Paediatric Neuropsychology is the practice of understanding the relationship between brain development, thinking skills and behaviour.
We work with infants through to young adults to understand a child/young person’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses to assist with learning, social, academic and vocational success.
Assessments may also be undertaken to determine IQ level, school readiness or to assist with mental health interventions.
Children and young people can experience difficulties in thinking skills and behaviour for a variety of different reasons. Neuropsychologists use specialised tests, questionnaires and observation to measure a range of abilities such as IQ, language, memory, attention, executive functions, social communication skills (e.g. assessment with the ADOS) and academic skills.
In addition to assessment, paediatric neuropsychologists also provide intervention services in the form of programs for children and adolescents with social skill problems, behavioural difficulties, memory impairment, fatigue, and planning and organisational difficulties at school.
Paediatric neuropsychologists work closely with paediatricians, neurologists, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, speech therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, teachers and schools to develop learning plans and strategies to support a child to achieve to their full potential.
Clinical Paediatric Neuropsychologists currently practicing and available for patient consultations at Melbourne Paediatric Specialists include: Dr Cinzia De Luca, Dr Esther Hutchinson and Dr Ellen Gentle.
