Iona E. Novak is a Pediatric Neurologist based at 88 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia. She looks after children with nervous system conditions, especially when movement, sleep, learning, or behaviour are affected.
In clinic, the focus is often on kids who live with cerebral palsy and spasticity. This can include spastic diplegia (infantile type) and other movement-related problems like hemiplegia and alternating hemiplegia of childhood. At times, she also supports families dealing with focal dystonia and other movement disorders.
Neurology care for children isn’t only about movement. Iona works with families where epilepsy is part of the picture, including seizure conditions that show up in childhood. She also supports children who have swallowing difficulty, as well as kids who may be managing ongoing issues after stroke.
Some children she sees are born prematurely, and others are referred because of early signs that need a closer look. When a child’s brain and nerves are developing, small changes can matter. It helps to have a clear plan for what to watch, what to try, and what support can make everyday life easier.
When needed, the care may also include discussions around rhizotomy. This is sometimes considered when spasticity is very strong and other steps are not enough. The aim is usually to improve comfort and function, and to help children get the most out of daily routines.
Autism Spectrum Disorder can also come up in referrals. For these families, the conversations are practical. It’s about understanding how the brain differences show up in daily life, and how symptoms can be supported alongside other services.
Every child is different. Some visits are about sorting out what’s going on. Others are about ongoing management, reviewing symptoms, and adjusting the plan as the child grows. Over time, a steady approach can make a real difference, especially when families are juggling school, therapies, appointments, and the day-to-day worries that go with it.
While Iona’s work is broad across paediatric neurology, the common thread is calm, careful support for children and their carers. It’s the kind of care that tries to keep things grounded—clear next steps, honest answers, and a plan that fits the child’s needs.