Ask the Doctor: Amir Miodovnik, M.D., Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician, NeurAbilities Healthcare

How do I know if my child has developmental delays and who do I contact to find out?

Parents know their child better than anyone. If you have concerns about your child’s development, or if you feel like something just isn’t quite right, TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS! Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician. Parents who have concerns can also initiate an evaluation directly with a developmental specialist.

If your child isn’t reaching their developmental milestones as expected, there are several professionals who are uniquely qualified to perform development and/or behavioral assessments and provide specific treatment recommendations:

Early Intervention specialists are trained educators who work with children from birth to three years old. Every county has an Early Intervention Program (EIP), and you can easily locate their contact information by searching on the internet or asking your pediatrician. These professionals will interview parents regarding their concerns and evaluate the child to determine if he or she requires therapeutic interventions that can be provided in the home.

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians and Child Neurologists are medical doctors who are trained to identify developmental and/or behavioral concerns in infants and toddlers as well as older children. These professionals will discuss your concerns, conduct a thorough evaluation of your child, and recommend any diagnostic testing or treatment if necessary. These medical providers also perform a physical exam and review the medical history to determine if any underlying medical conditions may be contributing to the troubling symptoms and/or behaviors.

While most medical providers who perform these evaluations accept insurance, many insurance carriers require a medical provider’s diagnosis of a developmental and/or behavioral condition before they will cover the cost of certain recommended therapies.

Remember that a child’s development changes over time. Therefore, try to find a specialist who can provide ongoing care and adjust your child’s treatment plan as needed. Parents who may not be familiar with developmental milestones can refer to the Centers for Disease Control’s milestone checklist.

A little bit about Dr. Amir Miodovnik:
Dr. Amir Miodovnik is a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician at NeurAbilities Healthcare. He specializes in diagnostic and treatment services for autism, ADHD, learning differences, behavioral concerns, and other developmental delays. Dr. Miodovnik works closely with children and their families to assess for developmental concerns and offer strategies that promote academic, social, and behavioral well-being for his patients.

Dr. Miodovnik completed a clinical fellowship in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics and a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School and served as Chief of Developmental Medicine at Maimonides Children’s Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.

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