Developmental Pediatrics

Developmental disabilities begin during infancy or early childhood and can persist through adolescence and adulthood. Approximately 17 percent of children in the United States have a developmental or behavioral disability according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Often times these disabilities are not recognized until children start school, which can hinder learning and social development.

Developmental pediatrics offers evaluation of children who either have, or indicate symptoms of having, developmental problems. Developmental pediatric physicians work with physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, audiology and speech pathologists, nutritionists, nurses and other specialty physicians.

Examples of developmental disabilities include the following:

• Mental disabilities
• Learning disabilities
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum disorders
• Cerebral Palsy
• Speech-Language disorders

In conjunction with the American Academy of Pediatrics and others, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have created developmental milestone tips for parents.

Le Bonheur works with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center's Boling Center to offer a center concentrating on developmental disabilities. The Boling Center's core programs are focused within the Spina Bifida clinic, the Feeding Clinic and the Craniofacial clinic. The specialists work alongside Rehabilitation Services and Radiology.

The Boling Center offers programs such as a Supported Parenting Group, Center of Excellence for Children in State Custody, Center of Disability and Employment, a Maternal and Child Health LEND program, the Harwood Center, as well as several other clinics. To find out more about these clinics, please click here.

Find a Developmental Pediatrician
Find a developmental pediatrician.