A who’s who of paediatric allied health experts

Caregivers, it’s time to meet some of the trusted professionals who’ll be supporting your family. Roll call!

Art therapists
Trained professionals who specialise in using art therapy techniques to address the emotional, psychological, and developmental needs of children and adolescents. Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that involves the use of art materials and creative processes to facilitate communication, self-expression, and healing.

Clinical psychologists
Healthcare professionals who specialise in providing psychological assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and treatment for children, adolescents, and their families. They are trained to address a wide range of emotional, behavioural, developmental, and mental health issues that may affect children's well-being and functioning.

Dietitians
Also known as registered dietitians (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN), these healthcare professionals specialise in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Dietitians are trained and qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat nutritional problems and to provide dietary guidance and counselling to individuals and groups.

Dramatherapists
Trained professionals who specialise in using drama therapy techniques to support the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of children and adolescents. Drama therapy is a form of creative arts therapy that utilises various dramatic and theatrical techniques to help individuals explore and express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a therapeutic setting.

Music therapists
Trained professionals who use music-based interventions to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of children and adolescents. Music therapy is a form of expressive therapy that harnesses the power of music to facilitate communication, self-expression, and healing in a therapeutic setting.

Nutritionists
Trained professionals who specialise in the field of nutrition and dietetics. They work with individuals and groups to assess their dietary habits, develop personalised nutrition plans, and provide education and guidance to promote overall health and well-being.

Occupational therapists (OT)
Highly trained healthcare professionals who specialise in working with children to promote their independence and participation in daily activities, or “occupations”. These occupations may include activities such as dressing, personal care, feeding, playing, and participating in school-related tasks.

Operating department practitioners (ODPs)
These skilled healthcare professionals work within the operating department team to provide high-quality care to patients undergoing surgery and other invasive procedures. They are an integral part of the surgical team, working alongside surgeons, anaesthetists, and nurses to ensure the safety and well-being of patients throughout their perioperative journey.

Orthoptists
Healthcare professionals who specialise in the assessment and management of visual disorders, particularly those related to eye movement and alignment, in children. Orthoptists work closely with ophthalmologists and optometrists to provide comprehensive care for paediatric patients with various eye conditions.

Osteopaths
These healthcare professionals specialise in osteopathic medicine and focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal issues in infants, children, and adolescents. Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasises the interconnectedness of the body's structure and function, with a focus on the body's ability to heal itself.

Pharmacists
Specialised healthcare professionals who focus on providing pharmaceutical care to infants, children, and adolescents. They play a crucial role in ensuring safe and effective medication use in paediatric patients, taking into account factors such as age, weight, developmental stage, and medical condition.

Physiotherapists
Also known physical therapists, physiotherapists are specialised healthcare professionals who focus on providing physical therapy services to children from infancy through adolescence. These therapists have specialised training and expertise in addressing the unique physical needs and challenges that children may face as they grow and develop.

Podiatrists
Healthcare professionals who specialise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing foot and ankle conditions in children. Podiatrists, also known as podiatric physicians or foot doctors, have extensive training in podiatric medicine and surgery, focusing specifically on the lower extremities.

Prosthetists and orthotists
Healthcare professionals who specialise in designing, fabricating, fitting, and customising prosthetic and orthotic devices for children. Prosthetists focus on prosthetic limbs, while orthotists specialise in orthotic devices that support or enhance the function of the musculoskeletal system.

Radiographers
Healthcare professionals who specialise in performing diagnostic imaging procedures on infants, children, and adolescents. They are trained to operate various imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines, computed tomography (CT) scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, and ultrasound devices, to produce high-quality images of the internal structures of the body.

Social workers
Trained professionals who specialise in providing support, advocacy, and intervention services to children, adolescents, and their families. They work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and community organisations, to address social, emotional, and environmental factors that may impact children's well-being and development.

Speech-language pathologists (SLP)
Specialised professionals who focus on assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing disorders in children. These disorders can encompass a wide range of issues, including speech sound disorders, language delays, stuttering, voice disorders, and difficulties with swallowing or feeding.

Are we missing any allied health experts? Let us know on hello@hibi.health