Offspring Child Health Specialists

Let our family care for yours

Dr Aveena Anantharajah

Respiratory and Sleep Paediatrician
MBBS BMed Sci (Hons) FRACP DipPallMed (Clin)

Aveena is a respiratory and sleep paediatrician who takes pride in
providing tailored, holistic and evidence-based care for patients. She
completed paediatric training through the Royal Children’s Hospital and
Monash Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. She is dual trained
in paediatric respiratory and sleep medicine. She completed her sleep
fellowship at the Melbourne Children’s Sleep Centre and has since
worked in her field at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Cabrini Health and
Northern Hospital.

During her fellowship, Aveena learnt first-hand as a parent of a child with
obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the complexity with which families
navigate the health system when seeking the right treatment for their
child. This inspired her to create a seamless, stress-free and patient-
centred pathway – Prana Paediatric Sleep Service. Prana is a sleep
diagnostic service specialised in sleep studies at home.

She is passionate in the diagnosis and management of paediatric sleep
disorders like snoring, obstructive sleep apnoea, parasomnias and
hypersomnias including narcolepsy. She also cares for children and
adolescents with other respiratory conditions like asthma, allergic
rhinitis, chronic cough, habit cough and unexplained breathlessness.
These conditions often co-exist with OSA.

She is a member of the Australasian Sleep Association, Thoracic Society
of Australia and New Zealand and the European Respiratory
Society. Aveena prioritises spending time with her young family and
growing her passion as an amateur ceramicist.

Book your appointment now

    1 Reason for referral *

    2 Parent Surname *

    3 Patient First Name *

    4 Email *

    5 Patient Surname *

    6 Phone *

    7 Child’s date of birth *

    8 Address

    Social and emotional functioning refers to a child’s ability to understand, express, and manage their emotions, as well as to interact effectively with others. These skills are fundamental for building positive relationships, developing empathy, and coping with the everyday challenges of growing up.

    Children who experience difficulties in social and emotional functioning may struggle with recognizing their own feelings or those of others, regulating emotional responses, or responding appropriately in social situations. This can lead to challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, difficulty making friends, or misunderstandings with peers and adults.

    In the school environment, social and emotional difficulties can impact a child’s engagement, cooperation, and overall learning experience. Emotional distress may manifest as withdrawal, irritability, or disruptive behaviour, which can further affect academic progress and peer relationships.

    Assessment of social and emotional functioning as part of a neuropsychological evaluation typically includes behavioural observations, standardized rating scales, and information gathered from parents, teachers, and sometimes the child. This comprehensive approach helps identify strengths and areas for support in emotional regulation, social skills, and adaptive behaviours.

    Understanding a child’s social-emotional profile allows for the development of tailored strategies to enhance emotional wellbeing, build resilience, and improve social communication. Early intervention and supportive environments can empower children to navigate their emotions more effectively, fostering confidence and meaningful connections. 

    At Offspring Health, we aim to provide transparent information about the costs involved in neurodevelopmental and educational assessments.

    Neuropsychological assessments typically involve multiple sessions that usually take between 8 and 16 hours in total, depending on the complexity and individual needs. Our hourly rate is $260, so the total cost typically ranges between $2,300 and $4,230.

    Fees generally cover:

    • Initial consultation and history gathering
    • Testing sessions where your child will complete various fun and interactive tasks
    • Liaison with schools or health professionals as needed
    • Comprehensive case analysis and report preparation
    • Feedback sessions with families and, where applicable, educators or other professionals

    Please note that standard neuropsychological assessments are generally not covered by Medicare. However, some assessments and therapy services may be funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for eligible participants. We recommend discussing funding options with your NDIS planner or support coordinator prior to booking. Private health insurance may offer partial rebates depending on your level of coverage.

    What’s the next step?

    Please phone reception for a discussion about your needs or email psychology@offspringhealth.com