Child Developmental Assessment
Child Developmental Assessments in Bendigo – Supporting Your Child's Growth From Day One
Every child grows and develops at their own pace, but when something doesn’t seem quite right, it helps to have a GP you can turn to. At Bendigo Doctors, our GPs provide developmental health checks, newborn assessments, and early intervention support for children and young people from birth through to adolescence. Whether you have a specific concern or simply want peace of mind, our team is here to listen, assess, and help guide you through the appropriate next steps for your child.
What Is a Child Developmental Assessment?
A child developmental assessment is a review of your child’s growth, development, and overall wellbeing at a given stage of their life. It looks at how your child is developing across a range of areas including:
- Physical growth and motor skills
- Speech and language development
- Social and emotional development
- Cognitive and learning milestones
- Behaviour and attention
Your GP will compare your child’s development against age-appropriate milestones and discuss any areas that may benefit from further monitoring, support, or referral to a specialist.
Child Development Services at Bendigo Doctors
Newborn Assessments
The early weeks of a baby’s life are filled with rapid change. Our GPs can conduct newborn assessments to check that your baby is healthy, feeding well, and developing as expected.
This is also a valuable opportunity to ask any questions you have as a new parent — no question is too small.
Developmental Health Checks
Regular developmental health checks throughout childhood help identify any concerns early, giving children a better opportunity to receive timely support where it may be needed. Our GPs can assess your child’s development at key stages and discuss whether any follow-up or referral is needed.
Early Intervention Support
Early intervention may provide valuable support for children with developmental needs or delays. Our GPs can assess children and young people who may benefit from additional support and help coordinate referrals to the appropriate specialists, therapists, or programs. According to Australian Government health guidelines, identifying and addressing developmental concerns early may support better outcomes for children.
Referrals to Specialists and Allied Health
If your GP identifies an area of concern during a developmental assessment, they can refer your child to the appropriate specialist — such as a paediatrician, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, or psychologist. Your GP will explain the referral process and what to expect.
When Should I Bring My Child in for a Developmental Check?
Trust your instincts as a parent. If something feels different or you have a concern about
your child’s development, it is always worth discussing it with a GP.
Some common reasons parents bring their child in include:
- Concerns about speech or language delays
- Delayed motor milestones such as crawling, walking, or coordination
- Behavioural concerns or difficulties at school or in social settings
- Concerns about attention, focus, or learning
- Feeding or sleeping difficulties in infants and young children
- Any change in your child’s behaviour or development that concerns you
You don’t need to wait for a scheduled check to see a GP. If you have a concern at any time, it is generally a good idea to discuss it with your GP — our team is here.
Bulk Billing for Child Developmental Assessments in Bendigo
At Bendigo Doctors, accessible children’s health care is a priority for our team. Here’s how billing works for child and paediatric appointments:
- GP consultations and developmental health checks: bulk billed for all children
under 16 with a valid Medicare card - Health assessments: bulk billed for eligible patients
- NIP vaccinations: bulk billed for eligible patients
Please note that NDIS-related forms and reports incur a private fee, separate from your consultation. Our team will advise you of any applicable costs in advance.
What to Expect at Your Child's Developmental Assessment
A developmental assessment at Bendigo Doctors is a calm, child-friendly consultation. Your
GP will observe and interact with your child naturally as part of the assessment — your child
doesn’t need to do anything special or prepare in advance. If further assessment or a
specialist referral is recommended, your GP will explain the next steps clearly and answer
any questions you have before anything is arranged.
How to Book a Bulk Billing Appointment in Bendigo
Before Your Visit to Bendigo Doctors
- Bring your child’s Medicare card, photo ID, and their personal health record (blue
book) if you have one - Let your GP know of any specific concerns before or at the start of the appointment
- Standard consultations are up to 10 minutes — if you have multiple concerns, mention this when booking so extra time can be allocated
All services are subject to clinical assessment and suitability on the day
FAQ
Yes, bulk billed for all children under 16 with a valid Medicare card.
Children develop at different rates, but if something concerns you, speak to your GP. They
can assess your child and advise whether any follow-up is needed.
Your GP can assess and identify areas of concern, but formal diagnosis requires a specialist.
If needed, your GP will refer your child and support you through that process.
Start with a GP consultation, your GP will assess your child's needs and coordinate referrals
to the right specialists or programs.
We see patients from newborns through to young adulthood.
We're located at Bendigo Marketplace on Mitchell Street, with easy access for patients
across Bendigo and surrounding suburbs including Kangaroo Flat, Strathdale, Eaglehawk,
Golden Square and Epsom.
Child Developmental Assessment
Book a Child Developmental Assessment in Bendigo Today
If you have a concern about your child’s development, no matter how small it may seem, our team at Bendigo Doctors is here to help. Early conversations can help ensure your child receives the right support at the right time. We’re located inside the Bendigo Marketplace on Mitchell Street, with appointments available Monday to Saturday.
The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. All services are subject to GP assessment and clinical suitability. Outcomes vary between individuals. Please consult your GP for advice relevant to your circumstances.
