Formerly known as Canberra Paediatric & Specialist Centre

Understanding Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children: Signs, Assessments & Early Support for Families

Is your child slow to talk? Do they find it hard to sit still? Are they struggling at school?

You are not alone. Many families have the same worries.

These signs can point to neurodevelopmental disorders. These are brain-based conditions. They affect how a child learns, speaks, and behaves.

The good news is that help is available. At  Continuum Paediatric and Specialist Centre in Canberra, we are here for your family.

What Are Neurodevelopmental Disorders?

Neurodevelopmental disorders affect how the brain grows. They show up in early childhood. They are not caused by bad parenting.

They come from genes and biology. They affect how a child thinks, moves, talks, and gets on with others.

Common Types

These are the most common types seen in children:

  •       Autism — affects social skills and how a child sees the world
  •       ADHD — causes poor focus, high energy, and acting without thinking
  •       Intellectual Disability — affects learning and daily life
  •       Language Disorder — makes it hard to talk or understand words
  •       Learning Disorders — include dyslexia and other reading or maths issues
  •       Motor Disorder — affects movement and body control

What Are the Early Signs?

The earlier you spot the signs, the sooner your child can get help. Here is what to look for.

Babies and Toddlers — Age 0 to 3

  •       No eye contact by 3 to 4 months
  •       Not babbling by 12 months
  •       No first words by 16 months
  •       No two-word phrases by age 2
  •       Losing skills they already had
  •       Rocking or hand-flapping over and over

Preschool Children — Age 3 to 5

  •       Cannot follow simple steps or rules
  •       Very short focus time or high energy
  •       Does not enjoy or use pretend play
  •       Hard time making friends
  •       Big reactions to noise, light, or touch

School-Age Children — Age 5 and Older

  •       Falls behind in reading, writing, or maths
  •       Loses focus fast or forgets things often
  •       Gets upset quickly or acts out
  •       Avoids school or drops in grades
  •       Does not pick up on social cues

ADHD and Autism: When Should You Get Help?

ADHD and autism are two of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. Both are seen often in Australian children.

Both do much better with early support. A proper assessment is the first step.

Want to know when to book a review? Read other guide: ADHD and Autism Assessments for Children: When to Seek Professional Support.

How Are These Conditions Assessed?

A good assessment gives you answers. At Continuum Paediatric and Specialist Centre, we take a team approach.

The Steps We Follow

Step 1 — Get a GP Referral

Ask your GP for a referral to a paediatrician. This is the first step. Bring your child’s health records if you have them.

Step 2 — First Visit With Our Paediatrician

At the first visit, we listen to you. We ask about your child’s health, growth, and daily life. We also do a physical check.

Step 3 — More Assessments If Needed

We may refer your child to other experts. This could be a psychologist or speech therapist. Each one helps build a full picture.

Step 4 — Report and Care Plan

You get a clear report after all visits. It explains what we found. It also sets out a care plan. We book follow-ups to track progress.

What About Developmental Delays?

A developmental delay means your child is behind in one or more areas. It does not always mean a disorder. But it is always worth checking.

Most parents notice concerns around age three. But many children do not get seen until age six or later. This gap can hold your child back.

Find out what signs to look for: Child Developmental Delays: Early Signs, Causes & When to See a Paediatric Specialist.

Why Early Help Makes Such a Big Difference

Young brains can grow and adapt. This is why early intervention works so well.

Children who get help early do better at school. They build stronger bonds with others. They grow more confident. Families feel more at ease too.

Types of Help Available

  •       Speech therapy for talking and language
  •       Occupational therapy for daily tasks and senses
  •       Behaviour support for ADHD and autism
  •       School plans to help in the classroom
  •       Parent training and family support
  •       NDIS funding for those who qualify

How We Help at Continuum Paediatric and Specialist Centre

Our clinic is in Deakin, Canberra. We are led by Dr Vijay Wagh. He has 20 years of experience in child brain and behaviour health.

Our team also includes Dr Gurjit Singh Bakshi. We see children from birth to age 17.

We help with newborn care, general health, behaviour issues, and complex needs. We work with you, your child’s school, and other health providers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How early can these conditions be found?

Some signs show up as early as 18 months. Autism is often seen around age 2. ADHD is often picked up between ages 4 and 7. Early action leads to better results.

2. How do I know if my child needs a review?

Trust your gut. If your child is behind in milestones, having big behaviour issues, or struggling at school, talk to your GP. A paediatrician can help you find out more.

3. Can a child have more than one condition?

Yes. ADHD and autism often occur together. A child may also have anxiety or a learning disorder at the same time. A full review helps find all areas that need support.

4. What is the difference between a delay and a disorder?

A delay means your child is behind but may catch up. A neurodevelopmental disorder is a long-term condition. A paediatrician can tell which one applies to your child.

5. Does my child need a formal diagnosis to get help?

Not always. Some supports can start before a diagnosis. But a formal diagnosis helps you access NDIS funding, school plans, and therapy programs. Getting assessed early keeps your options open.

Final Thoughts

Neurodevelopmental disorders are more common than many people think. With the right help, children can do really well.

Do not wait if you have concerns. The sooner you act, the better the outcome for your child.

The team at Continuum Paediatric and Specialist Centre is ready to help. We make it easy, clear, and supportive for your whole family.

Read more in other related articles:

  •       ADHD and Autism Assessments for Children: When to Seek Professional Support
  •       Child Developmental Delays: Early Signs, Causes & When to See a Paediatric  Specialist

Book an Appointment Today

📞 Phone: (02) 6152 8340
📍 Address: Deakin Professional Centre, 5/46 Geils Court, Deakin 2600
🌐 Contact Us: mycpsc.com.au/contact

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Understanding Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children: Signs, Assessments & Early Support for Families

Is your child slow to talk? Do they find it hard to sit still? Are they struggling at school?

You are not alone. Many families have the same worries.

These signs can point to neurodevelopmental disorders. These are brain-based conditions. They affect how a child learns, speaks, and behaves.

The good news is that help is available. At  Continuum Paediatric and Specialist Centre in Canberra, we are here for your family.

What Are Neurodevelopmental Disorders?

Neurodevelopmental disorders affect how the brain grows. They show up in early childhood. They are not caused by bad parenting.

They come from genes and biology. They affect how a child thinks, moves, talks, and gets on with others.

Common Types

These are the most common types seen in children:

  •       Autism — affects social skills and how a child sees the world
  •       ADHD — causes poor focus, high energy, and acting without thinking
  •       Intellectual Disability — affects learning and daily life
  •       Language Disorder — makes it hard to talk or understand words
  •       Learning Disorders — include dyslexia and other reading or maths issues
  •       Motor Disorder — affects movement and body control

What Are the Early Signs?

The earlier you spot the signs, the sooner your child can get help. Here is what to look for.

Babies and Toddlers — Age 0 to 3

  •       No eye contact by 3 to 4 months
  •       Not babbling by 12 months
  •       No first words by 16 months
  •       No two-word phrases by age 2
  •       Losing skills they already had
  •       Rocking or hand-flapping over and over

Preschool Children — Age 3 to 5

  •       Cannot follow simple steps or rules
  •       Very short focus time or high energy
  •       Does not enjoy or use pretend play
  •       Hard time making friends
  •       Big reactions to noise, light, or touch

School-Age Children — Age 5 and Older

  •       Falls behind in reading, writing, or maths
  •       Loses focus fast or forgets things often
  •       Gets upset quickly or acts out
  •       Avoids school or drops in grades
  •       Does not pick up on social cues

ADHD and Autism: When Should You Get Help?

ADHD and autism are two of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. Both are seen often in Australian children.

Both do much better with early support. A proper assessment is the first step.

Want to know when to book a review? Read other guide: ADHD and Autism Assessments for Children: When to Seek Professional Support.

How Are These Conditions Assessed?

A good assessment gives you answers. At Continuum Paediatric and Specialist Centre, we take a team approach.

The Steps We Follow

Step 1 — Get a GP Referral

Ask your GP for a referral to a paediatrician. This is the first step. Bring your child’s health records if you have them.

Step 2 — First Visit With Our Paediatrician

At the first visit, we listen to you. We ask about your child’s health, growth, and daily life. We also do a physical check.

Step 3 — More Assessments If Needed

We may refer your child to other experts. This could be a psychologist or speech therapist. Each one helps build a full picture.

Step 4 — Report and Care Plan

You get a clear report after all visits. It explains what we found. It also sets out a care plan. We book follow-ups to track progress.

What About Developmental Delays?

A developmental delay means your child is behind in one or more areas. It does not always mean a disorder. But it is always worth checking.

Most parents notice concerns around age three. But many children do not get seen until age six or later. This gap can hold your child back.

Find out what signs to look for: Child Developmental Delays: Early Signs, Causes & When to See a Paediatric Specialist.

Why Early Help Makes Such a Big Difference

Young brains can grow and adapt. This is why early intervention works so well.

Children who get help early do better at school. They build stronger bonds with others. They grow more confident. Families feel more at ease too.

Types of Help Available

  •       Speech therapy for talking and language
  •       Occupational therapy for daily tasks and senses
  •       Behaviour support for ADHD and autism
  •       School plans to help in the classroom
  •       Parent training and family support
  •       NDIS funding for those who qualify

How We Help at Continuum Paediatric and Specialist Centre

Our clinic is in Deakin, Canberra. We are led by Dr Vijay Wagh. He has 20 years of experience in child brain and behaviour health.

Our team also includes Dr Gurjit Singh Bakshi. We see children from birth to age 17.

We help with newborn care, general health, behaviour issues, and complex needs. We work with you, your child’s school, and other health providers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How early can these conditions be found?

Some signs show up as early as 18 months. Autism is often seen around age 2. ADHD is often picked up between ages 4 and 7. Early action leads to better results.

2. How do I know if my child needs a review?

Trust your gut. If your child is behind in milestones, having big behaviour issues, or struggling at school, talk to your GP. A paediatrician can help you find out more.

3. Can a child have more than one condition?

Yes. ADHD and autism often occur together. A child may also have anxiety or a learning disorder at the same time. A full review helps find all areas that need support.

4. What is the difference between a delay and a disorder?

A delay means your child is behind but may catch up. A neurodevelopmental disorder is a long-term condition. A paediatrician can tell which one applies to your child.

5. Does my child need a formal diagnosis to get help?

Not always. Some supports can start before a diagnosis. But a formal diagnosis helps you access NDIS funding, school plans, and therapy programs. Getting assessed early keeps your options open.

Final Thoughts

Neurodevelopmental disorders are more common than many people think. With the right help, children can do really well.

Do not wait if you have concerns. The sooner you act, the better the outcome for your child.

The team at Continuum Paediatric and Specialist Centre is ready to help. We make it easy, clear, and supportive for your whole family.

Read more in other related articles:

  •       ADHD and Autism Assessments for Children: When to Seek Professional Support
  •       Child Developmental Delays: Early Signs, Causes & When to See a Paediatric  Specialist

Book an Appointment Today

📞 Phone: (02) 6152 8340
📍 Address: Deakin Professional Centre, 5/46 Geils Court, Deakin 2600
🌐 Contact Us: mycpsc.com.au/contact