Every first appointment at the clinic is arranged individually. Depending on the concerns you share when you contact us, our team will decide together with you whether the first visit is best with parents only, or with parent and child together. Because each family's situation is different, first appointments are handled personally by our team rather than through a standard online booking process.
Who this guide is for
Parents who have booked a first appointment, or are considering one, for a child or teenager with developmental, learning, behavioural or emotional concerns.
Observations parents may notice
- Your child feels nervous or asks a lot of questions about the visit.
- You are unsure how much to say in front of your child.
- You are carrying several school and therapy reports and are not sure which are relevant.
- You want to leave the visit with a clearer plan, not just a label.
Information that may be useful to collect
- A short written summary of what you have noticed and when it started.
- Copies of previous school, therapy or medical reports (PDFs are ideal).
- A note of any medications, allergies or ongoing medical conditions.
- Examples from school: recent report cards, teacher comments, sample work.
- Questions you would like answered — writing them down helps.
When professional review may be helpful
- You have noticed concerns for a while and want a structured conversation.
- A teacher, therapist or family doctor has suggested a developmental review.
- You would like a coordinated plan rather than juggling separate opinions.
What the clinic consultation may consider
- Your child's developmental history and current strengths.
- How your child functions across home, school and social settings.
- Whether further assessments (educational, speech, occupational) may be useful.
- Practical strategies you can start using at home and share with school.
Similar observations can have very different explanations. An appropriate clinical assessment considers the wider context of your child's development, learning, health, family and school life. Online information cannot provide a diagnosis.
Common questions
- Should my child come to the first visit?
- Sometimes yes, sometimes the first visit is best with parents only. Our team decides this together with you individually, based on your concerns, when the appointment is arranged.
- How is a first appointment arranged?
- First appointments are arranged personally by our team rather than through a standard online booking. Please contact us with a short note about your concerns and we will guide you on the next step.
- What should I tell my child before the visit?
- If your child is coming, a simple, calm explanation works best — for example, that you are seeing a doctor who helps children with learning and feelings, and who will mostly talk with you.
- Do I need a referral?
- A referral is not required. If you have one, please share it with any existing reports so our team can prepare.
- Will I leave with a diagnosis?
- Not usually at a first visit. The visit helps clarify concerns and decide together whether further assessment is helpful before any conclusions.