Offspring Child Health Specialists

Let our family care for yours

Ms Caroline South, Paediatric Dietitian at Offspring Health

clinical interests

  • Infant and child nutrition
  • Food allergy & intolerance
  • Gastrointestinal conditions
  • Feeding disorders including oral aversion
  • Enteral tube weaning

Caroline South

Paediatric Dietitian
BND APD

Caroline is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) who specialises in paediatric nutrition. She currently works at the Royal Children’s Hospital as well as Offspring Health, Hawthorn. She has broad experience in infant and child nutrition with a special interest in food allergy and intolerance, including the gastrointestinal conditions; Eosinophilic Oesophagitis, Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) and allergic proctocolitis. She is an active member of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology & Allergy (ASCIA) and in 2018 helped write and present the first certificate in medical nutrition therapy for the management of food allergy and intolerance.

She studied in Adelaide, completing a Bachelor of Nutrition & Dietetics at Flinders University in 2010 and graduated with the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) prize for academic excellence. Prior to moving to Melbourne she worked at Women’s & Children’s Hospital for 8 years as well as at Allergy SA.

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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