Paediatricians manage the health of children, including physical, behaviour and mental health issues. They diagnose and treat childhood illness, infections and disease.

Up to the age of five, a paediatrician will see your child to complete physical examinations, give your child vaccinations, ensure they meet growth, behaviour and skill milestones, provide information, answer your questions and refer to specialists if required.

Paediatricians can closely monitor your child's development and diagnose learning difficulties, ADHD, auditory or sensory processing disorders, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, autism and Down syndrome, among a whole host of other health conditions. As they see only children they have a lot of experience in recognising and treating childhood health issues.

If your child was born premature or has a health condition that requires close monitoring, a paediatrician offers specialised care. However, if your child requires the help of an occupational therapist, speech therapist or audiologist, they will organise referrals and oversee treatment with their help.

If you are concerned about your child and you have a trusted paediatrician, they should be your first port-of-call.