Pediatricians can support the identification, diagnosis and treatment of developmental and behavioral conditions within a variety of practice settings. Key to doing so is screening and surveillance. The following resources provide education and clinical resources including websites, training opportunites, forms and mini-articles for pediatricians.

Resources

Websites

Developmental Surveillance and Screening Resources for Pediatricians

Educational and clinical resources from websites to training to clinical forms, and includes the following mini-articles for pediatricians.  

Promoting Optimal Development: Screening for Behavioral and Emotional Problems

This Pediatrics report identifies barriers to screening and proposes practice changes to meet the needs of a growing number of children. 

Expanding Developmental and Behavioral Health Capacity in Pediatric Primary Care

This journal article by Joan Jeung et al speaks to opportunities to train more pediatricians in developmental behavioral pediatric work. 

Toolbox for Primary Care Providers

Toolbox contains publicly available rating scales, references and handouts to facilitate provision of DBP/mental health care in primary care.

How to Prepare for a Visit with a DBP

Guidance and tips for parents and caregivers about preparing for a visit with a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician. 

Multimedia

How Developmental Pediatrics Helps Kids Live Their Best Lives

From the American Academy of Pediatrics’ series We Are Pediatricians, Dr. Peter Smith explains how a career in developmental pediatrics has allowed him to focus on both the science and the policies that improve the lives of children.  

Presentations on DBP basics

This series includes presentations by experts from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). 

Training

AAP Mental Health Education and Training

Learn more about addressing mental health concerns and promoting healthy mental development using these resources for pediatric health professionals

Working with Children with Mental and Emotional Challenges

The REACH Institute trains a range of disciplines in evidence-based methods for helping children with mental and emotional challenges. Education is provided in multiple formats, including live virtual training as well as online asynchronous training. 

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

Last Updated

01/21/2026

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics