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What is developmental pediatrics?
By: Barbara Kissam, MD, Novant Health Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics
Often children have challenges that require extra attention at home, in school and out in the community. Developmental pediatrics is a relatively new pediatric specialty, which focuses on evaluating, counseling and providing treatment for children, adolescents and their families with a wide range of difficulties.
A developmental pediatrician is first and foremost a pediatrician, with specialty training in the assessment and management of developmental problems. This doctor is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and has extensive training in child development, while bringing a child- and family-oriented perspective to the evaluation process.
Typical symptoms or concerns that a developmental pediatrician can evaluate include (but are not limited to):
- Delayed speech or language
- Gross motor delays
- Global developmental delays
- Emotional or behavioral problems
- Poor school performance
 Developmental pediatricians are trained to care for children with disorders such as (but not limited to):
- Anxiety
- ADHD/ADD
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Bipolar with school or family dysfunction
- Cerebral palsy
- Depression
- Genetic syndromes with developmental delays
- Intellectual disability
- Learning disabilities
- OCD/ODD
- Panic
- Reactive attachment disorder
- Sensory integration disorder
- Tics/Tourette syndrome
- NICU graduates
If a family is concerned and wants to seek further advice on developmental delays, learning problems and mood issues, a developmental pediatrician may be the appropriate resource. A “wait and see” approach is usually not the best strategy. Our office provides a comprehensive 90-minute initial appointment to determine the diagnosis, best treatment strategies, and help to implement and coordinate the appropriate services. We work not only with the child and their family but also schools, therapists, primary care providers and legal systems to give your child the best opportunity to achieve his or her full potential.
Novant Health Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics is a new department of Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. The practice is located in the Metroview Building near Hemby Children’s Hospital in uptown Charlotte. We see children ages 0 to 22.
Barbara Kissam, MD, fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics, is double board-certified in general pediatrics and adolescent medicine as well as developmental behavioral pediatrics. She has been practicing for more than 15 years and is passionate about comprehensive care for children with developmental and behavioral issues. Her passion stems from being both a physician and a mother of three children who have been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, sensory integration disorder, dyslexia, NICU graduate and learning disabilities. She has spent the majority of her personal and professional career advocating and caring for children with similar issues. She has served on various boards such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, Society for Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Easter Seals Society, Special Olympics, Sensory Solutions and Head Start. Dr. Kissam recognizes the journey most families are on in dealing with children with special needs and the struggles along the way in seeking comprehensive care and services their children need to reach their full potential. Dr. Kissam returns to North Carolina where she was born to be closer to family and bring her expertise and passion to families in Charlotte and surrounding areas.
Caitlin N. Rissler, NP, comes to Novant Health from Vanderbilt University Neurodevelopmental Disabilities training program and is board-certified in pediatrics. Her special interests are in coordinating care for children with autism spectrum, developmental delays, genetic syndromes and ADHD. She is excited to bring her background and training to help educate and coordinate proper services for families with children of various neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Call 704-316-1155 to learn more about Novant Health Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. |
