Developmental-behavioral pediatricians are medical doctors who have completed four years of medical school, three years of residency training in pediatrics, are board-certified in pediatrics and have received additional subspecialty training in developmental-behavioral pediatrics. Developmental pediatricians evaluate, counsel and provide treatment for infants, children, adolescents and their families with a wide range of developmental and behavioral difficulties, including:
- Learning disorders, such as dyslexia, writing difficulties, math disorders, reading problems and other school-related learning issues
- Attention and behavioral disorders, including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and associated conditions
- Regulatory disorders, including sleep disorders, feeding problems and discipline difficulties
- Developmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, mental retardation, autism spectrum disorder and visual and hearing impairments
- Behavioral and developmental problems complicating the full range of pediatric chronic illness (e.g., congenital heart disease and multiple congenital anomalies)