Personal Profile
Dr Withanachchi is the Lead Consultant Paediatrician for Autism and DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder also known as Dyspraxia) in the London borough of Enfield. She is the most senior consultant in Enfield Child Development Service. Dr Withanachchi has extensive experience, knowledge, and skills in Paediatric Neurodevelopment and Neurodisability. She is a well renown expert in childhood autism. Dr Withanachchi is a certified user of all the standard assessment tools used in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. She keeps her knowledge and skills up to date by attending regular training and updates.
Dr Withanachchi works with a multidisciplinary team of experts in the same field. Team consists of highly specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Consultant Clinical Psychologist.
The type of assessment undertaken varies with each patient and is catered to the individual needs of the child or young person. Parents and carers will get the opportunity of discussing and planning with Dr Withanachchi, the type of assessment for their child, prior to undertaking the assessment. This is offered as a free consultation. All appointments booked only after the free telephone consultation. No direct bookings accepted without joint agreement with families. Most assessments undertaken are comprehensive and as such cannot be covered through private insurance.
Dr Withanachchi also has special interest in, and offers assessments for Developmental delay, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Down’s syndrome, and Dyspraxia (DCD).
Her work includes diagnostic assessments, monitoring progress, and identification of additional needs in the educational setting. Comprehensive report provided to parents and shared with GP upon completion of the assessment process. Most neurodevelopmental conditions have an impact on child and young person’s learning. Parents able to share the report with staff at educational setting to discuss and plan additional support as needed.
Based on parental needs, follow-up can be arranged with Clinical Psychologist for management of challenging behaviour.
Dr Withanachchi is registered as a specialist in Child Health in addition to being registered as a Consultant in Paediatrics.
She underwent training at Great Ormond Street Hospital, University College London Hospital and Chelsea and Westminster Hospitals in Paediatric Neurology, Paediatric Neurosurgery and Paediatric Neurodisability. Having had the opportunity of training in some of the best tertiary centres in the country, Dr Withanachchi brings the highly specialised expertise to local community.
Dr Withanachchi has been awarded the Gold Medal for Paediatrics at both Undergraduate and Postgraduate exams.
She is also a recipient of multiple Clinical Excellence Awards from Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, for her outstanding work and contribution to Child Health.
Dr Withanachchi has received excellent feedback from parents, as well as from independent parent led groups in Enfield.
