Perth CDC

Get to know Perth CDC

From Perth CDC's website.

• Our approach

  Perth CDC uses a collaborative, team-based approach where paediatricians and allied health professionals work together to support your child's development. Speech therapy sessions are engaging and child-friendly, tailored to suit each child's learning style, while physiotherapy uses play-based movement strategies to build confidence and strength. Psychology support is personalised and respectful, occupational therapy promotes independence through structured, age-appropriate activities, and all therapies focus on practical progress in everyday routines at home, school, and the community. The clinic environment is designed to be calm and welcoming, with clinicians who prioritise connection before intervention, listen carefully, and take time to understand your child's unique needs.

• Working with families

  The team works closely with parents and carers as true partners, keeping families informed through regular clinician communication and shared updates. Families are empowered to feel involved at every stage of their child's development, not just during appointments but throughout everyday routines at home, school, and the community. Your family's story is told only once—clinicians collaborate to prevent you having to repeat information across different services. The approach is consistently thoughtful and partnership-focused, with the team creating realistic, step-by-step goals together and extending guidance beyond the clinic into your daily life.

• Meet the team

  The team includes three paediatricians: Dr. Indrajit Karande (Director and Medical Lead, MBBS, DCH, FRACP, GCAD; experienced in autism, ADHD, and developmental paediatrics; ADOS-2 trained), Dr. Susan Feng (Consultant Paediatrician, MBBS, MD, FRACP; focused on developmental and general medical concerns), and Dr. Neha Chawla (Consultant Paediatrician, MBBS, FRACP; managing acute and chronic conditions). Speech pathologists include Claudia Wagenaar (Director, BSc Speech and Language Pathology), Jacqueline Phegan (BHLTHPROM, GradDipPsych, BSpPath; experienced in private and NDIS settings), and Suné Fella (BSpPath). Physiotherapists are Simone Brambilla (Director, MClinPhysio, BSc) and Matteo Pugnaloni. Psychologists are Jamie Sandell (BSc, GDipPsych Adv, MAPS; experienced with complex developmental and behavioural needs) and Maria Clara Rearte Ernst (BA Sc Psych Hons, MpSych). Occupational Therapist is Jasmine Berlingeri (BOccTher, BExSc; background in exercise science).

• Your first visit

  At a first appointment, clinicians create a calm, welcoming space where your child feels safe and respected from the first hello. The team takes time to listen carefully, connect with your child and family, and understand your unique needs and what progress looks like for your family. An initial assessment includes thorough evaluation tailored to your child's concerns, with clinicians explaining findings clearly and checking in often to ensure families feel heard and understood. The appointment establishes a foundation of trust through consistency, patience, and genuine care, setting the stage for ongoing collaborative support throughout your child's developmental journey.