How to Talk to Your Child’s Pediatrician About Developmental Delays

As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your child’s development. You may have concerns about their speech, motor skills, social interactions, or a developmental milestone they didn’t meet. These concerns can be especially challenging when you don’t know what to do or who to turn to for help. Your child’s pediatrician can offer guidance, support, and referrals to specialists if needed.
It’s important to approach the conversation with your child’s pediatrician in a way that maximizes the information you can get. In this article, we’ll offer some tips on how to talk to your child’s pediatrician about developmental delays.

1. Schedule an appointment specifically to discuss developmental concerns

If you have concerns about your child’s development, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician specifically to discuss these concerns. That way, you can have a focused conversation and ensure that you have enough time to discuss all your concerns in detail.

2. Write down your concerns ahead of time

Before your appointment, take some time to write down your concerns. Make a list of any symptoms or behaviors that worry you, as well as any questions you have for the pediatrician. Having this list on hand during the appointment can help you stay organized and ensure that you cover everything you want to discuss.

3. Be specific about your concerns

When you’re discussing your concerns with the pediatrician, try to be as specific as possible. For example, instead of saying “My child isn’t talking,” try saying “My child only says a few words and doesn’t seem to understand simple commands.” The more specific you can be about your concerns, the easier it will be for the pediatrician to make an accurate diagnosis or referral.

4. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand something

Pediatricians may use medical jargon or terminology that you’re not familiar with. If the pediatrician uses a term or phrase that you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Understanding your child’s diagnosis or treatment plan is crucial for you to be able to follow through with the necessary actions.

5. Ask about next steps

After discussing your concerns, ask your pediatrician about the next steps. For example, if your child is diagnosed with a developmental delay, ask what treatments or therapies are available and what you can do at home to support your child’s development. If a referral to a specialist is recommended, ask for specific recommendations for a specialist and what to expect in terms of scheduling and testing.

6. Be prepared for additional testing or appointments

If your pediatrician recommends additional testing or appointments with a specialist, try to remain calm and ask for a clear explanation of why these tests or appointments are needed. It’s important to remember that additional testing or appointments do not necessarily mean that your child has a serious condition or diagnosis, and they are simply part of the process to get more information about your child’s development.

7. Follow through with any recommended treatments or therapies

If your pediatrician recommends any treatments or therapies for your child, be sure to follow through with them as prescribed. Consistency is key when it comes to therapies, and it may take some time to see progress. Additionally, your pediatrician may recommend some activities that you can do at home to support your child’s development, so be sure to take those recommendations seriously as well.

Once you have FDNA’s report, it is important to approach discussions about developmental delays with your child’s pediatrician in a focused and organized manner. By being specific about your concerns, asking for clarification, and following through with any recommended treatments or therapies, you can help ensure that your child receives the support and care they need to thrive.

Remember, your pediatrician is there to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek additional support if you need it. You are your child’s best advocate, and working closely with your pediatrician can help ensure that your child receives the care they need to reach their full potential. By taking a proactive approach to your child’s development and working closely with their pediatrician, you can help set your child up for success in all aspects of their life.

Addressing developmental delays can be a daunting task for parents, but open communication with your child’s pediatrician is crucial for early intervention and support. When discussing your concerns, be prepared with detailed observations and specific examples of your child’s behaviors.

FDNA’s Child Development Checker app helps assess your child’s developmental concerns, providing valuable data to share with your pediatrician. The “Connect to an Expert” feature offers personalized advice from genetic specialists. Use these resources to proactively support your child’s development.