YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH CARE: HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Maternal and Child Health Nurse A trained nurse with specific postgraduate training in child and family health. Provides regular checks of growth and development, as well as advice on aspects of child development, the care of children and parenting. Some run various groups for infants, toddlers and parents, and they usually work in a community setting.
Psychologist The psychologist assesses development and intelligence, behaviour and emotional status of the child. Some also offer parental counselling and family therapy. Works in a community or institutional setting, often as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. May work privately.
Psychiatrist A doctor who has undertaken further training in the assessment and management of behavioural and emotional problems. A child psychiatrist receives additional training in paediatric aspects of emotional and behavioural development. While a child psychiatrist and child psychologist may both be involved in managing children with emotional problems, they have different sorts of expertise because of their different training.
Speech Pathologist Evaluates and treats children with problems of speech and language. Speech pathologists also work with young children who have difficulties with eating and drinking due to co-ordination problems of their mouth and tongue, such as in cerebral palsy. Works in hospitals and the community. Occupational Therapist Trained in assessing motor and visual-motor function. An occupational therapist will be involved in helping some children with learning difficulties, as well as many children with developmental delay and difficulties of motor function.
Physiotherapist Is concerned with the evaluation and treatment of children with motor problems, especially cerebral palsy, as well as those with neuromuscular and joint disorders. He also plays an important role in the treatment of other conditions, such as chest infections.
Play Therapist Uses play as a means of encouraging children’s self expression. This includes assisting children to work through fears and anxieties and preparing them for potentially frightening experiences such as hospitalisation or surgery. Most children’s hospitals have an active play therapy department.
Social Worker Provides support and counselling for parents and families who are experiencing financial, emotional or other stresses. Can put parents in touch with agencies and community-based resources. Many social workers undertake counselling of parents and sometimes family therapy.
Dietician An expert on nutrition for children, including normal children with the need for particular nutritional advice, as well as children with medical problems or other special needs.
Audiologist Is trained to assess hearing in infants and children (as well as adults). Has access to special methods of testing hearing even in young infants and children with multiple handicaps.
Special Education Teacher Performs educational assessment and remediation in children with academic difficulties, including those with learning difficulties and private.
Ophthalmologist A medically trained specialist with expertise in the assessment and treatment of eye disorders, including problems of vision. Optometrist Checks a child’s vision, and fits glasses.
Genetic Counsellor Provides advice to parents about genetic conditions. Usually (but not always) a doctor who has undertaken additional training in genetics.
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