Developmental-Behavioral Resources - Family Guide

Your child’s pediatrician has referred your child to see a developmental-behavioral pediatrician (DBP). What does that mean?  

Pediatricians refer to DBPs to evaluate children who are not meeting developmental milestones when their peers are, show signs of certain developmental-related conditions, or are having difficulty with behavior or learning.   

Typical conditions that DBPs might evaluate include: 

• Delays in speech, language, or motor skills
• Learning differences
• Performance issues in school
• Autism spectrum disorder 

At a visit with a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, you can expect the DBP to:  

• Ask for a detailed history of your child. 
• Conduct a medical exam
• Observe your child
• Ask questions about your child’s strengths and how your child learns, plays, speaks, acts and moves at home, in child care/school, and in other settings in a variety of contexts.  

Based on the information gathered, the DBP may make a diagnosis and/or need to gather more information through tests or referrals to other professionals either for further evaluation or intervention.  

The DBP will create a treatment plan. This may include follow-up visits with the DBP, or with other professionals. Your pediatrician will receive a copy of the plan, will help monitor your child’s developmental progress, and continuing to provide their routine medical care.   

The information contained in this resource should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.  

Inclusion in this resource does not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of the resources mentioned in this resource. Website addresses are as current as possible but may change at any time. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not review or endorse any modifications made to this resource and in no event shall the AAP be liable for any such changes. 

This resource was made possible through the generous support of AAP donors to the Friends of Children Fund.