Talking to Your Child’s Pediatrician About Development
Your pediatrician is often the first person you turn to when you have questions about your child’s development, learning, or behavior. They see your child regularly, know their history, and can help determine whether more assessment or support might be helpful.
Many pediatricians are proactive and supportive. Others may take a “watch and wait” approach—meaning they want to see if your child catches up on their own before referring for services. At The Neurodevelopmental Collective (NDC), we believe that if you have a concern, it’s worth exploring now. You don’t need to wait for a problem to grow before seeking answers or support.
Reasons You Might Talk to Your Pediatrician
You’ve noticed delays in speech, movement, social skills, or regulation.
Your child is having difficulty in school with learning, focus, or behavior.
You want to explore services such as speech therapy (ST), occupational therapy (OT), or physical therapy (PT).
When You Don’t Need a Referral
You do not need your pediatrician’s referral to:
Contact your local Regional Center to request an evaluation.
Request an IEP evaluation from your school district.
Book a private evaluation with NDC or most other private providers.
Still, keeping your pediatrician in the loop is important. They can share medical history, rule out health concerns, write referrals for insurance, and prescribe medication if needed.
Common Misunderstandings
“I need a referral for private testing.” Not true. Most private testing, including at NDC, can be scheduled directly by caregivers.
“A developmental-behavioral pediatrician (DBP) will be my child’s long-term support.” Most DBPs—especially at large hospitals—focus on diagnosis and short-term follow-up (such as medication management for ADHD or complex developmental needs). They do not provide ongoing therapy, and they do not replace your regular pediatrician.
“Once we get a diagnosis, my pediatrician will coordinate everything.” Some pediatricians help with referrals, but you may still need to take the lead on contacting schools, the Regional Center, or private providers.
“Only a specialist can refer me to therapies like OT, ST, or PT.” Pediatricians can make these referrals, but you can also seek private providers directly (though insurance coverage may require a medical referral).
What a Pediatrician Might Recommend
Depending on your child’s needs, your pediatrician may:
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Refer to speech therapy (ST), occupational therapy (OT), or physical therapy (PT).
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Referral to the Regional Center for developmental services.
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Recommend requesting a school evaluation for an IEP or other supports.
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Refer to a developmental-behavioral pediatrician (DBP) for diagnostic clarification or medical management.
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Refer to a neurologist for seizure concerns, motor coordination, or other brain/nervous system issues.
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Prescribe or manage medication for ADHD or other conditions when appropriate.
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Suggest private testing with a psychologist to better understand your child’s learning, attention, or developmental profile.
Understanding the Different Specialists
Psychologist
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May provide evaluations, therapy, or both — not all do the same thing.
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Focuses on understanding thinking, learning, emotions, and behavior.
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Does not prescribe medication.
See a psychologist when you want in-depth testing, therapy, or guidance about your child’s learning and development.
Psychiatrist
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A medical doctor who diagnoses and prescribes psychiatric medications (for ADHD, anxiety, depression, etc.).
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Generally does not provide therapy, though some may.
See a psychiatrist if you’re considering medication for mental health needs.
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician (DBP)
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A pediatrician with specialty training in development and behavior.
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May provide targeted evaluations and prescribe medication.
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In large hospital clinics, generally are short-term and limited to diagnosis or medication; in private settings, may offer more ongoing care.
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Does not replace your regular pediatrician.
See a DBP if you want a medical perspective on developmental differences (like autism or ADHD) or support with complex medical issues.
Neurologist
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A medical doctor specializing in the brain and nervous system.
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Evaluates concerns such as seizures, motor coordination, tics, or sudden developmental changes.
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May order imaging or other medical tests.
See a neurologist if there are neurological symptoms or concerns about how the brain and nervous system may be affecting development.
How to prepare before your visit
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Write down your top 2–3 concerns with examples
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Bring teacher/daycare feedback if available
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Note any family history of learning or developmental differences
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Keep a record of when concerns started
Questions to Ask a New Pediatrician
If you’re meeting a new provider, you might ask:
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Have you worked with neurodivergent children before?
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How do you respond if I have concerns about my child’s development?
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Will you prescribe medication for ADHD if needed?
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How do you work with schools and specialists?
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Do you recommend waiting or starting services now — and why?
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What resources do you usually recommend for families like ours?
Taking Action Yourself
Even without a referral, you can:
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Contact the Regional Center for a developmental evaluation.
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Request an IEP from your school district.
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Schedule a private evaluation with NDC or another qualified provider.
Your pediatrician is an important partner in your child’s overall health, but you don’t have to wait for their referral to begin getting answers and support.