Developmental and behavioral pediatricians are medical doctors who have special training to help children with developmental and behavioral issues.

This can include diagnosing and managing conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which affects how a child communicates and interacts with others, or ADHD, which makes it hard for a child to pay attention and stay focused. It also covers learning disabilities, which can make school challenging, and developmental delays, where a child might take longer than expected to learn skills such as talking, walking, or playing with others.

Doctors in this field are trained to figure out what might be causing a child’s difficulties. They do this by talking with parents, looking at the child's medical history, and doing special tests before creating a plan to help. This plan can involve different treatments, such as therapy to improve speech or movement, medication to help with focus or mood, and programs that give extra help at school, among other things.

By working as a team with parents, teachers and other healthcare and service providers, developmental & behavioral pediatricians aim to give kids the support they need to succeed in different areas of life, such as learning new skills, getting along with others, and feeling good about themselves.

What is a developmental & behavioral pediatrician?

How is a developmental & behavioral pediatrician different from a psychologist?

A developmental and behavioral pediatrician and a psychologist both help children with developmental, learning, and behavioral issues, but they have different training and roles. A developmental and behavioral pediatrician is a medical doctor who has completed medical school and specialized training in pediatrics, followed by additional training in developmental and behavioral conditions. This medical background allows them to diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medications, and manage physical health issues that may be related to a child’s development or behavior. They look at the child’s overall health and development, considering factors like medical history, growth, and physical conditions that could affect behavior.

In practice, developmental and behavioral pediatricians and psychologists often work together to provide comprehensive care, addressing both medical and psychological aspects of a child’s needs.