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12 | The Early Years Kete Cerebral Palsy - Hōkai Nukurangi TOOLKIT Connecting to health services: Here is a list of some of the health specialists who might work with you and your child depending on your child’s needs. Continued... Medical specialists Description of role General Paediatrician Provides paediatric medical assessment and management for children and young people, generally seen at hospital. Key person to confirm CP diagnosis and make initial connections to other services depending on needs. Developmental Paediatrician (Not in all regions of NZ) Provides assessment and management of children with significant developmental concerns. Neonatologist Provides care for newborns who were born early or have medical problems. Neurologist Specialises in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Including management of epilepsy/seizures. Orthopaedic Surgeon Assessment, treatment and monitoring of a child’s bones and muscles as they grow. Paediatric Rehabilitation Specialist (Not in all regions of NZ) Works with a child if they have functional challenges due to injury and/or illness and supports them to take part in everyday activities. Child development services Description of role Visiting Neurodevelopmental Therapist This may be a physiotherapist, occupational or speech therapist who works with young infants. The age ranges that they work with may be different for each region in NZ. Physiotherapist (PT) Develops a child’s physical function, promotes activity and doing everyday activities. Occupational Therapist (OT) Focuses on a child’s abilities in everyday life e.g. dressing, bathing, hand use and play. Speech Language Therapist (SLT) Works with children with communication and/or feeding difficulties. Dietitian Experts in food and nutrition and will help with a child’s nutrition. Social Worker Assesses and advises on the social needs of children and their whānau and provides support.