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Offspring Child Health Specialists

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Dr Nisha Brown

clinical interests

  • Infant neurobehavioural & neurodevelopmental assessment
  • Infant behaviours, e.g. cues & social interactions
  • Self-regulation, settling & sleep
  • Early motor development
  • Unsettled babies
  • Infants with discomfort (e.g. reflux & gastrointestinal intolerances)
  • Preterm infants (developmental monitoring & early intervention)
  • Babies at developmental risk
  • Parent education & support
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Dr Nisha Brown

Neonatal & Paediatric Occupational Therapist
BOccTher, PhD

Dr Nisha Brown, PhD, is a neonatal and paediatric occupational therapist with a special interest in newborn behaviour and infant development. Nisha graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 1997 and has worked in paediatrics since 1999, completing her PhD at the University of Melbourne (Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology) in 2006. Nisha is committed to helping parents to better understand, support and optimise, their baby’s behaviour and development, right from birth.

Nisha’s longstanding passion for babies led to her PhD and post-doctoral studies involving detailed examinations of how infants’ (preterm and full-term) behaviours relate to brain development, medical and social factors, and, importantly, long-term development. These studies, based at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, also took her to Boston (Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School) for specialist training in the developmental assessment of babies. Nisha has presented her research findings nationally and internationally and published in the top international paediatric medical journals.

Nisha has recently started consulting at Offspring Child Health Specialists. She also holds a public position at the Royal Women’s Hospital in the neonatal intensive and special care nurseries and is an honorary fellow at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, and at the University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Nisha seeks to bridge the gap between research findings and clinical practice. This has particular importance for the information and advice that is given to parents. Nisha is passionate about community education and enjoys speaking at numerous health professional forums.  Nisha has designed a series of workshops for “everyday” parents, called, (i) ‘Baby Ready’ (antenatal), (ii) ‘Baby Steady’ (birth–3 months), and (iii) ‘Baby Go!’ (7–10 months). These workshops are held regularly and draw on her experience as an occupational therapist in the neonatal nurseries (NICU), as a researcher, as a therapist in the community, and as a mum of three children.

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    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