The Role of a Developmental Pediatrician: Explained
A developmental pediatrician can play an incredibly important role on a disability journey. For our family, finding a developmental pediatrician meant obtaining answers rather than enduring a constant cycle of referrals and tests. While other specialists, such as neurologists or audiologists, provided insights within their specific fields and available tests, our developmental pediatrician took a comprehensive approach to testing, which ultimately led to our diagnosis.
The route to an appointment with our developmental pediatrician was long, but it was well worth the wait to finally discover the answers to our questions. So, what is a developmental pediatrician and why can it take so long to see one?
What is a developmental pediatrician?
A developmental pediatrician is a specialist who focuses on diagnosing, evaluating, and managing developmental and behavioral concerns in children. These professionals have extensive training and expertise in assessing developmental delays, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other developmental disorders.
Developmental pediatricians collaborate closely with children and their families to deliver comprehensive care and support. They perform thorough evaluations, which may consist of observing the child's behavior, conducting developmental assessments, and reviewing medical history and records. In our case, it also included genetic testing which was intended to rule out certain conditions but ultimately led to our diagnosis. Based on their findings, developmental peds create personalized treatment plans that may incorporate therapy, medication, educational interventions, and parental guidance.
Why the long wait times?
It may take a while to see a developmental pediatrician because of their specialized expertise and the high demand for their services. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there are 758 board-certified developmental-behavioral pediatricians in the U.S. and 19 million kiddos with developmental or learning disorders. That amounts to 25,000 patients per developmental pediatrician! On top of the shortage, the comprehensive nature of their evaluations and the need for thorough assessments contribute to the time required to see a developmental pediatrician.
Getting a referral for a developmental pediatrician
Getting a referral for a developmental pediatrician can be a crucial first step on the journey to understanding and addressing your child's developmental needs. The process typically starts with your child’s primary care physician. Our referral came from our amazing pediatrician who understood the long wait times and importance of early interventions. While our pediatrician made this recommendation based on missed milestones, if you have concerns about your child’s development you should communicate them to your PCP so they can assess whether a referral is warranted. The referrals are typically based on symptoms, behaviors, and observed developmental delays. The process may seem daunting, but taking the initial step with a trusted doctor is a great way to address any concerns that you have.
While we can't offer a guarantee of success, we'd be remiss if we didn't share the valuable tips and tricks that expedited our journey to see a developmental pediatrician. While living in Illinois, our pediatrician shared an insightful tidbit: children with referrals through Early Intervention often receive higher priority on waitlists. Without delay, we applied for the EI program, which led to thorough evaluations by multiple therapists and eventual inclusion in the program. The benefits of being part of the Early Intervention program extended far beyond our initial goal of seeing a developmental pediatrician. Not only did it help with the waitlist, but it also provided an invaluable developmental boost via in-home therapy sessions for which we remain grateful.
We highly recommend searching “Early Intervention + [your state]” to locate an office and get more information. The benefits of early intervention are well documented and can have a profound impact on your child’s development.
My son receiving in-home speech therapy through Early Intervention services
When we moved to Texas, we got incredibly lucky when it came to securing an appointment with a developmental pediatrician. Timing played an important role as we found ourselves on a waitlist just as a doctor was transitioning to a new practice and accepting new patients. From this experience, two valuable lessons emerged:
To be seen as quickly as possible, consider opting for the first available doctor rather than waiting for a specific one. This increases your chances of getting an appointment sooner, especially if a new doctor joins the practice.
Keep an eye out for any newsletters or updates from your developmental pediatrician’s office. If you catch wind of a new doctor joining the practice, don’t hesitate to reach out and get yourself on their list, which is likely to have more readily available appointments. Being proactive could reduce your wait time.
What happens after a diagnosis?
Our developmental pediatrician has been a reassuring presence, guiding, advising, and advocating for our son as he embarks on his educational journey. Over the past three years of her care, her expertise has steered us towards the optimal therapy regimen, helped us identify the most suitable school district for our son’s needs, and she has conducted thorough re-evaluations every six months (though we are now transitioning to yearly assessments). It’s important to emphasize that the duration of a child’s relationship with their development pediatrician is not set in stone; it is a highly personalized journey, contingent upon your circumstances. For our family, the prospect of annual meetings with our development pediatrician provides comfort knowing that this ongoing support helps ensure we are empowering our son to thrive.
For most families, you can expect the following after your initial diagnosis:
Treatment planning
Growth & development monitoring
Advocacy
Medication management when needed
Therapy recommendations
Educational support (recommend and/or assist with access to the correct educational services and accommodations)
Behavioral interventions (guidance and strategies)
Parent and caregiver education
Transition planning
Collaboration with other specialists
In conclusion, developmental pediatricians can play a crucial role in the well-being of children with developmental disorders by providing invaluable services and helping children reach their full potential through assessments, early interventions, and ongoing support. If you suspect your child is facing developmental challenges, don't hesitate to initiate a conversation with your pediatrician about the possibility of a referral. Alternatively, you can explore direct contact with your state's early intervention services. Our personal experience with a developmental pediatrician was one of guidance through uncertainty and confusion to illuminating a path forward with a clear plan. If you have any questions about our experience, drop a comment below or reach out to rachel@shopbolster.com. Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and there is a network of dedicated professionals ready to support you and your child every step of the way.
