Undivided: Medical Services and Supports
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Medical

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Overview

The medical supports and services that our kids need vary, but it's important to understand them. Learn the role that different medical practitioners play in our kids' lives, the therapies they recommend, and when and how to access them.

What medical specialists and therapy providers should my child see?

  • Depending on your child’s age and diagnosis, there is a wide range of medical specialists who may provide care and support. Your primary care pediatrician will be the first point of contact or referral when you have concerns about your child’s development.
  • You may get a referral to see a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, or audiologist for assessments. From there, you may be referred to a variety of therapists offering occupational, physical, speech-language, hearing, vision, behavioral, and other types of therapy. Learn about when to begin therapies, how to pay for them, and more.

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Overview

What medical specialists and therapy providers should my child see?

Related Topic Decoders

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Insurance
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Therapies
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New Diagnosis
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Top Parent Questions

How can I prepare my child for a successful blood draw?
Ask to make an appointment with a pediatric phlebotomist, as they can be more flexible and cooperative about your child needing more time and guidance than at general locations. For more information about what to do to minimize stress, see How to Have a Stress-Free Blood Draw.
What do developmental-behavioral pediatricians do?
Developmental-behavioral pediatricians (also known as developmental pediatricians) specialize in evaluating and treating infants, children, and young adults with developmental, behavioral, and learning disorders such as Down syndrome, ADHD, and autism.
Who is eligible for Medi-Cal?
Eligibility for Medi-Cal is usually based on household income. However, California offers several programs that allow people with disabilities to obtain Medi-Cal if their income is too high to qualify based solely on financial need.

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