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Developmental Assessments

If you have concerns about your child's development, behaviour, or learning, Growing Together Clinic provides comprehensive developmental assessments for children and adolescents in Indooroopilly, Brisbane. Our integrated team of GPs and Consultant Paediatricians conducts thorough assessments across a wide range of developmental and behavioural concerns, helping families understand what their child needs and how to move forward with confidence.

Developmental Assessments

What We Assess

Our developmental assessment service covers a broad range of conditions and concerns, including:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Global developmental delay
  • Intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • Learning and educational concerns
  • Delays in speech, language, or communication
  • Social communication and interaction difficulties
  • Emotional and behavioural challenges
  • Sensory processing concerns
  • Motor development delays

Each assessment is tailored to your child’s age, developmental stage, and the specific concerns raised by your family, school, or referring practitioner. Our clinicians take time to build a complete picture before drawing any conclusions.

When Should Families Seek a Developmental Assessment?

Every child develops at their own pace. However, a developmental assessment may be appropriate if you have noticed:

  • Your child is not reaching expected developmental milestones
  • Difficulties with attention, learning, or following instructions at home or school
  • Challenges with social interaction, making friends, or reading social cues
  • Unusual or repetitive behaviours
  • Emotional regulation difficulties, including frequent meltdowns or anxiety
  • Concerns about your child raised by a teacher, childcare worker, or therapist
  • A general sense that your child is struggling but you are not sure why

If you are unsure whether an assessment is the right next step, our team is happy to discuss your child’s situation and help you navigate the referral process.

Ready to take the next step? Request an appointment with our team today.

All paediatric assessments at Growing Together Clinic begin with a GP appointment. Dr McVinish sees patients referred through our GP only. Book your initial GP appointment today – your child’s journey starts there.

How Our Care Pathway Works

At Growing Together Clinic, our model is designed to make high-quality paediatric care more accessible, more coordinated, and more affordable for families who need ongoing support.

1

GP Appointment (Bulk Billed)

Your child’s journey begins with an appointment with our onsite GP, who provides bulk-billed care for all ongoing needs. This first step allows us to understand your child’s concerns and arrange the right supports early.

2

Referral to Our In-House Paediatrician

When specialist input is needed, our GP will refer your child to our onsite Paediatrician for a comprehensive initial assessment. This appointment with the Paediatrician is privately billed.

3

Shared-Care Model for Follow-Up

After the Paediatrician’s initial review, most ongoing care can be safely and effectively managed by our GP. This means:

  • The GP continues bulk-billed follow-up care
  • The Paediatrician remains involved through case conferences and collaborative planning
  • The GP will seek paediatric advice at any stage, ensuring continuity and safety

4

Scripts and Management Plans

Our GP can provide all relevant prescriptions and implement management plans in consultation with the Paediatrician, keeping your child’s care joined up and consistent.

Why This Model Matters

This shared-care approach reduces the number of Paediatrician appointments families need to attend, without compromising quality. It means:

  • Lower out-of-pocket costs
  • Shorter wait times
  • More accessible ongoing care
  • A team-based approach where your child’s GP and Paediatrician work together closely

Our goal is simple: to make paediatric care easier to access, easier to afford, and better coordinated for every family.

Frequently Asked Questions

A developmental assessment is a structured evaluation of how a child is progressing across key areas including cognition and learning, language, social skills, emotional development, behaviour, and motor function. At Growing Together Clinic, the process begins with a comprehensive GP consultation covering a full developmental and medical history, review of school and therapy reports, and clinical screening tools. Where required, referral to our Consultant Paediatrician for specialist assessment follows. The initial assessment often spans two to three appointments between the GP and Paediatrician, depending on your child’s needs.

Yes. A GP or paediatrician referral is required to access our developmental assessment services. External referrals are considered; however, transitioning to our GPs is an integral part of how we deliver care at Growing Together Clinic. Our GPs work closely with our Paediatrician to ensure your child’s assessment is coordinated, informed, and efficient from the very first appointment.

Yes. Our clinic conducts assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as global developmental delay, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and learning and educational concerns. All assessments are conducted by our clinical team and are evidence-based.

The length of a developmental assessment depends on your child’s age and the nature of the concerns being assessed. Most assessments require more than one appointment. Our team will outline the expected process and timeline before your child’s assessment begins so your family knows what to expect at each stage.

Yes. GP appointments at Growing Together Clinic are bulk billed, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost for your GP consultations. Where a referral to our Paediatrician is required, that appointment is privately billed. Our shared-care model is designed to keep as much of your child’s ongoing care as possible with the GP, helping to reduce costs for families over time.

Not every developmental assessment results in a formal diagnosis. The outcome depends on your child’s individual presentation and the findings of the clinical assessment. In some cases, a diagnosis is confirmed; in others, recommendations for support, monitoring, or further evaluation are provided. Your clinician will explain the findings clearly and discuss recommended next steps in plain language.

A developmental assessment and supporting clinical report may be used as part of an NDIS application where a child meets the relevant eligibility criteria. Our clinicians provide thorough, evidence-based assessments and written reports. Please note that our doctors make independent clinical judgements based on their own assessment. Reports from allied health professionals and other specialists are carefully considered but do not determine the final medical opinion. At times, a clinical finding may differ from conclusions reached by other practitioners or from diagnoses required for NDIS funding.

It is helpful to bring any existing reports from schools, therapists, psychologists, or other health professionals, along with your referral letter and Medicare card. A developmental history questionnaire may also be sent to you prior to the appointment to complete in advance. Bringing a list of your specific concerns can also help make the most of the consultation time.

Once the assessment is complete, a written clinical report is provided outlining the findings, diagnosis where applicable, and recommendations. Our team will discuss the results with you and help coordinate any referrals, therapy services, school support documentation, care plans, or ongoing management required. Growing Together Clinic supports families beyond the point of assessment – our goal is to remain a consistent partner in your child’s care as they grow.

Request an Appointment

Growing Together Clinic provides developmental assessments for children and adolescents in Indooroopilly and across western Brisbane. Contact our team to discuss your child’s needs and take the first step.

Request an Appointment Today