Neurodiversity & Behaviour Services

Paediatric Neurodiversity & Behaviour Services in Cayman

Neurodiversity recognises that differences in brain function—such as ASD, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive variations—are natural and valuable. Every child’s brain works in its own unique way! Our paediatrics team provides comprehensive neurodiversity and behaviour care for children, focusing on understanding these differences and offering tailored support to help them thrive. The goal is to nurture strengths, promote emotional well-being, and empower you and your child with the right tools and strategies for success.

Why Optimal for Neurodiversity & Behaviour

Our entire organisation is dedicated to health and wellbeing, with a clear focus on helping every child thrive. Our expert team includes Dr. Sara Watkin, our Consultant Paediatrician who has specialist (and personal!) experience with neurodivergent children. Neurodiversity & Behaviour Services at Optimal means personalised care that focuses on understanding and supporting each child’s specific needs. Through tailored strategies, therapies, and a compassionate approach, we help children build on their strengths, manage behavioural challenges, and thrive in every aspect of life.
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Exceptional Feedback

Our Feedback (based on Net Promoter Score) is currently at 100% with zero ommissions or deletions. But the comments tell more.

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Always Accessible & Available

We provide consistent support and prompt attention, ensuring peace of mind for both children and families.
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Specialist Consultant Experience

Dr. Sara Watkin is our Consultant Paediatrician with 30+ years of experience, including 8+ years in Cayman, as well as specialist (and personal!) experience with neurodivergent children.

A woman and a young girl sit at a kitchen table high-fiving, with open notebooks in front of them.

Neurodiversity & Behaviour Services at Optimal

Our neurodiversity and behaviour care service in Cayman is backed by decades of paediatric expertise, dedicated to providing the best support for children with neurodevelopmental and behavioural conditions.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders)

ADHD affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels, but with the right holistic support, children can thrive. Our paediatric neurodiversity and behaviour team here at Optimal in Grand Cayman, offers tailored strategies, including behavioural therapies, routines, and, when needed, medication. We work closely with families to build strengths, improve focus, and support emotional well-being for every child.

Our Consultant Paediatrician Dr Sara Watkin recently did a video series on ADHD in children which can be found here.

Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Every autistic child experiences the world differently. Our team focuses on providing custom support through sensory strategies, communication techniques, and behaviour therapies. We work alongside families to foster social skills, build on individual strengths, and promote a child’s overall well-being at home, school, and in their communities.

Anxiety & Depression

Children can experience anxiety and depression, affecting their emotions, behaviour, and daily life. The National Drug Council (NDC) in Cayman has recently revealed that 13% of children and adolescents on the Island are impacted by mental health issues. We provide compassionate support through therapy, coping strategies, and, when needed, medical care. We work closely with families to build resilience, boost well-being, and help children feel safe, confident, and supported.

Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia

Learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia can impact a child’s education and self-esteem. Our team provides specialized interventions and school-based support to help children overcome challenges. By working with families and educators, we create tailored learning strategies that empower children to succeed academically and confidently.

Emotional Dysregulation

Some children struggle with managing big emotions, leading to outbursts, frustration, or difficulty calming down. We provide support through tailored strategies, therapy, and coping techniques to help children understand and regulate their feelings. We work with families to build resilience and create a supportive, nurturing environment.

Sensory Processing Concerns

Some children are extra sensitive to sounds, textures, lights, or movement, while others may seek more sensory input. Our paediatrics team helps identify sensory processing differences and provides strategies to support comfort and regulation. We work with families to create environments that help children feel safe, focused, and happy.

Sensory Processing Disorders

Children with sensory processing disorders may struggle to manage stimuli like sounds, textures, or lights. Our team identifies these difficulties and offers individualized strategies to help regulate sensory responses. We collaborate with families to design calming environments, helping children feel more comfortable, focused, and engaged in daily activities.

Intellectual Disabilities

Intellectual disabilities can affect a child’s learning, communication, and daily living skills. We provide personalized care, including therapy, skill-building, and educational support. Working with families, our paediatric neurodiversity and behaviour team in Cayman strive to create an inclusive environment where children can build confidence, develop independence, and reach their full potential in a nurturing setting.

Social Anxiety

Social anxiety can make children feel nervous or fearful in social situations, affecting their confidence and interactions. Our paediatrics team provides support through therapy, coping strategies, and gradual exposure to social settings. We work with families to build social skills, boost confidence, and help children feel more comfortable in social environments.

Behaviour, including in School

Children may face behavioural challenges both at home and in school, which can affect their relationships and learning. Our team collaborates with families and schools to identify triggers and develop strategies for managing behaviours. We emphasise positive reinforcement, emotional regulation, and social skills to enhance well-being and overall success.

Referral Management to Behavioural Services

Our paediatrics team offers seamless referral management to behavioural services, ensuring children receive the right support at the right time. We work with families to assess needs, coordinate with specialists, and guide you through the process. Our goal is to connect children with the resources they need for successful development and well-being.

Our Neurodiversity & Behaviour Services Paediatricians

Dr Sara Watkin

Dr Sara Watkin

MB ChB, MRCP (paeds), FRCPCH, MD

Paediatrician and Neonatologist
Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist with over 30 years’ experience.