Developmental and Behavioral Services
From infancy through adolescence, Children's Medical Group offers a range of developmental and behavioral services. These include monitoring of all areas of development at each well-child visit, screening for specific developmental or behavioral concerns and evaluation of attention and learning difficulties in school-age children. We are committed to maximizing your child's development and learning potential in all areas. See our guide below for more information about our specific developmental services.
Developmental Screening
If you have concerns about your child's development (or, alternatively, would like to explore the amazing process of early development), please call us to arrange a developmental screening at a visit separate from your well-child visit and at a time of day when your child is alert and well rested. This screening provides an opportunity to see where your child is functioning in a variety of areas, including speech and language, fine and gross motor, personal, social, and self-help. At a typical screening, your child will perform a variety of activities and we will ask you questions about what your child is doing in certain developmental areas. If any concerns are noted on the screening, a focused developmental assessment will be scheduled at CMG to more clearly define your child's progress. At times, we may initiate a referral for a more specialized learning evaluation to an outside agency.
Developmental Assessment
Children's Medical Group offers a wide range of assessments based on your child's age and areas of concern. These include general developmental assessments for young children and learning, attention, and mental health assessments for older children. This requires a visit separate from a routine well-child visit. At this appointment, we will perform an age-specific exam focused on the areas of concern.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
CMG offers extensive assessment and management services for children and adolescents who are experiencing difficulty with school success due to inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity. Rating scales, checklists and comprehensive history-gathering tools are utilized to compile as much information as possible from parents, teachers, students, and guidance counselors. A complete profile is then developed, academic needs are clearly identified and behavioral strategies developed. If medication is required for ADHD, we provide inclusive services, from initiation of a medication plan to dose adjustment and careful monitoring for effectiveness and side effects. If counseling is recommended, we will assist you in locating a counselor to meet your family's and child's needs. All of these services are performed in close collaboration with the family, the student and school personnel. CMG providers may attend Planning and Placement Team meetings at the school to assure that appropriate educational and support services are offered. CMG providers may also assist in the development of a 504 Plan so that your child with ADHD may have individualized accommodations and modifications in the regular classroom. We believe that a successful school career is essential to your child's future health and happiness and will work with you to achieve this goal.
Effective Parenting Techniques
It can be challenging for parents to help their children navigate the school years with their many social and educational demands. If at any time you would like to talk about easy and fun ways to create new learning experiences for your child (including choosing age-appropriate toys and books), or want to learn more about effective parenting techniques, we would be happy to meet with you and your child.
Please call our team today at (203) 288-4288 to schedule a wellness visit for your child or to ask any questions.