“Does my baby have autism?” “Does my baby have cerebral palsy?” “Will my baby ever walk?” In this episode, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa Rogers Sergeant answers the three questions she gets asked most often by by parents of young babies.

Lisa explains that there are very few reliable early signs of autism and why it’s genuinely very difficult to diagnose autism or cerebral palsy in babies under 18 months. She also looks at why reflux and so many ordinary “modern parenting” factors (reduced tummy time, baby equipment, swaddling) can mimic the signs of these conditions without a baby going on to have either diagnosis; and what to do if you’re worried.

She covers sensory processing differences, the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale for cerebral palsy, why brain scans don’t always predict outcome, and practical, reassuring steps every parent can take while they wait for clarity, even if a diagnosis is not on the cards.

If you’ve ever lain awake worrying about something your baby is doing, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• Why it’s very hard to tell if a baby under 18 months is autistic, and what to do if your very young baby is doing things that make you worry
• Sensory processing differences vs. autism: why they often look alike
• Signs of possible cerebral palsy, and why “modern parenting” factors can mimic them (tummy time, swaddling, reflux, equipment use)
• Practical, reassuring activities to do with your baby regardless of outcome
• Why brain scans don’t always predict outcome: the role of stimulation, nutrition and sleep in brain plasticity
• When to seek an assessment, and from whom
• Mentioned in this episode:
  • Lisa’s free baby massage video download
  • Lisa’s podcast series on development by age
  • Lisa’s 0–3 month developmental guide (£35.00, PDF)
  • Remote consultations and Wimbledon clinic bookings

Connect with Lisa here!

For help on:

Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here!

Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

Weighing up NHS physiotherapy against private physio for your baby? Perhaps your baby is receiving private physio and you are left wondering if it really needs to be this frequent? Maybe you are accessing your NHS physiotherapy service and feeling frustrated that you aren't getting to see the therapist enough.

It's easy to worry about being taken advantage of or feel concerned that you are being neglected when you have no point of reference for how much physiotherapy your baby needs.

In this episode, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa Rogers Sergeant breaks down how treatment frequency really works on both sides of the system.

Prompted by a recent clinic case where a baby had been seen repeatedly by private providers with no real progress, Lisa draws on two decades of experience from NHS child development services, to private hospitals in London, to training in under-resourced communities abroad, to explain why more sessions don’t always mean better care.

She covers how NHS physiotherapy prioritises and allocates appointments, honest signs a private provider may be over-treating your baby, and when more frequent sessions genuinely are justified.

In this episode:

• How NHS physiotherapy decides how often your baby is seen, and why it isn’t always a sign of inadequate care
• Why most baby conditions respond better to parent-led, repeated-through-the-day exercises than frequent clinic visits
• Honest red flags that a private provider may be recommending more sessions than your baby needs
• When more regular physio (NHS or private) genuinely is the right call

Mentioned in this episode:

• Lisa’s clinic at the Osteoperformance Practice, Wimbledon : Book here
• Remote consultations: Book here

Connect with Lisa here!

For help on:

Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here!

Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!

Has your newborn been diagnosed with positional talipes? Or have you noticed their little foot (or both feet) curling inwards and staying there?

In this episode, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa Rogers Sergeant breaks down everything parents need to know about this surprisingly common newborn foot condition.

Lisa explains the difference between positional talipes and structural club foot, why it happens (hint: it's all about room in the womb), and why vague advice at birth often means it isn't treated effectively. She walks through her five-pronged treatment approach (massage, stretch, strengthening, stimulating, and addressing restrictive clothing or positioning) ; and explains why the condition often looks worse again during growth spurts, illness, or new physical milestones like crawling and walking, even when treatment is working well.

If your baby's foot is turning in, this episode will help you understand exactly what's going on and what to do next.

In this episode:

• The difference between positional talipes and structural club foot
• Why positional talipes happens (risk factors: twins, big/long babies, small mums)
• Does it affect walking long-term? The honest answer
• The five-pronged approach: massage, stretch, strengthening, stimulation and reducing restrictions
• Why symptoms can flare during growth spurts, teething, or new skills like crawling
• Treating newborns vs. older, mobile babies
• When to see a health visitor, GP or physiotherapist instead of treating at home

Mentioned in this episode:

• Lisa's positional talipes video tutorial for parents: Treating Tiny Feet: A step-by-step demonstration on a model and a real baby
• Book a Remote Consultations with Lisa
• Book a Face to Face with Lisa at her Wimbledon clinic

Connect with Lisa here!

For help on:

Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here!

Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!