Passionate Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrician in Houston
Philosophy
Understanding a child’s development and behavior means understanding the whole child. Every child is an intricate and multi-faceted individual who is affected by a number of factors—some inherent, some genetic, and some environmental. Every aspect of the child’s development—social/emotional, communication, cognitive, adaptive, fine motor, gross motor—blooms simultaneously but also in accordance with the child’s readiness. Like an exquisite and delicate blossom, each layer must be considered and appreciated in order to reveal the child’s inner strength, beauty, and potential. The Whole Child strives to uncover the child’s most authentic self.
What is a Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrician?
A Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrician is a medical doctor who evaluates children with a wide range of developmental and/or behavioral issues, conducts developmental testing and pertinent assessments, and counsels families on management strategies and appropriate therapies.
A “DB Peds” (for short) is a doctor who has completed four years of medical school after college, a three-year Pediatrics medical residency program, and a three-year fellowship program in Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. A Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrician must be Board Certified in Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics through the American Board of Pediatrics.
Working with an experienced Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrician is essential for longitudinal care of children with developmental and behavioral issues. The diagnosis is just the first step. Understanding how a child’s diagnosis affects multiple domains of functioning across the lifespan is integral to developing educational, therapy, social, adaptive, and behavioral goals. There is no “one size fits all” approach. Collaboration with the child’s medical, school, and therapy teams ensures that everyone is “on the same page” when it comes to meeting the child’s needs.
Who should see a Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrician?
The following are some common referral questions/diagnoses for DB Peds:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Developmental Delay
- Intellectual Disability
- Learning Disabilities
- Motor Delays/Disabilities
- Speech/Language Disorders
- History of Prematurity
- Genetic Diagnoses
- Disorders of Self-Regulation (ex. sleep disorders, toileting issues, feeding issues, etc.)
- Challenging Behaviors and Mood Concerns