Developmental-behavioral pediatricians at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital complete medical school as well as an additional three years of training in pediatrics. Then, they complete two-to-three more years of training in developmental-pediatrics.
These specialists demonstrate their skill and knowledge by passing a comprehensive exam given by the American Board of Pediatrics. When you choose a board-certified developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, you can rest assured your child or teen will receive the highest level of specialty care available.
Collaborative, multidisciplinary care for developmental-behavioral disorders
Our team understands that developmental and behavioral issues affect the whole child. We collaborate with these specialty providers to meet your child’s every need:
- Audiologists
- Child and adolescent psychiatrists
- Clinical social workers
- Pediatric neurologists
- Physical, occupational and speech therapists
- Psychologists
Diagnosing developmental-behavioral disorders
Developmental-behavioral pediatricians use their training and experience to identify what, if any, developmental, learning or behavioral concern is impacting your child’s development. We rely on the following to provide an accurate diagnosis:
- Taking a detailed child history
- Performing a medical exam
- Talking with your child and observing them in the office while playing and interacting
- Asking family members, teachers, caregivers or providers to give feedback about your child’s development
Early diagnosis of developmental disorders such as autism
When we identify developmental delays early, there is a higher likelihood of preventing long-term problems related to speech and language, motor skills or thinking ability. Our team specializes in recognizing:
- Intellectual disability
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Visual and hearing concerns
We also work with your child’s pediatrician to identify delays related to:
- Cerebral palsy
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Genetic disorders
- Premature birth
- Spina bifida
Identifying ADHD or learning disorders like dyslexia
If your child is struggling in school, we can help identify and manage a likely cause such as:
- Dyslexia
- Math disorders
- Writing difficulties
- Other learning difficulties
In some cases, your child’s challenges may be related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In others, anxiety may be the cause. We can effectively study behaviors to come up with the right diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Spotting concerns like oppositional-defiant disorder
Our team also identifies and helps you manage emotional, regulatory or habit disorders that affect your child’s ability to live a high-quality life. Some examples of treatable disorders include:
- Discipline problems like defiant behavior
- Feeding difficulties
- Sleep disorders
- Tics or Tourette syndrome
- Toilet-training concerns, bedwetting and involuntary soiling
Family-centered approach to treating developmental-behavioral disorders
When formulating an appropriate treatment plan, the developmental-behavioral pediatricians at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital factor in how developmental, learning or behavioral concerns affect your child, as well as how they affect your entire family. We strive to provide solutions that are both family- and child-oriented. Management plans may include:
- Working with schools or child-care centers to help ensure your child’s growth and development
- Medications to help your child concentrate and succeed in a school environment
- Child or family counseling to address specific issues facing your child
- Speech, physical or occupational therapy
Your children mean the world to you
At Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, we take the very best care of them.