Developing Young Minds

Get to know Developing Young Minds

From Developing Young Minds's website.

• Our approach

  Services centre on exploring thoughts and feelings to identify emotional and developmental difficulties. Sessions involve a combination of direct observation, testing, and consultation to understand each child's needs and strengths. The approach is evidence-based and draws on best-practice interventions tailored to individual circumstances. All work aims to establish clear goals and build on what is already working for the child. The service takes a collaborative, respectful and practical stance, working together with families to support their child's development and wellbeing.

• Working with families

  Parents are central to the assessment process, beginning with an initial consultation to share information about your child's development and concerns. The service works collaboratively with parents, teachers and schools to develop individualised strategies and supports tailored to your child's needs. School consultation visits are often provided to discuss findings and recommendations, and written reports can be shared with relevant professionals at your request. Throughout the process, communication is kept open so you understand your child's learning profile and how best to support them.

• Meet the team

  The senior psychologist and director is Melanie Rogers, who holds a Masters in Developmental and Educational Psychology from Monash University and is an Endorsed Educational and Developmental Psychologist and AHPRA Accredited Supervising Psychologist. All clinicians are highly skilled and registered psychologists with extensive experience in clinical paediatric and developmental issues. Assessments may involve a multi-disciplinary team approach that includes speech pathologists, occupational therapists, paediatricians, physiotherapists and other specialists as needed.

• Your first visit

  The first appointment begins with a parent consultation to gather information about your child's development, personality and the concerns you want to address. This discussion helps shape which tests and assessments will be most useful. Additional information is gathered through questionnaires, review of school reports and direct observation of your child. After testing is complete, feedback is provided verbally so you can ask questions and discuss the findings before a written report is prepared. The report may also be shared with your child's school or other professionals with your consent.