Dr Jolie Lawrence - Wednesday, 6 December at 7.30 pm

Dr Jolie Lawrence, paediatric general physician

Understanding Autism in Children – When to suspect it and what to do about it

Learning outcomes:

• Describe, as relevant to your role in general practice, the prevalence, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria for autism
• Outline the diagnostic criteria for autism and what screening tests can be used in the general practice setting
• Discuss the role of the GP in terms of arranging appropriate referrals, genetic testing advice, and financial support for families

BIO

Dr Jolie Lawrence is a general paediatrician caring for infants, children, and adolescents. Her broad interests include feeding and growth, development, behaviour, sleep and settling, constipation and hearing impairment. She provides coordinated care to children with complex conditions, including prematurity and neurodevelopmental disabilities.

After graduating from the University of Melbourne, Dr Lawrence completed paediatric training at The Royal Children’s Hospital. She has experience in paediatric and neonatal intensive care, cardiac, respiratory, renal, and emergency medicine. Dr Lawrence practices evidence-based medicine and contributes to medical research, with several published papers on infectious diseases.

As a parent, Dr Lawrence knows the importance of family-centred care. Each child will be given a management plan that is goal-oriented yet feasible. She will create and link a robust team including GPs, allied health, and the NDIS. Dr Lawrence aims for families to leave her clinic room feeling calm, confident and with a clear plan in hand.