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School holidays are here. Here’s your permission slip. 📋💙

Permission to let the routine slip a bit.​ Permission to not have every day planned.​ Permission to call it a win if everyone got fed and no one cried for too long.​

You’ve made it through the term. That counts.​😉

Happy holidays from all of us at Smart Paeds. And if you need us - we’re here. 💙 smartpaeds.com.au​

[Perth school holidays, WA school holidays, school holidays Perth, Perth parents, parenting support, neurodiverse families, ADHD parenting, autism parenting, family wellbeing, school break, raising kids, child development, parent support, Smart Paeds, Perth paediatrician]

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Parental Burnout Is Real: How to Care for Yourself While Caring for Kids 

You’ve packed the lunchboxes, answered work emails, survived another bedtime routine, and somehow, you’re still on your feet. Parenting is rewarding, yes, but it can also be relentless. If you’ve ever felt emotionally drained, detached, or simply running on empty, you’re not alone. 

Psychologists call this  parental burnout – a state of overwhelming exhaustion caused by chronic stress and the constant demands of parenting. It’s more than just a tough week; it’s a slow build-up that can affect your mood, relationships, and even your ability to connect with your child. 

What Exactly Is Parental Burnout? 

According to research published in  Frontiers in Psychology, parental burnout occurs when the daily load of caregiving exceeds the resources available to manage it; physically, emotionally, or socially. Unlike workplace stress, parents can’t “clock out,” so recovery often takes longer. 

Common signs include: 

Persistent fatigue, even after rest 

Feeling emotionally detached or irritable 

Loss of patience or enjoyment in parenting 

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions 

Guilt or shame about “not doing enough” 

The  Australian Psychological Society  notes that burnout can affect anyone, whether you’re parenting a toddler, a teen, or a child with additional needs. Recognising the signs early is the first step toward recovery. 

Why It Happens? 

Parenting today comes with pressures our own parents never faced – endless information online, social comparisons, and limited downtime. Add sleep deprivation, financial stress, or caring for a child with behavioural or developmental challenges, and it’s no wonder many parents feel stretched beyond capacity. 

A 2021 study in the Journal of Child and Family Studies found that mothers and fathers of children with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder experience higher rates of burnout due to constant vigilance and the emotional intensity of care. This doesn’t mean love is lacking, it simply highlights how  sustained stress without adequate support  can impact even the most dedicated parents. 

How to Protect Your Energy and Wellbeing 

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s essential. Children thrive when their caregivers are emotionally regulated and well-supported. Here’s how you can start restoring balance: 

1. Acknowledge the load – Give yourself permission to admit that parenting is hard. Suppressing stress doesn’t make it disappear, recognising it does. 

2. Set realistic expectations – Perfection is a myth. Focus on connection over perfection – kids remember laughter and warmth more than spotless houses. 

3. Share responsibilities – Divide household and caregiving duties where possible. Research from the  University of Queensland  shows that shared parenting reduces stress and strengthens family relationships. 

4. Build your village – Stay connected to supportive friends, family, or parenting groups. Even short conversations can make you feel seen and grounded. 

5. Prioritise small recharges – Ten minutes of deep breathing, a short walk, or even listening to music counts. Consistency matters more than duration. 

6. Seek professional support – If feelings of exhaustion or hopelessness persist, talk to your GP. They can provide guidance or a  referral to a paediatrician or psychologist at Smart Paeds for further support, not only for your child’s wellbeing but for yours, too. 

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself doesn’t make you less of a parent, it makes you a stronger one. 

Our team works closely with families to support both children and parents, because healthy families start with healthy caregivers. 

[smartpaeds]

Nutrition Beyond Sugar: The Gut–Brain Link and Behaviour in Children 

Ever noticed how your child’s mood or focus changes after certain meals? One moment they’re calm and focused, the next they’re fidgety or cranky, and what’s on their plate might have more to do with it than you think. 

Over the past decade, scientists have discovered a fascinating connection between the  gut and the brain, often referred to as the  gut–brain axis. According to a review in the  Annals of Gastroenterology, this two-way communication system links the digestive tract and the nervous system, meaning that what happens in the gut can influence mood, attention, and even behaviour. 

The Gut–Brain Axis: Why It Matters 

The gut is home to trillions of microbes that help digest food, produce essential vitamins, and support the immune system. Researchers from  Nature Reviews Neuroscience  found that these gut bacteria can affect how the brain regulates mood and stress, influencing a child’s ability to concentrate and manage emotions. 

In fact, some studies suggest that children with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may show differences in gut bacteria compared to neurotypical peers. A 2018 paper in  Frontiers in Psychiatry discussed how gut microbes may influence key brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, both vital for focus, motivation, and emotional control. 

While this doesn’t mean diet alone can treat ADHD or ASD, it does highlight how nutrition plays a supportive role in a child’s overall development and behaviour. 

What’s on the Plate Matters 

Certain foods can have a surprisingly strong effect on how children feel and function. 

Fibre-rich foods - Research published in the  Journal of Neuroscience  shows that whole grains, fruits, and vegetables support healthy gut bacteria that promote steadier energy and mood. 

Omega-3 fatty acids - Studies from the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that omega-3s (found in salmon, sardines, flaxseed) may help improve attention and reduce hyperactivity in some children. 

Protein - Foods like eggs, lean meats, and legumes help balance blood sugar and provide amino acids essential for producing neurotransmitters. 

Iron and zinc - Low levels of these nutrients have been linked to reduced concentration and irritability in children, according to  Pediatric Neurology. 

Probiotics and fermented foods - A follow-up study in  E-BioMedicine  found that probiotics, such as those in yoghurt or kefir, may help balance gut bacteria and support emotional regulation. 

And of course, reducing  added sugars, processed snacks, and artificial colours  can make a real difference, not just for physical health but for steadier energy and emotional stability too. 

Practical Nutrition Tips for Families 

Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean dramatic overhauls. Small, consistent changes go a long way: 

Start mornings with a balanced breakfast – eggs, whole-grain toast, or yoghurt instead of sugary cereals. 

Pack  protein-rich snacks such as cheese cubes, hummus, or nuts for steady energy. 

Involve your child in grocery shopping and cooking, they’re more likely to try new foods when they help make them. 

Keep  hydration in check; even mild dehydration can affect focus and mood. 

For specific dietary advice or supplementation, consider speaking with a  paediatric dietitian. 

Good nutrition does more than fuel growing bodies, it helps nurture developing minds. Supporting gut health through balanced meals can positively influence your child’s focus, energy, and emotional wellbeing. 

If you’ve noticed ongoing concerns with your child’s eating habits, focus, or mood, it’s best to start by speaking with your GP. They can help rule out nutritional deficiencies and, if needed, write a referral to one of our specialist paediatricians at Smart Paeds for further management and support. Our specialists can help you build realistic, family-friendly nutrition plans that support your child’s growth – from gut to brain. 

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10 Signs Your Toddler Might Need a Developmental Check 

Most parents spend a lot of time wondering whether their child is hitting the right milestones. You find yourself comparing notes at playgroup, scanning articles at midnight, and quietly watching your toddler to see whether they are doing what other kids their age seem to be doing. 

That instinct to pay attention is a good one. Child development milestones exist as useful guides, not strict deadlines, but they do help us notice when a child might benefit from a closer look. Early developmental concerns, when identified early, can open the door to support that makes a real difference. 

Here are ten things that may be worth discussing with a professional if you notice them in your toddler. 

Signs that may be worth exploring 

Not babbling or using words by 12 to 15 months. Most toddlers begin experimenting with sounds well before their first birthday. If your child is not babbling by around 12 months or not using any recognisable words by 15 months, it may be worth mentioning to your GP or child health nurse at your next visit. 

Limited or no eye contact. Eye contact is one of the earliest forms of social connection. If your toddler rarely makes eye contact, even with familiar caregivers, it could be something a professional would want to explore further as part of a broader developmental picture. 

Not pointing or gesturing by 12 months. Pointing to share interest, waving, or reaching up to be held are all important communication markers. If these gestures are not emerging around the expected time, it may be worth raising at your next health check. 

Loss of skills they previously had. If your child was saying a few words and then stopped, or seemed to be progressing well and has become more withdrawn, this is always something worth bringing to a professional’s attention promptly, rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own. 

Significant distress around changes in routine. Many toddlers resist change, but if your child becomes extremely distressed by minor shifts in routine or needs rigid sameness to get through the day, it may be helpful to discuss this with a paediatrician to understand what might be going on. 

Limited pretend play. By around 18 months, most toddlers begin simple pretend play, like feeding a toy or pretending to talk on the phone. If imaginative play does not seem to be emerging by age two, it could be useful to mention this during a developmental check. 

Strong or unusual responses to sensory input. A child who is very sensitive to sounds, textures, or touch, or who seems to seek out intense sensory experiences, may benefit from a conversation with a professional about whether further assessment could be helpful. 

Not walking independently by 18 months. While there is a natural range in when children walk, most are walking independently by 15 months. If your child is not walking by 18 months, a developmental assessment for toddlers is a reasonable next step to explore. 

Difficulty engaging with other children. Toddlers are not expected to play cooperatively until around age three, but showing very little interest in other children, or becoming consistently distressed in social settings, can be something worth discussing during a paediatric developmental check. 

Your gut is telling you something is not quite right. Parents know their child better than anyone. If something feels off, even if you cannot name exactly what it is, that is a valid reason to seek a professional opinion. Trusting that instinct is not overreacting. It is good parenting. 

What are the early signs of developmental delay in toddlers? 

Some patterns that professionals may look at when considering a developmental assessment include limited communication (few or no words, minimal babbling, or difficulty following simple instructions), reduced social engagement such as limited eye contact or little interest in others, and motor differences such as late walking or difficulty with coordination. It is important to remember that no single behaviour tells the whole story. If you notice a pattern across several areas, or if something has changed in your child’s development, it is worth raising with your GP rather than trying to interpret it on your own. 

When should a child have a developmental assessment? 

There is no single right age. In Australia, routine child health checks are offered at key ages including one, two, and three and a half years, and these are natural opportunities to raise any concerns. But you do not need to wait for a scheduled check if something is on your mind. Early intervention services tend to be most effective when accessed as early as possible, so if you are noticing something that does not feel right, a conversation with your GP is a straightforward first step. They can assess whether a referral to a developmental paediatrician in Perth would be appropriate. 

If several of the signs above resonate with you, the most practical next step is to bring them up with your GP. They can review your child’s development, discuss your concerns, and refer you on for a more detailed paediatric developmental check if needed. From there, a specialist can help make sense of what they observe and guide you on whether any further support would be beneficial. 

Getting a developmental check does not mean something is definitively wrong. It means you are being proactive, and for many families, it is the first step toward getting their child the right support at the right time. 

Not sure where to start? Your GP is a great first point of contact. With a referral, your child can be seen by a paediatrician or psychologist at Smart Paeds for a thorough developmental assessment, with support tailored to your child and your family. 

Smart Paeds supports families across Perth with guidance, assessments, and ongoing care, working closely with parents, schools, and healthcare providers. 

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Digital Addiction in Children: Early Warning Signs 

It started gradually. First it was thirty minutes after school, then an hour, then the tablet was appearing at the dinner table and the arguments about turning it off were becoming a nightly event. Your child, who used to love riding bikes and kicking a ball around, now seems uninterested in anything that does not involve a screen. And when you do take it away, the reaction is intense, far more intense than you would expect. 

Sound familiar? Concerns about screen addiction in children are among the most common things parents raise with paediatricians today, and for good reason. 

What is digital addiction in children? 

Digital addiction, sometimes referred to as Screen Dependency Disorder, describes a pattern where a child’s use of screens becomes compulsive and begins to interfere with their daily life, relationships, sleep, and development. It is not about the occasional long weekend of gaming or a movie marathon during school holidays. It is about a consistent pattern where screens take priority over everything else, and where removing them causes significant distress. 

The impact of mobile phones and devices on a child’s brain is well documented. Screens, particularly apps and games designed to be engaging, trigger dopamine responses in ways that can make it genuinely hard for children to disengage. Their brains are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to these effects than adults. 

Signs of screen addiction in kids 

Not every child who loves screens has a problem, but there are some patterns worth paying attention to.

Digital addiction kids symptoms can include: 

Persistent preoccupation with screens, even when not using them 

Strong emotional reactions, such as rage, distress, or shutdown, when screen time ends 

Declining interest in activities they previously enjoyed 

Difficulty sleeping, or staying up late to use devices 

Withdrawal from family, friends, or social activities 

Declining school performance or difficulty concentrating 

Sneaking devices or lying about how much time they have spent on screens 

The effects of excessive screen time 

The excessive screen time effects on children go beyond behaviour. Research links heavy screen use with disrupted sleep patterns, reduced physical activity, delayed language development in younger children, increased anxiety and low mood, and difficulties with attention. For children who are already managing underlying conditions such as ADHD or anxiety, excessive screen use can amplify those challenges significantly. 

It is also worth noting that not all screen time is equal. Passive consumption, such as watching videos for hours, tends to have a greater negative impact than interactive or creative screen use. Context matters. 

How much screen time is too much for children in Australia? 

Australian guidelines recommend no screen time for children under two (except video calls), no more than one hour per day for children aged two to five, and no more than two hours of recreational screen time per day for children aged five to seventeen. These are guidelines, not hard rules, but they provide a useful reference point. 

The more important question is not just how many hours, but what impact screens are having on your child’s sleep, mood, relationships, and daily functioning. A child spending two hours a day on screens who is sleeping well, engaging with family, and thriving at school looks very different from one spending the same amount of time but showing signs of distress or withdrawal. 

How to reduce screen time in children 

Reducing screen time works best when it is gradual and consistent. Sudden removal often increases conflict without addressing the underlying pull. Some practical starting points: 

Set clear, predictable screen time limits and stick to them across all caregivers 

Create screen-free zones at home, such as bedrooms and the dinner table 

Offer alternative activities that genuinely interest your child, rather than just removing the screen 

Give transition warnings before screen time ends to reduce abrupt emotional reactions 

Model healthy screen habits yourself where possible 

If you have tried setting limits and the situation is not improving, or if your child’s screen use is affecting their mental health, sleep, school performance, or family relationships, it is worth seeking professional support. Child mental health support and child behavioural therapy can help families develop strategies that work for their specific situation, and can also look at whether underlying factors such as anxiety, ADHD, or social difficulties are contributing to the pattern. 

A paediatric behavioural specialist can assess the full picture and work with your family on a plan that addresses both the behaviour and what might be driving it. 

If you have concerns about your child’s screen use or behaviour, a good first step is to speak with your GP. They can provide guidance and, if needed, a referral to a paediatrician or psychologist at Smart Paeds for further support.  

Smart Paeds supports families across Perth with guidance, assessments, and ongoing care, working closely with parents, schools, and healthcare providers. 

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Why So Many Kids Are Being Diagnosed with ADHD Today 

Lately, it feels like every second conversation among parents touches on ADHD. A child in your son’s class just got diagnosed. Your daughter’s teacher has suggested an assessment. Or maybe you have been quietly wondering about your own child for a while now, noticing the restlessness, the forgotten homework, the difficulty sitting through dinner without bouncing off the walls. 

So why are ADHD diagnosis rates rising? 

There is no single reason, but a few things are contributing to the increase in ADHD diagnosis in children today. 

For a long time, ADHD was thought of as a condition that mainly affected hyperactive boys. We now know that ADHD in children presents in many different ways, including the quieter, more inattentive type that is easily missed, particularly in girls. As awareness has grown, more children who would have previously gone unnoticed are now being identified and supported. 

Teachers are often the first to flag concerns, and with greater awareness of ADHD in children’s symptoms, those conversations with parents are happening earlier than they once did. 

There is also the reality that the demands placed on children today are different.

Importantly, rising ADHD diagnosis rates do not mean ADHD is being over-diagnosed. For many children, getting a diagnosis brings enormous relief, both for them and for their families. It explains a great deal, and it opens the door to real support. 

What are the symptoms of ADHD in children? 

The symptoms of ADHD in children generally fall into three patterns: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or a combination of both. 

Inattentive symptoms might look like

difficulty staying focused on tasks,

losing things constantly,

forgetting instructions, or seeming to daydream.

Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms might look like

fidgeting,

interrupting,

difficulty waiting, or always being “on the go.”

Many children show a mix of both. 

What is the process for an ADHD diagnosis in Australia? 

Many parents wonder what a child ADHD assessment actually involves. In Australia, a formal ADHD diagnosis is made by a paediatric ADHD specialist or developmental paediatrician. The process typically includes a detailed developmental history, input from parents and teachers through standardised questionnaires, and a clinical assessment of the child. 

It is thorough for good reason. ADHD shares features with other conditions, including

anxiety,

learning difficulties, and

sleep problems,

so a careful evaluation helps ensure the right picture is being formed.

At an ADHD assessment clinic, the goal is not just to confirm or rule out a diagnosis, but to understand the whole child. 

Can ADHD symptoms change as a child grows older? 

Yes, and this is something many parents are not told upfront. ADHD does not look the same across all ages. Hyperactivity, for example, often becomes less visible in adolescence, but inattention and difficulty with organisation can become more pronounced as school demands increase. Some young people develop strong coping strategies over time, while others may need adjusted support as they move through different stages.

This is why ongoing review with a developmental paediatrician matters, not just a one-time assessment. 

The importance of ADHD diagnosis and treatment goes beyond a label.

Understanding what is happening for a child changes how parents respond,

how teachers teach, and

how the child sees themselves.

ADHD services that take a whole-family, collaborative approach make a genuine difference. 

If you are in Perth’s southern suburbs and wondering whether your child might benefit from a child ADHD assessment, early evaluation is always worthwhile. 

Smart Paeds supports families across Perth with guidance, assessments, and ongoing care, working closely with parents, schools, and healthcare providers. 

[smartpaeds]

Two Languages at Home, One Worry in Mind: The Truth About Bilingualism and Speech Development 

Your son is three years old. At home, he hears Mandarin (or another foreign language) from his grandparents, English from you, and a mix of both at daycare. His cousin, who grew up in a one-language household, seems to be chatting away with full sentences. Your son is quieter, slower to string words together, and now his daycare educator has mentioned she is keeping an eye on his language. 

Your mind goes to the obvious question:  Is raising him in two languages making things harder?

Whether the second language at home is Mandarin, Hindi, Arabic, Tagalog, or any other language, the question is the same. And it is one of the most common concerns paediatricians hear from bilingual families.

The short answer is no, bilingualism does not cause speech delays. But it is worth unpacking why that myth exists and what parents should actually be watching for. 

What Is Actually Going On?

Children learning two languages at the same time are doing something genuinely complex. Their brains are sorting through:

Two sets of sounds

Two vocabularies

Two grammar systems

Different people speaking different languages

That is a significant cognitive task, and naturally, it can take a little more time.

One thing bilingual children often do early on is mix words from both languages in the same sentence. This is called code-switching. It is actually a sign that the child is drawing on everything they know to communicate. It is normal, and most children naturally sort the languages out as they get older. 

What parents can look out for 

While bilingualism is not a cause for concern on its own, speech development does still follow a general timeline. Some things worth paying attention to, regardless of how many languages are spoken at home: 

By 12 months, most children are babbling and using at least one or two words with meaning. 

By 18 months, they are typically using around 10 to 20 words. 

By age 2, they are usually putting two words together, even if the words come from different languages. 

By age 3, they should be understood by people outside the family most of the time, and be using short sentences. 

If your child seems to understand what is said to them in either language but is not speaking much, or if they are not responding to their name, not pointing at things, or seems very limited in how they communicate overall, those are things worth raising with a professional. 

What helps 

The most important thing parents can do is keep talking, reading, and engaging with their child in whichever language or languages feel natural. Research strongly supports that children benefit from rich exposure to both languages, rather than being pushed toward just one. 

A few practical things that tend to help: 

Reading books and telling stories in both languages exposes children to vocabulary they might not hear in everyday conversation. 

Narrating what you are doing during daily routines builds language in a low-pressure, natural way. 

Responding warmly and expansively when your child does communicate, even with a single word or a mix of languages, encourages them to keep trying. 

Avoiding pressure or correction when they mix languages keeps the experience positive. 

It is also worth letting both sets of caregivers, grandparents included, know that speaking their own language confidently is a gift, not a problem. 

If you have concerns about your child’s speech and language development, it is always reasonable to get a professional opinion rather than waiting and wondering.

This is especially true

if your child does not seem to understand instructions in either language,

is hard to understand even for family members by age 3,

stopped using words they previously had, or

is showing other developmental differences in areas like play, social connection, or attention. 

A speech pathologist with experience in bilingual children can assess across both languages and give a much clearer picture than a checklist alone. Your paediatrician can help guide you on whether a referral makes sense. 

Raising a child in a bilingual home is one of the most valuable things you can offer them, not just for communication, but for connection to family, culture, and a wider world. The occasional slower stretch in spoken language is usually just the brain doing its work behind the scenes. 

Trust your instincts as a parent. If something feels off, it is worth checking. If everything feels steady, keep doing what you are doing. 

Smart Paeds supports families across Perth with guidance, assessments, and ongoing care, working closely with parents, schools, and healthcare providers. 

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Masking in Autism: Why Some Kids Go Undiagnosed 

She sits quietly in class, follows instructions, and gets along well with her peers. At home, though, it is a different story. By the time she walks through the front door, she is exhausted, overwhelmed, and often falls apart over something small. Her parents sense something is off, but every professional they have spoken to says she seems fine. 

What they may be seeing is masking, and it is one of the main reasons autism masking in children goes unrecognised for years. 

What is autism masking? 

Masking refers to the conscious or unconscious effort some children on the autism spectrum make to hide or suppress their autistic traits in social situations. They watch others carefully and mimic what they see. They learn the “rules” of conversation and apply them deliberately. They hold in their sensory discomfort, their urge to stim, their anxiety, until they are somewhere they feel safe enough to let it out. 

Why do some children learn to hide autism traits? 

Children mask for many reasons, and most of them come down to a desire to fit in and avoid negative attention. From a young age, children pick up on social expectations, and those who find social interaction naturally harder will often work to close that gap in whatever way they can. 

Girls are particularly likely to mask. Research suggests that girls with autism spectrum disorder tend to develop stronger social imitation skills earlier, which means their difficulties are less visible on the surface. This is one of the key reasons high-functioning autism signs are more frequently missed in girls than in boys. 

Bright, intellectually capable children are also more prone to masking. They figure out what is expected and deliver it, even when it costs them significantly to do so. 

What does masked autism look like at home? 

Because masking is most intense in public or structured settings, home is often where the cracks appear. Parents frequently describe a child who holds everything together at school but unravels in the safety of home. This is sometimes called the “coke bottle effect”, where everything gets shaken up all day and then releases the moment the child feels secure. 

Some signs that may point to undiagnosed autism in kids include: 

Extreme exhaustion after school or social events 

Meltdowns or emotional shutdowns at home that seem disproportionate 

Strong sensitivity to sensory input such as sounds, textures, or clothing 

Scripted or rehearsed-sounding conversation 

Deep, narrow interests that dominate their thinking and conversation 

Anxiety around social situations, even when they appear to manage them well 

What are the risks of a delayed autism diagnosis? 

When autism goes unidentified, children do not get access to the support that could make a meaningful difference. Sensory processing disorder, social communication difficulties, and anxiety often go unaddressed, and children are left to manage on their own with strategies that are not sustainable long term. 

The mental health toll is real. Many children who masked for years report feeling profoundly misunderstood, exhausted, and disconnected from their own sense of self. By the time a diagnosis comes in adolescence or adulthood, there is often a significant amount of untangling to do. 

What should parents do if they are concerned? 

Trust what you are seeing at home. Parents are often the first to notice that something does not add up, even when their child appears to be managing in other settings. A professional who only sees the school report may miss the full picture. 

An ASD evaluation for children carried out by a developmental paediatrician takes into account the whole child, across multiple settings and over time. If you are looking for an autism assessment in Perth, particularly in the southern suburbs, seeking out a specialist with experience in masking and girls’ presentations is worth asking about when you make your enquiry. 

Getting clarity is not about labelling your child. It is about making sure they have what they need to thrive.  

If you have concerns about your child, a good first step is to speak with your GP. They can provide guidance and, if needed, a referral to a paediatrician or psychologist at Smart Paeds for further support.  

Smart Paeds supports families across Perth with guidance, assessments, and ongoing care, working closely with parents, schools, and healthcare providers.