Developmental Paediatrician
Developmental paediatrician Dr Vivek Akkera offers specialist care to children across Sydney needing assessment and management for ADHD, autism, GDD, and other behavioural or learning concerns.
If you have questions, here is a good place to start.
What Is a Developmental Paediatrician?
A developmental paediatrician is a specialist medical doctor who focuses on how children develop, learn, communicate, and behave. They work closely with families to assess children who may be experiencing delays or difficulties in areas such as speech, social interaction, attention, learning, or emotional regulation.
At Medivik, this goes further than applying labels. Developmental paediatrician Dr Vivek Akkera focuses on understanding each child’s unique strengths and challenges, providing thorough assessments, practical guidance, and connections to appropriate support services.
When to Seek a Developmental Paediatrician
Parents often wonder whether their child’s development is typical or whether professional assessment might be helpful. You might consider seeking a developmental paediatrician’s expertise if you’ve noticed concerns such as:
- Speech or language delays, including limited vocabulary or difficulty expressing needs
- Attention difficulties, hyperactivity, or impulsivity affecting home or school life
- Social or communication challenges, such as difficulty making friends or understanding social cues
- Repetitive behaviours, intense interests, or sensitivity to sensory experiences
- Behavioural or emotional regulation difficulties, including frequent meltdowns or anxiety
- Learning challenges or difficulties with school readiness
- Concerns raised by teachers, childcare educators, or early childhood professionals
You might also seek assessment if your child was born prematurely or had early health challenges requiring neonatal care, as these children sometimes benefit from developmental monitoring as they grow.
Meet Our Developmental Paediatrician
Dr Vivek Akkera is a developmental paediatrician who provides comprehensive assessments and ongoing care for children with developmental, behavioural, learning, and neurodevelopmental concerns.
- Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP)
- Nearly 10 years within the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
- Member of the Australasian Society for Developmental Paediatrics
- Member of the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association
- Trained in Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2)
- Extensive experience in developmental and behavioural paediatrics, including developmental delays, learning difficulties, and school-related concerns
Why Choose Medivik for Developmental Paediatrics
Families across Sydney trust Dr Akkera and Medivik for specialist developmental paediatric care that combines clinical expertise with genuine compassion.
Child-Centred, Family-Focused Care
We understand that seeking developmental assessment can feel overwhelming for families. Our approach prioritises your child's comfort and wellbeing throughout the assessment process. We take time to listen to your concerns, understand your family's context, and involve you as active partners in your child's care.
Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Assessments
Our developmental assessments use evidence-based practices and standardised tools to build a thorough understanding of your child's strengths and support needs. We consider medical history, developmental milestones, behavioural observations, and educator input to provide practical, well-rounded recommendations.
Accessible Appointments and Transparent Pricing
Medivik prioritises reasonable appointment availability, working to see families within weeks rather than months wherever possible. We also believe in transparent communication about consultation fees and Medicare rebates upfront, so families can make informed decisions without unexpected costs or confusion about billing.
Our Developmental & Behavioural Services
Medivik provides comprehensive assessment and support across a range of developmental and behavioural concerns affecting children from infancy through adolescence.
ADHD Assessments
Comprehensive assessment for children experiencing inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity concerns. We evaluate symptoms across home and school settings, explore potential contributing factors, and provide guidance on behavioural strategies, school support, and appropriate management options tailored to your child's needs.
Autism Spectrum Assessments
Thorough assessment for children with social communication differences, repetitive behaviours, or sensory sensitivities. Dr Akkera's ADOS-2 training supports detailed, gold-standard autism assessments. We work with families to understand their child's unique profile and connect them with early intervention and support services.
Developmental Delay Assessments
Assessment for children who may be reaching milestones later than expected in areas such as motor skills, language, cognition, or self-care. We identify specific areas of delay, explore underlying causes, and recommend appropriate therapies and early intervention services to support your child's development.
Behavioural & Emotional Concerns
Support for children experiencing challenging behaviours, anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, or mood concerns. We explore factors contributing to behavioural challenges and provide families with practical strategies, school support recommendations, and referrals to allied health professionals when appropriate.
Learning & School Readiness Concerns
Assessment for children struggling with learning, concentration, or school performance. We evaluate cognitive abilities, attention, and learning profiles to identify specific learning differences and provide recommendations for educational support, school accommodations, and appropriate interventions.
Neonatal & Early Development Follow-Up
Specialised developmental monitoring for children who were born prematurely, had neonatal intensive care admissions, or experienced early health challenges. Dr Akkera's neonatal expertise ensures careful tracking of developmental progress and early identification of any emerging concerns requiring support.
Your Child's Journey
Your First Visit
Your journey begins here. Book your child’s first appointment through our online portal. A referral isn’t required, but it is if you’d like to claim a Medicare rebate.
Preparing for Your Visit
Please bring your referral letter, Medicare card, and Blue Book. School reports, past records, or short videos of symptoms are also helpful for giving us a clear picture.
Virtual Consultations
Some visits are easier from home. Telehealth lets you connect with your paediatrician clearly and reliably, without the stress of travel or waiting.
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The Day of Your Visit
Your first consultation usually lasts 40 minutes. You’ll find us at the Bond Building in Bella Vista, Dangar Medical Practice in Singleton, or the Riverside Park Office Tower in West Gosford.
Is your child struggling with behavioural challenges?
Book a Developmental Assessment
Parent Form
- Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 509/8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista
- 33 Dangar Rd, Singleton
- GF/69 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford
- 02 8530 8312
- 02 7249 3080
- info@medivik.com.au
- medivik.com.au
After Hours
Medivik is a specialist clinic and does not provide emergency care. For urgent medical concerns, please contact your GP, visit your nearest hospital emergency department, or call 000.
Doctor Referral Form
Contact Information
- Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 509/8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista
- 33 Dangar Rd, Singleton
- GF/69 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford
- 02 8530 8312
- 02 7249 3080
- info@medivik.com.au
- medivik.com.au
After Hours
Medivik is a specialist clinic and does not provide emergency care. For urgent medical concerns, please contact your GP, visit your nearest hospital emergency department, or call 000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Developmental Paediatrics
What does a developmental paediatrician do?
During appointments, a developmental paediatrician takes detailed histories about your child’s early development, observes how they play and interact, and may use standardised assessment tools to evaluate specific areas of concern. They gather information from multiple sources including parents, teachers, and other professionals to build a complete picture. The goal is to understand your child’s unique profile and provide families with clear explanations, practical strategies, and referrals to therapies or support services that can help.
At what age should a child see a developmental paediatrician?
Children of any age from infancy through adolescence can benefit from developmental paediatric assessment when concerns arise. Early assessment is particularly valuable for young children, as it allows for timely intervention during critical developmental periods.
However, it’s never too late to seek assessment. Older children and teenagers can also benefit from specialist evaluation, particularly when learning difficulties, attention concerns, or behavioural challenges emerge or persist despite earlier interventions.
Do I need a GP referral to see a developmental paediatrician?
While a GP referral is not strictly required to see a specialist paediatrician, having one is strongly recommended. A referral letter helps us understand your child’s medical history and your GP’s observations, and it ensures you can access Medicare rebates for specialist paediatric consultations. Your GP can provide background information that supports a more comprehensive assessment and ensures coordinated care for your child.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a developmental paediatrician?
A developmental paediatrician is a medical doctor specialising in child development, neurodevelopmental conditions, learning differences, and behavioural concerns. They focus on how children develop physically, cognitively, and socially. A psychiatrist specialises in mental health conditions and can prescribe psychiatric medications for conditions like anxiety, depression, or severe behavioural disorders.
While developmental paediatricians often manage conditions like ADHD and autism, psychiatrists typically become involved when mental health concerns are more complex or when medication management requires specialist psychiatric expertise. The two specialists sometimes work together for children with overlapping needs.
Can a developmental paediatrician diagnose autism?
Yes, developmental paediatricians are qualified to assess and diagnose autism spectrum disorder in Australia. Dr Akkera has completed formal training in the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), which is considered the gold-standard assessment tool for autism. The diagnostic process involves comprehensive evaluation including developmental history, observation of your child’s social communication and behaviour, standardised assessments, and information from parents and educators. A formal autism diagnosis can open access to early intervention services, NDIS funding, and appropriate school support, helping families access the resources their child needs.