Developmental Delay and Special Needs Children

Developmental delay occurs when a child does not achieve developmental milestones within the expected time frames. These milestones cover a range of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills that children typically learn as they grow. It’s important to recognise that children develop at their own pace, but significant delays in reaching milestones such as walking, talking, interacting with others, or self-care skills can indicate a need for further assessment.

What is Developmental Delay?

Developmental delay refers to when a child does not achieve their developmental milestones within the expected time frames. These milestones cover a range of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills that children typically learn as they grow. It’s important to recognise that children develop at their own pace, but significant delays in reaching milestones such as walking, talking, interacting with others, or self-care skills can indicate a need for further assessment. Eaton & Australind Medical Centre understands the concerns that come with noticing a delay in a child’s development. We are committed to providing support and guidance to families navigating these concerns, emphasising the importance of early detection and intervention to maximise a child’s potential for development.

How We Can Assist at Eaton & Australind Medical

At Eaton & Australind Medical Centre, we offer comprehensive assessment for children experiencing developmental delays. Our experienced team of doctors work collaboratively with paediatricians and allied health professionals to evaluate a child’s development across various domains. We utilise standardised assessment tools and observations to identify areas of delay and to understand the child’s unique strengths and challenges. Following assessment, we create individualised care plans that may include referrals to specialists, therapeutic interventions such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physiotherapy, and ongoing support and monitoring of the child’s progress. Our approach is family-centred, recognising the vital role that families play in supporting their child’s development.

Various Types of Special Needs Children

Children with special needs may face a variety of challenges that can affect their learning, behaviour, mobility, communication, and/or care. These needs can stem from conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and learning disabilities, among others. Each child with special needs presents a unique profile of abilities and challenges, requiring tailored approaches to support their development and well-being. Eaton & Australind Medical Centre is dedicated to understanding the complexities associated with each condition, ensuring that care and interventions are as effective and supportive as possible for the child and their family.

Ways Eaton & Australind Medical Can Assist with Special Needs Children

Eaton & Australind Medical Centre provides a supportive and inclusive environment for children with special needs and their families. Our comprehensive care includes diagnostic assessments, management of associated medical conditions, coordination of care with specialists and allied health providers, and access to a range of therapeutic services designed to support the child’s development. We focus on building a supportive network around the child, including education for families on how to best support their child’s needs at home and in the community. Additionally, we advocate for the child’s needs within educational and other systems, ensuring they have the resources and accommodations necessary to thrive. Our goal is to empower children with special needs to achieve their full potential, promoting independence and quality of life.

How to Make an Appointment

Families can book appointments through our online booking system, which is available on the Eaton & Australind Medical Centre website, allowing them to choose a time that suits their schedule. For those requiring a more personal touch or having specific queries before booking, our friendly reception team is available to assist over the phone. We welcome new patients to our practice with a simple registration process that ensures we have all the necessary information to provide comprehensive and tailored care. Eaton & Australind Medical Centre is committed to offering a welcoming and supportive environment for all families, ensuring that children with developmental delays or special needs receive high-quality care and support.

Doctors who specialise in this treatment

Dr Jessica Barrett

MBBS

  • General Practice

Dr. Jessica Barrett is a highly skilled General Practitioner who is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care. She has a special focus on Preventative Health, Chronic Disease Management, and Mental Health, and is dedicated to helping patients make informed decisions about their well-being.

Dr. Barrett’s areas of expertise include Care Planning, Adult Vaccinations and PrEP prescribing, as well as a wide range of women’s health services such as Breast and Cervical Screening, Menopause management, and Family Planning. She also offers Pre and Antenatal Care, ensuring mothers and their babies receive the best possible care throughout pregnancy and beyond.

In addition to her focus on adult care, Dr. Barrett has a strong interest in Infant, Child, and Adolescent Health. She provides services that include Childhood Vaccinations, support for Developmental Delays, and advice on Sleeping and Feeding Difficulties.

Whether addressing chronic conditions, supporting mental health, or guiding patients through family planning and child health, Dr. Barrett is passionate about offering personalised and preventative care to every patient she sees.

Dr Ruth Campbell (nee Payne)

MBBS

  • Contraception
  • Lactation
  • Early Antenatal Care
  • Mirena and Implanon insertion
  • General Practice
  • Paediatrics / Child Health
  • Heart Kids
  • Postnatal Care
  • Premature Babies / Special Needs
  • Women’s Health

Dr. Ruth Campbell is a compassionate and experienced General Practitioner with a strong focus on women’s health, paediatrics, and special needs care. She earned her post-graduate medical degree in 2012 from the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle, receiving the Dean’s Award for her outstanding academic performance. Following her medical training, Dr. Campbell completed her internship at Rockingham Emergency Department and Fremantle Hospital, before moving to Bunbury to work in Emergency Medicine, Paediatrics, and Obstetrics.

Before becoming a doctor, Dr. Campbell had a successful career as a nurse specialising in Paediatric Intensive Care, which fostered her strong interest in caring for children with heart conditions, special needs children, and premature babies. Her medical expertise extends to contraception, early antenatal care, postnatal care, lactation, and paediatric health, with skills in Mirena and Implanon insertion.

As a mother of all boys, Dr. Campbell thrives in the joyful chaos of family life. Outside of work, she enjoys swimming, camping, bushwalking, and trips to the beach with her family, embracing the natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle of the South West.

Dr Martin Gadd

MBBS(London), FRCGP(UK), FFFPRHC(UK), FRACGP, DRANZCOG, DCH, DipOccMed, Graduate Certificate in Rural and Remote Medicine (UWA), Certificate of Aviation Medicine.

  • Family Planning
  • Obstetrics
  • Paediatrics / Child Health

Dr. Martin Gadd is a highly experienced General Practitioner with a long-standing focus on Obstetrics, Women’s Health, and Child Health. He earned his medical degree from St. Mary’s Hospital in London in 1983, and since then, he has achieved numerous prestigious qualifications, including Fellowship of both the Royal College of General Practitioners (UK) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Dr. Gadd also holds Fellowship of the Faculty of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Medicine (UK).

His commitment to patient care is backed by a broad spectrum of specialized diplomas and certificates, including the Diploma of Child Health (London), Diplomas in Obstetrics and Gynecology (UK and Australia), and the Diploma of Occupational Medicine (UK). He also holds the Certificate of Aviation Medicine (UK) and the Certificate of Remote and Rural Medicine (UWA).

Dr. Gadd has been a valued member of the medical team at Australind and Eaton Medical Centres since 2005. His dedication to obstetric care is well-known throughout the region, and since 2006, he has provided intrapartum obstetric care at Bunbury Hospital. Dr. Gadd played a pivotal role in establishing the award-winning Bunbury Midwifery Group Practice, which offers individualized maternity care to expectant mothers, including home birth options for those for whom it is appropriate.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Gadd is passionate about medical education. He has served as an examiner for both the UK and Australian Colleges of General Practitioners and has been a Member of the RCGP International Board, where he advised on postgraduate training and standards in Brunei Darussalam. Within his practice, Dr. Gadd oversees training and clinical governance and holds a part-time academic position at the University of Western Australia’s Rural Clinical School in Bunbury, where he mentors and educates the next generation of medical professionals.

Dr. Gadd is committed to helping his patients make informed decisions about their health care, ensuring that they receive the highest standard of care tailored to their individual needs.

Dr Janelle Jurgenson

  • Child & Adolescent Health
  • Children’s Health
  • Early Antenatal Care
  • Family Planning
  • Women’s Health

Dr. Janelle Jurgenson is a highly qualified General Practitioner with a special focus on women’s health, antenatal and postnatal care, paediatrics and chronic disease management. She graduated with honours from the University of Western Australia in 2014 (MBBS Hons) and has since pursued additional training in emergency medicine, earning both an Emergency Certificate and an Emergency Diploma from Joondalup Health Campus.

Dr. Jurgenson began her general practice journey in Albany, where she completed a Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology while working as a GP. Eventually, she returned to her hometown of Bunbury, where she continues to provide compassionate care to her patients. Dr. Jurgenson completed her General Practice training in 2023, through the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine at Australind Medical Centre.

As a mother of two young children, Dr. Jurgenson understands the importance of balancing family life and health. In her spare time, she enjoys keeping active, learning the guitar and spending time with her family.

Dr Hillary Patterson

BMBS, FRACGP

  • Children’s Health
  • General Practice
  • Implanon/IUD insertions
  • Mental Health
  • Minor Skin Surgery
  • Skin Cancer Checks
  • Skin Checks
  • Women’s Health

Dr. Hilary Patterson is a dedicated General Practitioner with a strong commitment to providing high-quality patient care. She graduated from Flinders University in Adelaide and began her medical career in the Northern Territory, gaining valuable experience in a range of healthcare settings. In 2012, she made the move to Western Australia, where she has been an integral part of the Eaton Medical Centre team since 2014.

Dr. Patterson brings her wealth of experience to every consultation, focusing on delivering personalised care to her patients. Her long-standing connection to the local community and dedication to patient well-being make her a trusted and valued member of the Eaton Medical Centre.

Dr Alana Prosser

MBBS Hons (WA), DCH

  • General Practice
  • Paediatrics
  • Women’s Health

Dr. Alana Prosser is a dedicated General Practitioner with a special interest in Paediatric Medicine and Women’s Health. She graduated with Honours from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS Hons) and completed her hospital training at Fiona Stanley, Fremantle, and Bunbury Regional Hospital.

Dr. Prosser is passionate about all aspects of General Practice, with a particular focus on paediatric care. She has spent time working on the paediatric ward at Bunbury Regional Hospital and holds a Diploma of Child Health (DCH). In addition to her expertise in paediatrics, Dr. Prosser is highly skilled in Women’s Health, including intrauterine device (Mirena) insertions.

Born and raised in the South West, Dr. Prosser is committed to serving her community and plans to continue living and practicing in the region for many years to come.

MBBS (University of Western Australia), FRACGP

  • Children’s Health
  • Mental Health
  • Women’s Health

Dr. Tysoe is a dedicated and compassionate GP with deep connections to the South West of WA. Having spent much of her childhood in Australind, she completed her medical training at the University of Western Australia and Bunbury Hospital. Since 2018, Dr. Tysoe has been living and working in the South West, where she enjoys being an active member of the community.

Outside of work, Dr. Tysoe leads a fulfilling life with her partner, two rescue dogs and many chickens. She loves gardening, crafting and playing music, which helps her unwind after caring for her patients.

With special interests in Travel Medicine (as an Authorised Yellow Fever Vaccinator), family planning, LGBTQ+ health, eating disorders, women’s health, and child health, Dr. Tysoe provides comprehensive and patient-focused care across a wide range of needs.

Please note that Dr. Tysoe does not perform skin checks but she is committed to delivering exceptional care in her areas of expertise and is always ready to support her patients on their health journeys.

Dr Melody Wheaton

  • General Practice

Dr. Melody Wheaton is a skilled General Practitioner with a focus on Women’s Health, Paediatrics, and Minor Procedures. Dr. Wheaton completed her medical training at The University of Western Australia in 2017. Before transitioning to General Practice, she gained valuable experience working across a variety of hospital specialties, particularly in Emergency Medicine, where she honed her ability to manage acute and complex cases.

Dr. Wheaton is passionate about providing comprehensive care, particularly for women and children, and she brings a calm and confident approach to every consultation. In addition to her medical expertise, she enjoys performing minor procedures, helping her patients with a wide range of treatments.

Outside of work, Dr. Wheaton loves cycling and making the most of the beautiful sunshine and coastal lifestyle in Western Australia.

Dr Celeste Williamson

MBBS, DRANZCOG, DCH

  • General Practice
  • Obstetrics
  • Paediatrics
  • Women’s Health

Dr. Celeste Williamson is a dedicated General Practitioner with a passion for family medicine, preventative health, and supporting her patients throughout their health journeys. She graduated from the University of Western Australia in 2011 with her medical degree (MBBS) and completed her internship and residency at Bunbury Regional Hospital. Dr. Williamson has pursued additional qualifications in her areas of special interest, earning a Diploma from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (DRANZCOG) and a Diploma in Child Health (DCH).

Building on her already extensive expertise in general practice, obstetrics, paediatrics, and women’s health, Dr. Williamson loves the holistic approach that family medicine offers, helping patients of all ages with preventative care and supporting them through life’s stages.

Outside of her medical practice, Dr. Williamson enjoys the lifestyle in the South West and spending time with her young family.

Doctor Rachel Cryer

Dr. Rachel Cryer is a skilled and compassionate General Practitioner who offers private billing services at the clinic. With a broad range of expertise, Dr. Cryer is especially passionate about Obstetrics, Women’s Health, Contraception (including IUD insertion), early pregnancy counselling, and acne treatment. Dr. Cryer is committed to helping patients navigate complex health decisions with care and understanding.

Dr. Cryer holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP). In addition to these qualifications, Dr. Cryer has completed the Sydney Child Health Program (formerly the Diploma of Child Health) and holds a Diploma from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (DRANZCOG).

Please note that Dr. Cryer is a private billing GP, and there will be a gap fee for each appointment, except for appointments for children under 12 months.