Developmental Pediatrics

Developmental Pediatricians are physicians with specialized training in the development and psychosocial well-being of children of all ages and developmental levels.

They aim to promote the optimal development of children (infants, children and youth) and their families (including other caregivers) through clinical care, education, research and advocacy. The specialty focuses on the development of children with congenital (present at birth) or acquired disorders and/or individual variations in physical, motor, cognitive, sensory and social-emotional development. This discipline also addresses children’s behavioural responses to those challenges.

The overall goal is to promote and maintain the developmental and emotional well-being of all children and their families, especially those who are most vulnerable.

Developmental Pediatricians at KidsInclusive offer consultation, assessment and diagnostic services, and advocate for medical services as needed. They work closely with our multidisciplinary teams. Our medical specialists DO NOT provide primary care. Instead, they work closely with Family Physicians and General Pediatricians. Developmental Pediatricians do provide some treatment for conditions related to developmental disorders, e.g. gastroesophageal (“acid”) reflux, spasticity (“stiffness” in the muscles), some sleep related issues, and some types of behavioural issues.

Physicians from a number of other subspecialties (i.e. neurology, orthopedics, psychiatry, respirology, and endocrinology) provide medical consultation through the Children’s Outpatient Centre (COPC) or KidsInclusive. Our physicians work closely with these subspecialties, other professional services and community partners, to offer an integrated approach to care.