Dr Daphne Keen
MRCS FRCP FRCPCH

Consultant in Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics

I specialise in assessment of and advice about complex neurodevelopmental disorders especially where there are difficult diagnostic problems or need for medication for example, to treat ADHD, or its associated conditions.

  Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Developmental disorders, such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD), Autistic Spectrum (including High Functioning Autism/ Asperger Syndrome) & Dyspraxia, are clusters of overlapping and inter related problems. The vast majority of children will have a mixed picture of strengths and difficulties. In fact, many will have two or three additional problems. Children rarely fit 'textbook' diagnostic descriptions. A detailed and accurate assessment and diagnosis is essential to obtain the appropriate level of educational support.

  Assessment & Diagnosis

Before the appointment I will usually ask for certain background information in the form of questionnaires for teachers and/or parents or carers, as well as copies of relevant previous assessments (such as those from psychologists, speech therapists or occupational therapists).

The core of the diagnostic process is a detailed structured clinical interview with parents and young person which examines all areas of medical, developmental and behavioural functioning. This will take around 2 hours. In most cases, I would expect to be able to come to a firm opinion by the end of the appointment.

It is important to recognise that some children may present an unusually complex picture because of associated learning, developmental or emotional problems. In this situation I may recommend another professional opinion to help clarify the situation (such as psychology or language evaluation).

  Career

I was first appointed Consultant in 1991 in South Yorkshire, where I developed the first paediatric led multidisciplinary service for ADHD. I moved to St George's, London in 1999 where I hold an NHS consultant contract and am an honorary Senior Lecturer at the Medical School . I have a very small but busy independent practice in Wimpole St.

As an executive member of the Royal College of Paediatrics & Child Health Mental Health Group and chair of the College Specialist Advisory Committee on Mental Health, I represent the College on child mental health issues. I am a member of the NICE ADHD Guideline Development Group I am a faculty member of the European Interdisciplinary Network for ADHD Quality Control (EINAQ).

  Recent Publications

Children and Young People with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Autism, International Journal of Research & Practice. 2004
ADHD & the Paediatrician: a guide to management. Current Paediatrics. 2005
Conduct Disorder and Us. Archives Disease Childhood. 2007
Autism, Feeding Disorder and FTT. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2007