Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics - Brighton Health Clinic For Kids

Developmental & Behavioural Paediatrics

Many of our paediatricians have a special interest and have undertaken additional training in developmental and behavioural paediatrics. We work with families to understand your child’s strengths and challenges and support them to thrive.

We commonly support children presenting with:

Learning difficulties
Attention concerns, including ADHD
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Social and friendship challenges
Speech, language or other developmental delays
Challenging and oppositional behaviour
Tics and Tourette’s disorder
Toileting issues
Mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression

Thorough assessment of these presentations often involves consultation over several visits and may include additional assessments, as well as multidisciplinary care from allied health professionals and supports within your child’s education setting. You will work with your paediatrician as a team to set goals, monitor progress and help your child build on their strengths.

Comprehensive Developmental Care

We provide holistic care for children and adolescents experiencing developmental, learning, social or behavioural challenges. Our paediatricians take a whole-child approach, considering each child’s developmental history, strengths and environment to better understand their needs.

Individualised Developmental Support

We work closely with families to tailor support to each child’s individual strengths and challenges. Our goal is to provide practical guidance and evidence-based strategies that help children build skills, confidence and meaningful engagement in everyday life.

Comprehensive Evaluation and Planning

Understanding developmental and behavioural concerns requires a thoughtful and comprehensive assessment process. This may include gathering a detailed developmental history, observing and interacting with your child, reviewing reports, and collaborating with schools, educators and allied health professionals.

Meet our Developmental and Behavioural Paediatricians

Dr Barry Kras

General Paediatrician

Dr. Barry Kras’s areas of interest include ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder and associated Developmental and Behavioural problems and participates in Multi-Disciplinary assessments of children and adolescents with these issues.

Dr Betty Messazos

General Paediatrician

Dr Betty sees children of all ages with acute and chronic issues, with a clinical interest in growth, behaviour, neurodevelopment, feeding, sleep and continence issues. She has fellowship training in paediatric endocrinology with experience in managing puberty, stature, thyroid disorders and childhood obesity.

Dr Carlota Espejo-Díaz

General Paediatrician

Dr Carlota completed her medical and specialist Paediatric training in Spain. She has been working in Australia since 2022 and has worked across the Queensland Children’s Hospital, Frankston Hospital and Ballarat Hospital.

Dr Chamilka Edirisinghe

Consultant Paediatrician

Dr. Chamilka is an experienced general paediatrician with over 20 years of expertise in caring for children from newborns to adolescents. She has a special interest in behavioural and developmental concerns, including autism, ADHD, other challenging behaviours, developmental delays, and learning difficulties.

Dr James Mulvany

General Paediatician

Dr. Mulvany applies an evidence based, family centred approach towards his consultations and is experienced in a wide range of issues including : Newborn & infant health, Poor weight gain, feeding issues, Asthma, eczema, Developmental concerns, Behavioural problems, ADHD, Autistic spectrum disorders.

Dr Katherine Parkhurst

General Paediatrician

Dr Katherine is a dedicated General Paediatrician with a special interest in neonates and medical education and has clinical interests in allergy, asthma, continence and development in children.

Dr Katrina (Katie) Stranks

General Paediatrician

Dr Katie has particular interests in developmental and behavioural paediatrics. As a mum of two young children, Katie understands the challenges and joys of parenting. She takes a compassionate and practical approach, and enjoys working with families, GPs, and allied health professionals to support each child’s growth and wellbeing.