Introduction

Developmental disabilities are common, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence is rising, in part because of increased awareness, identification, survival of preterm infants, and prenatal risk factors.

Estimated Prevalence of Children with Diagnosed Developmental Disabilities in the United States, 2014–2016

(Source: Estimated Prevalence of Children with Diagnosed Developmental Disabilities in the United States, 2014–2016. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2017.)

Developmental and behavioral pediatrics involves the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of a wide range of developmental and behavioral problems in children and youth. Developmental and behavioral pediatricians are involved in medical evaluation of etiologic factors for the presenting problem, as well as management of co-occurring medical and behavioral problems. However, all pediatricians require a solid foundation in child behavior and development. Screening and diagnosis of developmental problems begins in the primary care setting. Routine surveillance and screening are recommended for all children during preventive health care visits to identify children at risk for, and those presenting with, developmental problems who require further evaluation. Early identification and diagnosis of developmental and behavioral problems are key to providing early access to needed interventions and care, as well as attaining the best outcomes.

This rotation guide focuses on the approach to the diagnosis and management of common developmental and behavioral pediatric diagnoses.

The topics in this guide are organized as follows:

• Developmental History
• Screening, Referrals, Evaluation, and Services
• Global Developmental Delay
• Intellectual Disability
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
• Speech and Language Disorders
• Learning Disorders
  
  

Some conditions and topics related to Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics are covered in other rotation guides as follows:

• Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder (Pediatric Mental Health)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (Pediatric Mental Health)
• Prevention and Screening (Preventive/Well Child Care)
• Newborn Screening (Pediatric Genetic/Metabolic Disorders)
• Genetic Variants and Testing (Pediatric Genetic/Metabolic Disorders)
• Social Determinants of Health (Preventive/Well Child Care)