Dr. Hema Palanyiaya

Dr. Hema Palanyiaya is a Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician with over 13 years of paediatric experience. She is a full-time NHS Consultant and specialises in Community Child Health and Paediatric Neurodisability. Currently, she leads the Neurodisability, Muscle Tone Management, and Paediatric Transitional Care services at Evelina Community Child Health London (Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust).

Dr. Palanyiaya, who qualified from the University of Southampton, began her foundation training in Dorset. There, her interest in paediatrics developed. She later pursued specialty training in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, followed by subspecialty training in community child health and neurodisability in London and the East of England. Working in renowned centres such as Great Ormond Street Hospital, Evelina London Children’s Services, and Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust gave Dr. Palanyiaya valuable expertise in neurodisability across all paediatric ages.

In her busy NHS practice, Dr. Hema Palanyiaya manages various clinics, including autism, botulinum toxin injection (for muscle spasticity), and general neurodisability. She treats children and young people with autism, ADHD, developmental impairments, cerebral palsy, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Her work extends to special educational needs schools.

Dr. Palanyiaya frequently collaborates with educators, therapists, and other healthcare professionals. Together, they develop personalised Education Healthcare Plans (EHCPs) to ensure accessible learning environments. She remains committed to creating inclusive, supportive settings for each child’s unique needs.

Dr. Palanyiaya’s passion for paediatric advancements drives her involvement in research and conferences. She regularly presents at national and international forums. Additionally, she enjoys teaching and mentoring the next generation of clinicians.

Approachable and compassionate, Dr. Hema Palanyiaya believes in personalising care for every child. She focuses on each family’s unique needs while optimising the child’s physical and emotional well-being.

Dr. Hema Palanyiaya’s expertise includes:

• Paediatric Neurodisability
• Muscle Tone Management
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
• Developmental Paediatrics, including ADHD
• Social Paediatrics
• Child Protection

Her professional training includes:

• Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R)
• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) – all modules
• Ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injections for muscle spasticity
• Sleep Practitioner training
• Paediatric Epilepsy Training (PET 1, 2 & 3)

By consistently integrating her expertise into her practice, Dr. Hema Palanyiaya ensures her patients receive the best possible care.