I spot developmental concerns in my child. Whom do I approach – a Developmental Pediatrician or a Pediatric Neurologist?

If you or your family members notice missed milestones or spot red flags in your child’s development at any age, then please visit a Pediatrician and have them evaluate your cause for concern. The Pediatrician will most likely observe and assess your child, and recommend a developmental evaluation/assessment to study the child’s growth. In a developmental evaluation you will be required to answer a host of questions pertaining to the physical, social and emotional aspects of your child’s development. This is done to ensure all faculties in your child’s body are functionally typically.  In addition, the child will be monitored for any symptom or signs, through tests (hearing, vision, and physical examination to name a few) by concerned specialists to rule out or detect any cause for developmental delay in the child. Depending on the severity of the condition detected, the doctor will advice you on what steps you need to take in order to manage the prognosis.

Remember, a developmental evaluation is just addressing possible concerns in your child’s development. Getting an evaluation done does not mean the diagnosis of a developmental delay is certain. It is entirely possible that no developmental delay may be detected as a result. However, in the event that a delay has been spotted, an early detection can prompt you to seek the benefits of early intervention. By intervening early you are greatly increasing your chances for better developmental outcomes of your child’s growth and health.

Developmental assessments in India are routinely conducted by Pediatricians. However, lately a few Pediatricians are obtaining specialization and training exclusively in matters related to child development. This sub-specialization has created a much needed space for Developmental Pediatrics.

A Developmental Pediatrician can diagnose and assess most developmental delays in your child. However, a separate category of sub-specialization in Neurology has introduced medicine to Pediatric Neurology. A Pediatric Neurologist can address developmental delays that have a neurological component or cause. To know more about differences and similarities between the two new sub-specialties in Pediatrics, please refer to the table show below –

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DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A NEURO-DEVELOPMENTAL PEDIATRICIAN &PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGIST

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Can’t find a Pediatric neurologist in my city – where do I go?

A Pediatric neurologist has expertise in assessing brain-related disorders in children only, but if you are unable to find one near you then seek help from a Neurologist (who consults for adults) about the next best step.

Can’t find a Developmental Pediatrician in my city – where do I go?
A developmental Pediatrician specifically has expertise in assessing early developmental delays, but if you are unable to find one near you then seek help from your Pediatrician/Pediatric Neurologist about the next best step.

SO, WHOM SHOULD I APPROACH FOR A DEVELOPMENTAL EVALUATION?
In an ideal situation it must be conducted by a Developmental Pediatrician. However, it is a challenge to find exclusively trained Developmental Pediatricians in India.

Currently, this aspect of investigation is being managed as a team work between Pediatric Neurologists and Child Psychiatrists.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this guide is for information purposes only. Please consult a qualified health practitioner for safe management.

You may also read about factors that can promote or hinder your child’s development that can have a long lasting impact on his/her growth.