Developmental Assessments/Developmental Pediatrician

A Developmental Pediatrician conducts comprehensive assessments leading to diagnosis and management of children with delayed milestones (late walkers, late talkers, ex-premature babies), special needs, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). They play a central role in the multi-disciplinary care of these children.

Developmental assessments involve standardized, evidence-based evaluations to determine developmental age, severity of delay and features of disorders. These include:

• Griffiths Mental Development Scales for children with mental age 0-6 years to assess speech and language, learning, fine and gross motor skills.
• ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) standardized observation for diagnosis of autism (all ages)
• Conners Rating Scales for ADHD

In order to obtain an understanding of a child’s functioning and behavior in the real world, nursery, school or home observations are conducted to inform education and therapy plans.

A multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach is adopted where observations, opinions, reports and strategies are shared between parents, teachers, therapists and other professionals caring for the child.

Conditions assessed and managed by a Developmental Pediatrician:

Paediatric Allergy

Allergies are a common problem for children. They happen when the immune system overreacts to something that is usually harmless, such as dust, pollen, or pet dander. The immune system is supposed to protect us from harmful things like viruses and bacteria, but in children with allergies, it mistakes these harmless things for threats and attacks them.

Allergies may not manifest upon initial exposure to an allergen in your child’s body. Sensitization of the immune system occurs through repeated exposure over time, causing allergic reactions even with minimal contact with trace amounts of the allergen.

Various triggers can induce allergic responses in children, encompassing outdoor allergens like trees, pollen, and insect bites, indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and animal fur, as well as food allergies from specific foods. Eczema, a prevalent condition, necessitates a well-structured treatment plan due to its significant impact on a child’s quality of life.

Symptoms differ between cases of the same allergy. Allergies can affect the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, watery or swollen eyes, facial swelling, sneezing, coughing, breathing difficulties, itchy skin, redness, oozing or weeping bumps, stomach discomfort, vomiting, and more.

If your child displays any of these symptoms, consulting an allergist is crucial. Early identification enables the allergist to recommend an appropriate treatment plan, allowing your child to manage symptoms, take control of their condition, and enjoy an improved quality of life.

At HealthBay Clinic, we offer comprehensive diagnostic procedures, advanced equipment, and a wide array of treatment options for various allergic and immunologic conditions. Our Allergy Clinic employs a family-centered, multi-disciplinary approach, tailoring personalized treatment plans for infants and children facing allergic and immunologic diseases. This approach is particularly beneficial for children with multiple allergies, growth issues due to allergies, complex allergic reactions or with symptoms that affect their quality of life.