subject: Difference Between A General And A Developmental-behavioral Pediatrician [print this page] Why does my child need to see a developmental pediatrician? Cant my childs general pediatrician diagnose and treat Autism? These are probably some questions that float around parents minds once their childs pediatrician recommends that the child sees a developmental pediatrician during one of their regular well baby visits.
Credentials
How are general pediatricians different from Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians? Both go through years of medical school. They start by taking the MCAT or Medical College Admission Test. Passing this test means an acceptance to medical school. In the United States, medical school involves of 4 years of study and one year of internship. It is during the internship year that medical students get to decide which subspecialty they want to focus on. Those who do not acquire a subspecialty go on to what we know as general pediatricians, while those who choose to take on developmental-behavioral pediatrics must spend obtain 3 years of residency in pediatrics to further hone their knowledge and master the skills necessary to diagnose and treat cases concerning developmental delays and behavioral difficulties (AAP, 2011).
Scope of Responsibilities
A general pediatrician is responsible for the overall care and health of children. They compare the childs physical, mental, social and behavioral characteristics to the norm and are also responsible for identifying red flags or what is commonly referred to as developmental delays or atypical characteristics or actions.
A developmental-behavioral pediatrician is a subspecialist within the practice of pediatric medicine. This subspecialty remains interdisciplinary integrating Psychology, Pediatrics and related disciplines (Carey, Crocker, 2009).
Developmental-behavioral pediatricians specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and management of children, adolescents and their families with developmental and behavioral conditions. Examples of these conditions are the following (AAP, 2011):
*Learning disorders including dyslexia, writing difficulties, math disorders, and other school-related learning problems;
*Disorders that deal with behavior and attention spans including Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and associated conditions including oppositional-defiant behavior, conduct problems, depression, and anxiety disorders;
*Habit disorders such as Tourettes Syndrome;
*Regulatory disorders including sleep disorders, problems in feeding, discipline difficulties, complicated toilet-training issues, enuresis (bedwetting), and encopresis (soiling);
*Developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, mental retardation, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and visual and hearing impairments;
*Developmental delays in speech, language, motor skills, and cognitive ability.
Recommendations of general pediatricians who do possess a certification in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics but are nevertheless vastly knowledgeable in dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders, are still valid. However, in more complex cases that necessitate the expertise of professionals aptly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of such conditions, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians are called in.
