Offspring Child Health Specialists

Let our family care for yours

Dr Jacky Hewitt

clinical interests

Dr Jacky Hewitt

Paediatric Endocrinologist
MBBS FRACP

Jacky is a paediatric endocrinologist with broad expertise in the care of endocrine conditions in children. These include issues with growth and puberty, thyroid, vitamin D and bones, the pituitary and adrenal glands, and the ovaries or testicles – including developmental variations of sex characteristics, Turner and Klinefelter syndromes, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and gender dysphoria.

Jacky has authored a large number of medical and scientific journal articles, and has been heavily involved in the development of national and international treatment guidelines for a range of endocrine conditions. She is recognised as a leading expert in developmental variations of sex characteristics and gender dysphoria, and has been invited to speak at national and international medical conferences on these topics. She has been sought to provide expert advice to the Victorian Government, the Australian Government, and the Australian Human Rights Commission on the care of children with endocrine conditions. She is a senior university lecturer and has received awards from the University of Melbourne, the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the Australian and New Zealand Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.

She is an enthusiastic doctor, and ensures that her patients have best practice care based on the most recent medical advancements.

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    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