Children are brought to see us for a variety of reasons. We provide a dedicated Child Development Assessment Service for children and teenagers with Developmental Disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  In addition, we can assist with Cognitive (IQ) testing, School and Home based Assessment, and treatment for a range of conditions including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Mood and Anxiety disorders.

Other reasons parents bring their children to see us include behavioural difficulties or challenging behaviour, concerns about sleep, school based anxiety issues, and academic difficulties. As a multidisciplinary team with extensive experience in the treatment of children, our Specialists at Brisbane Specialist Suites are able to assist you and your child with a wide range of conditions.

Conditions treated:

  • Mood Disorders e.g., Dysthymia, Adjustment Disorder, Depression
  • Anxiety Disorders e.g., Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobia, Social Phobia, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Learning and Communication Disorders e.g., Intellectual Impairment, Expressive and Receptive Language Disorders, Stuttering
  • Elimination disorders, e.g., Problematic Bed-Wetting, Toilet Training difficulties
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behaviour Disorders, e.g., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder
  • Developmental Disorders, e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome

Which Specialists provide treatment to young children?

What do we offer?

Leaflet: Treatment for Toddlers & Children

Our Child Psychiatrists provide expert medical and psychological assessment and treatment planning.  Unlike Developmental Paediatricians, Child Psychiatrists have specific training over a number of years to help them develop expert skills in providing psychological treatments to support children and families, as well as the use of medications in the treatment of behavioural and psychological difficulties.

Our therapists, Victoria Alexander, Samantha Sheather, Glenn Munt and Alexandra Ward, provide interventions in the form of Individual Therapy and Group Therapy.  Therapeutic treatments may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Play Therapy, and Group Therapy.

If you require Dietetic support we have a number of excellent community dietitians we can refer you to, they can provide nutritional advice in relation to:

  • Fussy Eating in Toddlers and Children
  • Dietary advice in the management of behavioural or developmental disorders (e,g., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders)
  • Nutritional support in the context of medical conditions or metabolic effects of prescribed medications

What is involved in assessment?

Whether you see a Psychiatrist or Psychologist first, a comprehensive assessment should always involve a detailed history from caregivers. This will involve both parents or guardians. The involvement of both guardians is particularly important if the child in question is required to live between two households. This part of the assessment will focus on:

Your Specialist will also request collateral information from prior treatment providers (GP, psychologist) as well as school (teacher, guidance officer or school chaplain).

The second part of the assessment will involve an interview with your child. Your child may be interviewed alone, which is common practice. Whilst taking a history, your Specialist should also screen your child for any co-existing learning or language disorder which might impact on their capacity to self-soothe and participate in school-or peer-based activities.

Depending on the history, your Specialist may recommend blood tests to exclude possible co-existing medical conditions that can typically manifest with anxiety symptoms. This is particularly important if you are considering medication.

What treatment can we expect?

Good practice dictates that first line treatment should consist of regular psychological treatment from an appropriately skilled Psychologist, Psychotherapist or Child Psychiatrist with experience with children of this age. Psychotherapeutic sessions will generally occur weekly or fortnightly, and generally use principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Caregivers are encouraged to be strong participants in their child’s therapy. Your Specialist at Brisbane Specialist Suites will teach caregivers skills so that they may have the knowledge to reinforce strategies at home.

Medication is only considered when psychological strategies have failed, or when anxiety is of such severity that the child is unable to participate in psychological treatment or has serious thoughts of self-harm. Medication should only be considered under the supervision of a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

Child Therapy

Children are brought to see us for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, children come to see us if they are struggling with Anxiety or Mood symptoms. Other reasons parents bring their children to see us include behavioural difficulties or challenging behaviour, concerns about sleep, school based anxiety issues, and academic difficulties.  As a multidisciplinary team with extensive experience in the treatment of children, our Specialists at Brisbane Specialist Suites are able to assist you and your child with a wide range of conditions.

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