What does a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician do?
The goal of the Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician is to synthesize information from multiple sources (schools, families, other medical professionals) to provide a comprehensive assessment, ongoing treatment, and follow-up for a variety of conditions related to child development.
Parents and family members are a large part of the process. I work closely with them to ensure goals are being met and the child is able to reach his/her developmental potential.
How are you different from my child’s pediatrician?
I work together with you child’s pediatrician to enhance his/her care. Just as parents may be referred to a cardiologist for further evaluation and management of a heart condition, the child may be referred to me for further insight into a developmental condition.
What developmental disorders do you treat? What aged children do you see?
I see children from birth to 21 years of age.
Frequent conditions I see are:
ADHD
Autism
Behavioral disorders
Genetic conditions- Downs, Fragile X
Cerebral palsy
Brain Injury
speech delays
Motor delays
Learning delays
What is a typical appointment like?
Initial evaluations can last 1 ½ -2 hours. I review reports from schools, other medical professionals, and anything else families wish to share. I then take a detailed history, which may range from questions involving what conditions were like in-utero and what conditions may run in the family, to how a child is doing in school.
I then evaluate the child’s language, motor skills, social/communications skills, cognitive abilities, and general behavior through formal and standardized testing, which most children find fun…I promise! This includes walking and running down the hallway (how often do children get permission to do that in a doctor’s office?), discussing what a child wants to be when he grows up, to math, reading, and drawing skills. There are no needles during the visit, and most children find the appointments entertaining.
At the completion of the visit, I discuss my thoughts with parents on any diagnoses, as well as any suggested further evaluations and treatment recommendations.
How do I know if a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician should see my child?
If your pediatrician, teachers, therapist, or other health professional has recommended your child be seen, he should be evaluated. Also, if you have concerns about your child’s development he should be seen. Even if your worries turn out to be “nothing,” it’s better to have piece of mind. However, if there is truly a delay in a certain area, we get better results when we find issues and manage them early.
How do I make an appointment to see you?
Appointments are easy! Just call 804.287.7463 to schedule your initial visit. We have a wonderful staff at Bon Secours Developmental and Special Needs Pediatrics who can answer any of your questions.
Evelyn Frazier, MD
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician| Developmental and Special Needs Pediatrics
Bon Secours Virginia Health System: St. Mary’s Hospital
5875 Bremo Road | MOB South Suite 104 | Richmond, VA 23226
Clinic: 804-287-7463|Fax: 804-287-7722|Direct Line: 804-287-4775 [email protected]
Good Help to Those in Need®
Trevor – I will send a logo of Bon Secours to sue to connect to this article ok?