ABSTRACT
A good paediatric consultation is more than a forum for making a diagnosis and planning management; it is an opportunity to familiarize the child and family with the hospital, the clinic, and the members of the team who will look after them during one or more admissions and outpatient visits. Planning modern children's hospitals and facilities is a highly skilled and complex endeavour. A good way to start a nasal examination is to assess the nasal airway using a cold metal spatula to look for the pattern of condensation. Autism was once thought to be an uncommon developmental disorder but is now estimated to occur in at least 1% of children. Healthcare personnel need to be aware of some of the features so as to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention. 'Parental responsibility' is usually held by one or both of the parents.
