How to Choose a Specialist For Your Child

Developmental pediatricians perform a physicalA child psychiatrist is a medical doctor who
examination,looking for the medical causes ofspecializes in the evaluation and treatment of
problems. They evaluate physical growth, motorchildhood and adolescent behavioral and
development, and nutritional needs. They arepsychological disorders. Psychiatrists generally allow
skilled in screening for cognitive and speech andfor at least onehour interviews in their evaluation,
language delays. They also assess social andwith an eye toward the diagnosis and
emotional development along with adaptivedetermination of medication needs.
development. A typical initial evaluation with aThe majority of psychiatrists prescribe medication
developmental pediatrician is comprehensive andas their sole form of treatment and do not
lengthy, and it is not uncommon for theprovide psychotherapy or behavioral treatment.
appointment to last two hours or more. BecauseMany psychiatrists, however, will educate parents
they are experts in the complete development ofregarding the need for psychological and
children, they take a team approach to the childbehavioral treatment. After the initial evaluation,
and will typically advise parents to seek additionalthe psychiatrist will schedule follow-up
evaluation and treatment with various otherappointments to assess the effectiveness and the
professionals. They can usually provide referralsside effects of the medication. Once the
to such specialists and can coordinate with eachmedication is stable,most psychiatrists will have
professional, serving as a case manager whofollow-up appointments every three to six
keeps an eye on the overall treatment plan formonths.
your child.