Shona C. Goldsmith is a Pediatric Neurologist based in Sydney, NSW, Australia. She looks after children and families where the nervous system is affected from early life, including conditions that can show up at birth or in the first years of childhood.
Her work often involves supporting kids with cerebral palsy and specific types like spastic diplegia. She also cares for children with rarer movement and brain development conditions such as alternating hemiplegia of childhood. At times, her role includes helping families understand the effects of events around birth, including asphyxia neonatorum and intraventricular haemorrhage of the newborn, and how these can impact movement and daily function later on.
Spasticity is another key focus. This can lead to stiffness, tight muscles, and trouble with posture or walking. In many cases, treatment plans aim to reduce pain and make movement easier, while also helping children take part in school, play, and everyday routines. Depending on what’s needed, care may also include discussing procedures such as rhizotomy, which is sometimes used for certain types of spasticity, alongside ongoing therapy and supports.
Training and education in paediatric neurology form the base of her clinical approach. Over time, she builds practical, family-friendly plans that fit around how a child is doing right now, not just what the condition is called. If research matters for a child’s care, it’s considered in a simple way, with decisions made based on what is most relevant to the child and their team. Clinical trial details aren’t listed here, but the priority is still clear—safe, sensible care and clear communication with the people involved in the child’s day-to-day support.
