CHILDREN’S HEALTH
Children’s Behavioural & Developmental GP Care in Mona Vale
Clear guidance and compassionate support for families
Support for Children’s Development and Behaviour in Mona Vale
It’s often the small things that worry parents first. A teacher mentions attention issues, your child’s emotions feel bigger than before, or you notice they’re struggling in ways their peers aren’t. Many parents tell us they spend months wondering if they’re overthinking things, being told to “wait and see”, or feeling unsure about when to seek help.
At Mona Vale Doctors, we support families across the Northern Beaches with compassionate, evidence-based GP care for children’s developmental and behavioural concerns. We understand how stressful and isolating this stage can feel, and we take the time to listen to what you’re seeing at home and hearing from school, without judgement or pressure.
As a local GP practice in Mona Vale with a strong interest in children’s health and development, our role is to help you make sense of what’s happening and guide you through the next steps with clarity and care. This may involve reassurance, practical strategies, monitoring progress over time, or referrals to trusted specialists and allied health providers when appropriate. Our aim is to help you feel supported, informed, and confident that you’re doing the right thing for your child, every step of the way.
Common Developmental & Behavioural Concerns We Assess
It’s normal for parents to have questions about their child’s development or behaviour at different stages. Sometimes concerns come on gradually, and other times they follow a noticeable change at home or school. Our GPs take the time to listen, assess your child’s needs, and help you understand what support may be helpful next.
Learning or developmental delays
We assess concerns about learning, development, or progress compared with age expectations, and help guide next steps if extra support or assessment is needed.
Speech and language concerns
If your child is slow to talk, difficult to understand, or struggling to express themselves, we can assess their development and coordinate referrals to speech pathology when needed.
Emotional or behavioural difficulties
Big emotions, frequent meltdowns, withdrawal, or changes in behaviour can be distressing for families. We help explore what may be contributing and support you with practical guidance.
Attention and concentration challenges
Difficulties with focus, impulsivity, or staying on task can affect learning and daily life. We assess these concerns carefully and discuss appropriate screening or referral options.
Social skill or peer interaction concerns
If your child struggles with friendships, social cues, or peer relationships, it can leave you feeling unsure how to help. We assess social development and guide families toward appropriate supports.
School readiness assessments
Starting school is a big transition. We assess developmental readiness and identify areas where early support may help your child feel more confident and settled.
Sleep difficulties in children
Ongoing sleep issues can affect behaviour, mood, and learning. We assess sleep patterns and offer guidance to support healthier sleep for the whole family.
Anxiety or low mood
Excessive worries, fears, or low mood in children deserve attention. We provide a safe, supportive space to talk and help connect families with the right care if needed.
ASD and ADHD screening and referrals
GPs play an important role in early identification. We provide initial assessment, screening, and referrals to paediatric specialists when autism or ADHD is suspected.
Behavioural concerns at home or school
When behaviour looks very different across settings, or is affecting family life or learning, we help assess what’s going on and support families with clear guidance.
Parenting support and family guidance
Supporting a child’s behaviour can feel overwhelming. We work alongside parents to offer reassurance, practical strategies, and guidance that feels realistic and respectful.
Referrals to paediatricians and allied health professionals
When additional support is needed, we coordinate referrals to trusted paediatricians, psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and other allied health providers, helping families navigate the system with confidence.
Meet Our Supportive and Experienced GPs
At Mona Vale Doctors, we understand how unsettling it can be to worry about your child’s development or behaviour. Many parents come to us feeling unsure, concerned, or simply wanting reassurance. Our experienced GPs take the time to listen carefully, understand your concerns, and support your family with care, patience, and respect.
Our team has extensive experience caring for children and families, with training across tertiary children’s hospitals, community paediatrics, and long-standing general practice. Several of our doctors hold additional qualifications in paediatrics, mental health, and women’s and children’s health, and are Fellows of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
We take a gentle, evidence-based approach, looking at your child’s overall health, development, and daily experiences rather than rushing to a diagnosis. Our GPs explain assessments clearly, talk through possible next steps, and help guide referrals or supports when needed, so you feel informed rather than overwhelmed.
Just as importantly, we value continuity of care. By getting to know your child over time, our GPs can monitor progress, respond to changes, and work closely with parents, schools, and allied health providers. Our goal is to help you feel supported, reassured, and confident that your child is receiving thoughtful, ongoing care at every stage.
Why Mona Vale Families Choose Us for Developmental Support
Experienced GPs in child development and behaviour: Our GPs regularly support children with developmental, emotional, and behavioural concerns, offering thoughtful assessment and guidance grounded in clinical experience.
Strong relationships with local specialists and allied health providers: When further support is needed, we connect families with trusted paediatricians, psychologists, speech therapists, and other allied health professionals.
A calm, supportive environment for children and families: We aim to make appointments feel unhurried and welcoming, helping children feel at ease and parents feel comfortable sharing concerns.
Collaborative care with parents, schools, and allied health: We work alongside families and, where appropriate, liaise with schools and other providers to support your child consistently across settings.
Clear guidance on next steps and support pathways: We explain findings in plain language and guide families through screening, referrals, and management options, so you’re not left feeling uncertain about what comes next.
Individualised care tailored to each child: Every child is different. We take the time to understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and family context, and tailor care to their specific needs.
FAQs
-
Concerns may include delayed milestones, speech difficulties, big emotional reactions, changes in behaviour, attention problems, or struggles at school or with friendships.
-
GPs can listen to concerns, offer initial observations and advice, and arrange referrals to developmental paediatricians who can provide formal assessment and diagnosis.
-
It’s a good idea to seek help if changes are persistent, worsening, affecting daily life, or causing distress for your child or family.
-
Yes. With your consent, we can collaborate with schools and work closely with paediatricians and allied health providers to support your child consistently across settings.
-
Children who have not yet started school do not incur an out-of-pocket fee. For school-aged children, standard consultation fees apply. Our team can explain this when you book so that you know what to expect.
References
New South Wales Health. Information about vaccinations. New South Wales Government. Information about vaccinations. Published May 23, 2025. Accessed September 22, 2025.
