Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About MyAutismTeam
Powered By
Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

What Is The Difference Between A Developmental Pediatrician And A Pediatric Neurologist?

A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Weston, MA

Any opinions on which is better to take your child to and to guide parents over the long term, developmental pediatrician or pediatric neurologist?

May 11, 2013
•
Be the first to like/hug
A MyAutismTeam Member

We see both, we have a developmental pediatrician, and a pediatric neurologist at Children's. We also see a pediatric psychologist there too. We see each at least twice a year. I definitely feel all of his bases are covered.

May 12, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

A developmental Pediatrician is just like an average pediatrician except they specialize in children with developmental disabilities. You can kind of think of it this way, when you are in college studying education you can pick from different branches but you still get a degree in education.

Now a Neurologist is a Dr that studies the brain, and they are specific to any kind of disability that would affect brain development. This is why when you try to get a diagnosis they are the ones to go to because they are the best at figuring out what exactly is going on.

This is why a lot of children that should have the ASD diagnosis get labeled with PDD-NOS because the Dr is not sure what is going on because they do not have the experience to figure it out. If this happens you will not get all the services your child needs because in most states the ASD diagnosis will give far more services that the PDD-NOS.

May 12, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

We have seen both. The developmental pediatrician has such a long waiting list that all she does is the initial diagnosis. For ongoing care we see a pediatric neurologist and an integrative neurodevelopmental pediatrician. The former helps with things like getting insurance approval for OT, speech, and PT. The latter treats ASD from a biomedical standpoint and follows much of the DAN protocol.

May 12, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

Thanks for your input. It sounds like I should probably get a Dev Ped even though we've seen the neurologist at MGH since my son was 1 1/2 (he just turned 5). Where do you live now?

May 11, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

Thanks for those websites.
How long does the Dev. Ped spend with you and your son? Do you feel the doctor really knows your whole child? We see a Pediatric Neurologist at the Lurie Autism Ctr @ Mass General but I feel that she doesn't REALLY know my son enough to truly offer useful information. She always offers information or suggestions in a more general way. Was this your experience with a neurologist?

May 11, 2013

Related content

View All

Who's The Best To Diagnose Autism (pediatric Neurologist, Psychologist, Pediatrician, Behavioral Specialist, Etc)? Who Diagnosed Your Child?

A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Brandon, FL

Developmental Pediatrician VS Neuropsychologist?

A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Detroit, MI

What Type Of Doctor Is The Best For An Official Diagnosis Of Aspergers?

A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Bakersfield, CA
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data Policy and Privacy policies.Your privacy is our priority Lock Icon
Already a Member? Log in