looking for a good developmental paediatrician

[Tutak]

Anyone out there parenting special need child(ren) had experience of a paediatric neurologist called Diane Smyth? DS has various diagnoses and needs to be under a paediatrician, but I've had some pretty bad experiences with the ones recommended so far. We're London-based, DS has physical disorders and mild learning difficulties connected to ludicrously rare genetic disorder. Looking for an interested paediatrician who doesn't patronise parents too much.... Anyone know if Diane Smyth fits the bill? Thanks very much.

I haven't heard of Diane Smyth but can recommend Daphne Keen who is a specialist neurodevelopmental paediatrician. She has rooms in Wimpole Street where she sees private patients and is based at St Georges Hospital in Tooting. Expect a long wait for an appointment though. I had to wait 3 weeks for a private appointment but she was worth the wait. Not patronising at all!

Diane Smyth is absolutely great, she helped us find a diagnosis for our daughter. She isn't remotely patronising - she's very scientific and straight talking - and very, very thorough. She's also linked in to some of the best specialists in the country so if you need genetic analysis, scans or any other input of this sort she send you to the very best people and the best places. If you need to use NHS services she can advise you there as well. He clinic letters have always really impressed other specialists we have dealt with and she leaves no stone unturned. My understanding is that she is particularly good with the management of epilepsy and seizures. I really recommend her. Good luck.

Denise Challis at the Portland Hospital is also amazing. Extremely thorough, smart, supportive and not afraid of giving a diagnosis where it is right to do so. This enabled us to get really early accurate intervention for our boy and I think we would be in a different place entirely if it wasn't for her.

Hi my son who has complex needs and autism has been under Diane for many years and I cannot recommend her enough. As soon as I met her I knew I would be Ok and able to cope. She takes a real interest in my son as a person not just his needs and explains things so that I actually understand what needs to be done etc. She is not patronising at all as said above, and makes herself totally available by phone e-mail etc in between appointments. I dread to think how I would ahve coped without her support and sensible approach. Good luck.