Monitoring your child’s growth and witnessing them reach developmental milestones is a joyful and proud moment for any parent. However, concerns may arise when a child does not meet age-appropriate developmental benchmarks. To address these concerns, taking your child for a growth and development consultation is the right step.
Although every child develops at their own pace, seeking a consultation can help ensure their growth aligns with their age.
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Which Doctor Should You Consult for Child Growth and Development?
If you notice your child has delayed speech, difficulty paying attention, trouble walking, or other developmental concerns, consulting a pediatric growth and development specialist is recommended.
A growth and development consultant is a pediatrician who has pursued further specialization in child development and behavior. While a general pediatrician holds the title Sp.A, a pediatric growth and development specialist carries the designation Sp.A (K), indicating their expertise as a consultant.
Regular monitoring from birth until at least two years old is essential. During this period, doctors conduct assessments at specific intervals to evaluate a child’s growth and development.
Conditions Treated by a Pediatric Growth and Development Specialist
Pediatric growth and development specialists address various developmental and behavioral issues, including:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Learning disorders, such as dyslexia
- Motor skill disorders
- Cerebral palsy
- Speech and language delays
- Muscular dystrophy
- Sensory integration disorders
- Delayed walking
- Physical disabilities, such as muscular dystrophy
- Intellectual disabilities
- Tourette syndrome
What to Expect During a Growth and Development Consultation
A pediatric growth and development specialist typically conducts several assessments, including:
- Measurement of height and weight
- Head and arm circumference evaluation
- Motor skill assessment
- Social ability assessment
Additional tests, such as urine tests, blood tests, or EEG scans, may also be performed during the consultation. Doctors use developmental checklists to track a child’s progress.
When Should You Take Your Child for a Growth and Development Consultation?
Parents should consider a consultation if their child exhibits symptoms such as:
- Delayed speech
- Delayed walking
- No facial expressions by six months old
- No mimicking of sounds or expressions by nine months old
- Limited vocabulary by 24 months old
- Difficulty focusing
- Struggles to socialize with peers
Growth and Development Services at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Child developmental issues require comprehensive and thorough care. These concerns may involve neurological, behavioral, social, speech, language, and overall health aspects.
Pediatric growth and development specialists collaborate with other child health experts and therapists to create the most effective therapy plan. The earlier therapy begins, the better the chances of catching up on developmental milestones and improving social skills.
You can schedule a growth and development consultation at the Child Growth and Development Service Center at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. Our team includes:
- Pediatric neurology consultants
- Pediatric growth and development-social pediatrics consultants
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists
- Child psychologists
- Physiotherapists
Available Therapy Options
Besides consultations, we offer various therapies, including:
- Oromotor nerve exercises
- Sensory therapy
- Speech therapy
- Cognitive therapy
Book an appointment with our pediatric growth and development specialists and child physiotherapists at the Children’s Clinic at Mandaya Royal Hospital. Contact us via WhatsApp, book an appointment online, or download the Care Dokter app from Google Play and the App Store for a more convenient consultation experience.
