Resource
First Visit Guide
What to expect at a first consultation with our clinic.
A first developmental paediatric visit is an unhurried conversation about your child's development, learning and behaviour. Parents share what they have noticed at home and school; the paediatrician listens, asks focused questions and may briefly observe your child. The visit helps organise concerns and plan practical next steps together.
Before the visit
- Write a short one-page summary of what you have noticed and when it started.
- Gather recent school reports, therapy notes and any previous assessments.
- Note current medications, allergies and ongoing medical conditions.
- Write down two or three questions you want answered.
- Explain the visit to your child in simple, calm language.
On the day
Arrive a few minutes early. Most of the conversation is with parents, with brief interaction and observation of your child. Please avoid discussing worries in front of your child unless the paediatrician invites that; the clinic team can help you plan for that.
What happens after
The paediatrician will summarise the discussion, share initial impressions where appropriate and outline next steps. This may involve further assessment, targeted strategies for home and school, or a follow-up visit to review progress.
Common questions
- How long does a first consultation take?
- First consultations are unhurried. The clinic team confirms the expected length when arranging the appointment based on the concerns you share.
- Should my child come to the first visit?
- In most cases yes, so the paediatrician can briefly observe and interact with your child. The clinic team will confirm when arranging the appointment.
- Do I need a referral?
- A referral is not required to send an enquiry. If you have one, please include it with any existing reports so the clinic team can prepare.
- Will I leave with a diagnosis?
- Usually not at a first visit. The visit helps clarify concerns and decide together whether further assessment is helpful before drawing any conclusions.
For a fuller walkthrough of a first visit, see the first developmental visit parent guide.
This educational guide is not a diagnosis, medical assessment, emergency service or substitute for consultation with a qualified professional. Appointment requests are reviewed and arranged manually by the clinic team.
Ready to take the next step?
Appointment requests are reviewed and arranged manually by the clinic team. Submitting an enquiry does not confirm an appointment.