reading or writing
- Hard time making or keeping friends
- Emotional outbursts or anxiety
- Grades falling for no clear reason
Ages 13 to 18
- Trouble staying focused on tasks
- Mood swings or pulling away from friends
- Ongoing school struggles despite effort
- Low self-esteem tied to undiagnosed issues
Do any of these sound like your child? An assessment can help. It gives you answers. It gives you a plan. You will need a GP referral to book your first visit at Continuum.
How the Assessment Works
We gather facts from many sources. We talk to parents. We talk to teachers. We observe your child. Here is how the process works.
Step 1: History and Review
At the first visit, we take a full history. We ask about your child’s growth and health. We ask about your family. We look at past reports. Parents and teachers fill in forms before the visit. This helps us get a full picture.
Step 2: Observation and Exam
We observe your child in the clinic. We look at how they talk, move, and respond. We check their focus and behaviour. This is key for diagnosing ADHD and Autism.
Step 3: Team Approach
Good diagnosis takes a team. We work with psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. We also work with your child’s teachers. Together, we see how your child copes in all areas of life.
Step 4: Diagnosis and Care Plan
After the assessment, we share what we found. We explain it clearly. We create a care plan with your family. The plan covers therapy, school support, and medication if needed. You will always leave with clear next steps.
Why Choose Continuum?
Experienced Doctors
Dr. Vijay Wagh has over 20 years of experience in paediatrics. Dr. Deepti Raina has more than 14 years of experience. She has a special focus on behaviour and development. Our team is skilled, caring, and up to date.
Care That Puts Families First
We believe care should be seamless and ongoing. We work with GPs and allied health providers. We make sure all parts of your child’s care work together. Parents and carers are part of every decision.
Easy to Find in Deakin, ACT
We are at Deakin Professional Centre, 5/46 Geils Court, Deakin 2600. It is easy to reach from all parts of Canberra. Our rooms are calm and child-friendly. Children feel safe here from the moment they walk in.
Need Help with ADHD?
We have a full guide on ADHD care in Canberra. Read it here: Best Pediatrician for ADHD Canberra: What Parents Should Look for When Choosing Specialist Care
ADHD and Autism: What You Need to Know
ADHD and Autism are the two most common conditions we see. Both need a proper diagnosis and the right support plan.
ADHD
ADHD makes it hard to focus, control impulses, and sit still. It shows up in different ways in each child. Some children are mainly inattentive. Others are mainly hyperactive. Many show both. A proper diagnosis means your child gets the right help. This may include behaviour support, school changes, or medication.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism affects how a child connects with others, processes senses, and behaves. Early diagnosis makes a big difference to long-term outcomes. We assess each child with care and respect. Every child with Autism has real strengths. After diagnosis, we help you access therapy and funding. This includes NDIS support if your child is eligible.
Helping Your Child at School
Many families come to us because their child is struggling at school. Children with ADHD, Autism, learning issues, or anxiety often fall behind. It is not about effort. It is about unmet needs.
We write support letters for schools. We help with applications for school adjustments. We create strategies for teachers and parents to use at home and in the classroom. When children feel understood at school and at home, things can change fast.
Common Questions
Do I need a GP referral?
Yes. You need a referral from a GP or specialist to book at Continuum. Your GP can check if a referral is right for your child. A referral also means Medicare rebates apply to your visits.
How long does an assessment take?
The first visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes. We cover your child’s history and do a clinical check. Some children need two or three visits before a diagnosis is made. We will tell you what to expect at each step.
How old does my child need to be?
There is no minimum age. We can assess babies if there are early signs of delay or Autism. We see children from newborns up to age 18.
Will my child get a diagnosis?
Not always — and that is okay. Some children have mild traits. These can be managed without a formal label. Either way, we will give you clear advice and a plan that suits your child.
Does Continuum help with NDIS?
Yes. We help families with the NDIS process. We write the reports needed for access requests. We can advise on what your child may be eligible for. We can also connect you with NDIS providers in Canberra.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You do not have to deal with this alone. We are here to help. A behavioural paediatrician can give you answers and a clear path forward.
Continuum Paediatric and Specialist Centre serves families across Canberra and the ACT. We offer caring, expert paediatric care. We welcome new patients with a valid GP referral.
Visit us at: Deakin Professional Centre, 5/46 Geils Court, Deakin 2600 Contact us online: mycpsc.com.au
Email: reception@mycpsc.com.au
Address:Deakin professional Centre, 5/46 Geils Court, Deakin 2600
Contact:https://mycpsc.com.au/contact/
Phone no: 02) 6152 8340
Our team is ready to help. Reach out today.