The list of pediatric services is numerous when you are looking for the right resource to help your child. We have compiled a list to use as a reference. It can help you find the pediatric services you need to help your child best.
Common Pediatric Service Types
First, understanding the types of pediatric services available to help your child can help you get the help your child needs faster. Below is a list of services that may be appropriate depending on your child’s needs. As always, please consult your pediatrician when you have any developmental concerns.
Type of Services
- Medical Examination/Consultation. A medical evaluation conducted by a healthcare professional (such as a pediatrician, developmental-behavioral pediatrician, or neurologist) to assess your child’s overall health and address any specific medical concerns.
- Developmental Evaluation. A comprehensive assessment to evaluate your child’s overall development, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains. It helps identify developmental delays or areas of concern.
- Behavior Consultation. A focused consultation with a professional specializing in behavior management. It aims to understand and address specific behavioral challenges your child may face.
- Behavior Therapy. Ongoing therapy focused on modifying and managing behavior patterns. It involves implementing evidence-based strategies to promote positive behavior and reduce challenging behaviors.
- Neuropsychological Evaluation. An in-depth assessment of cognitive functioning and brain-behavior relationships. It helps identify any underlying neurological or cognitive difficulties impacting your child’s behavior and learning.
- Occupational Therapy Evaluation. This evaluation is conducted by an occupational therapist. It assesses and addresses challenges related to fine motor skills, self-care activities, sensory processing, and daily functioning.
- Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Evaluation. This evaluation is conducted by a speech-language pathologist. It assesses and addresses communication and language difficulties, speech articulation, and social communication skills.
General Guidelines for Pediatric Services
Correspondingly, below are some general guidelines for each type of pediatric service. It includes in what instances you may request this service either through your pediatrician or directly. As always, please consult your pediatrician when you have any developmental concerns.
General Guidelines
- Medical Examination/Consultation. If you have specific medical concerns or suspect a medical condition may affect your child’s development or behavior, consider consulting with a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician or Neurologist.
- Developmental Evaluation. If you are concerned about your child’s overall development, cognitive abilities, or potential developmental delays, consider consulting with a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician, Child Psychologist, or School Psychologist.
- Behavior Consultation. If you seek guidance and strategies to address specific behavioral challenges your child faces (such as non-compliance or tantrums), consider consulting with a Child Psychologist, School Psychologist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, or Social Worker.
- Behavior Therapy. If you seek ongoing therapy to help modify and manage your child’s behavior patterns, consider seeking services from a Child Psychologist, Behavior Therapist, or Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
- Neuropsychological Evaluation. If you suspect underlying neurological or cognitive difficulties impacting your child’s behavior and learning, consider consulting with a Neuropsychologist or Child Psychologist.
- Occupational Therapy Evaluation. If your child is experiencing challenges related to fine motor skills, self-care activities, sensory processing, or daily functioning, consider seeking an evaluation from an Occupational Therapist.
- Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Evaluation. Lastly, If your child is facing difficulties with communication, speech articulation, language comprehension, or social communication skills, consider seeking an evaluation from a Speech-Language Pathologist.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice or consultation. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, it may not be comprehensive or current. The document does not guarantee the availability or access to specific services or providers. The creators and distributors of this document assume no liability for any damages or consequences arising from its use or interpretation. It is important to consult with qualified professionals to obtain personalized recommendations based on your child’s specific needs and circumstances.
