A Developmental Pediatric Consultation is a medical evaluation of a child, teen, or young adult for emotional, behavioral, neurological or developmental concerns.

Consultations include diagnostic assessments, treatment planning, and monitoring of a patient’s progress.

We practice Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics exclusively. We do not replace your regular Pediatrician and we do not provide general Paediatric services (immunizations, sick visits, etc).

We will address the specific developmental and behavioral problems which are a concern. We will communicate with your regular doctor and any involved specialists as needed.

A Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrician specializes in the treatment of emotional, behavioural, and neuro-developmental problems in children and adolescents.

It is a physician who has sub-specialty certification in Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics, in addition to general paediatrics.

There is overlap in the services provided by a Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrician, a Child Neurologist and a Child Psychiatrist. All three specialists treat some of the same populations of children, for example Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and undiagnosed disruptions in development or.

However there are exceptions to some of the children each specialists treats, and there are differences in their clinical approaches. In some cases two or even all three sub specialists may form the best treatment team for a particular patient depending upon the problem. Children with brain , seizures, or primary neurological conditions should be treated by a Child Neurologist. Children with symptoms of schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder or major depressive illness should have the input of a Child Psychiatrist.

However, in many of the developmental problems of childhood and adolescence such as ADHD, learning disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Delay, Genetic Syndromes, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Language Disorders, Disruptive Behaviors, and abnormal behaviors a Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrician is able to treat the child and family without the input of other specialists.

What many families enjoy about Developmental and Behavioural Pediatricians is the extensive foundation in Paediatrics gives the physician a strong basis for understanding the developmental and dynamic nature of many problems of childhood. Additionally, the therapeutic interventions recommended are broad, encompassing a wide variety of treatments and disciplines with medication being only one component.

Any child from birth to young adulthood, who is not developing typically, who is diagnosed with a specific neurological or psychological problem, or who is experiencing emotional, behavioural, or learning problems is appropriate for a consultation.

In some cases a child may not have a specific diagnosis, but the parents are just worried about the child and need help understanding if there is a real problem or if the concern is within normal limits.

Children or adolescents who are actively suicidal, require a psychiatric hospitalization, have a history of multiple prior psychiatric hospitalizations, or are experiencing seizures should be seen by an appropriate sub specialist.

We do not treat substance abuse or eating disorders both of which require highly specialized multi-disciplinary treatment centers. We can give you referral information upon request.

Initial appointments for new patients may consist of a single visit called a Treatment Consultation or a series of visits consisting of an Initial Consultation, Child Evaluation and Feedback visit. The type of visit depends upon whether the child has had any prior evaluations. Additionally, younger children and toddlers are typically seen in a Treatment consultation with their parents. Established patients receiving medication management can expect 30-60 minute Follow-Up Visits every three to four months. Some patients may need to be seen more or less frequently. Additional appointments are made as needed on an individualized basis.

Phone consultations are available for parents who need extended telephone time or are unable to schedule an office visit. These sessions cannot substitute for face to face visits with your child on a regular basis, but may occasionally take the place of an office visit.

School Visits are available depending upon the school’s location. You can contact our office directly for more information.

The developmental paediatric consultation is an attempt to help parents “fill in the gaps” in the medical care of their children with developmental, behavioural and learning difficulties.

We will help families determine if assessments are complete and thorough. We will make specific recommendations for further evaluations only if they are truly needed. We will also help to insure that no underlying problems have been overlooked.

We are also available for ongoing support as new challenges arise and to monitor a child’s progress.

Our consultations always include the process of helping to uncover the strengths and resources of each and every individual regardless of the underlying concerns. Parents may have lost the ability to see their child’s unique strengths and assets. Sometimes this is due to the negative impact a child may have on the entire family system, making life a daily challenge.

It can also be due to a history of diagnostic work ups that have focused exclusively on a child’s deficits. If we are not looking for a child’s positive qualities they may remain hidden from view.