Early identification and management of developmental delay in children

This session will equip GPs with the necessary skills to identify and manage developmental delays in children effectively.

This session is crucial for general practitioners who play a key role in the early identification and management of developmental delays in children. By attending, participants will:

• Enhance diagnostic skills: Learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of global developmental delay (GDD) across different developmental domains, ensuring timely and accurate diagnosis.
• Improve patient outcomes: Understand the importance of early intervention and the various therapeutic approaches to support children with developmental delays.
• Expand assessment tools: Gain knowledge on using standardised developmental screening tools and conducting thorough developmental history and physical examination.
• Strengthen referral processes: Learn the criteria for referral to for multidisciplinary assessments and therapy using NDIS/ECIS.
• Access resources: Receive valuable resources and support for further learning and practical application in clinical practice.

Attending this session will empower GPs to provide comprehensive and informed care for children with GDD, ultimately contributing to better health and developmental outcomes.

Speaker: Dr Riju Mittal

Dr Riju Mittal brings over 24 years of experience in Paediatrics in Melbourne, specialising in addressing the complex developmental and behavioural needs of children. Her expertise covers a wide range of conditions including Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and ADHD.

She holds dual qualifications in General Paediatrics and Community Child Health. Dr Mittal’s practice is firmly grounded in evidence and stays current through active participation in relevant conferences and memberships in professional societies such as the Australasian Society for Developmental Paediatrics (ASDP), Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) and American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).

She regularly contributes to medical education by providing formal teaching to paediatricians, trainees, and medical students. In addition to English, Dr Mittal is proficient in Hindi and Marathi, which enhances her ability to connect with a diverse range of patients and families. Being a mum of three herself, she knows how important good care is for children and always does her best to help them.

Learning outcomes:

1. Identify and interpret the signs and symptoms of developmental delay across different developmental domains, enabling them to make timely and accurate diagnoses.
2. Assess developmental history and physical examination using standardised developmental screening tools, enhancing their ability to diagnose developmental delay effectively.
3. Demonstrate the navigation of the referral system efficiently and describe the criteria for referring children to specialists for multidisciplinary assessments and early therapy given long waiting times in the system.