ABSTRACT
This quote also applies to developmental disabilities which are estimated to affect at least 5-10% of children (1). Thus, developmental delays and=or motor impairments are common clinical problems presenting to the pediatrician and family practitioner. Unfortunately, fewer than half of children with
developmental disabilities are identified by school entrance, which precludes their participation in early intervention programs (2,3). There is increasingly strong evidence that early intervention results in significant improvement both in children at increased biological risk, and in children with established developmental disabilities (4,5). Although primary care physicians are uniquely positioned to address developmental problems and promote optimal development, many barriers to providing good quality developmental services exist (6). In 2003, the Commonwealth Fund published a report by Halfon that examined primary health care services that promote infant and young child development in the United States. The report examined developmental services in primary care, dividing the services into four general categories: assessment, education, intervention, and care co-ordination (6). Using this typology, in this chapter we will review research findings and current recommendations for diagnostic evaluation and treatment for children presenting with suspected developmental disability. This chapter will also review some of the barriers to the provision of comprehensive developmental care and their potential solutions.
