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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.

Contents

Overview
What medical specialists and therapy providers should my child see?

Getting a Diagnosis

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Most Common Developmental Disability Diagnoses
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A New Diagnosis: Now What?
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Mapping the Journey from Birth to Kindergarten: The 4 Ws of Early Intervention

Providers and Therapies

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What Is a Care Team? - How to Build and Coordinate Your Child's Team
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Types of Therapies: Glossary
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Types of Medical Specialists: Glossary
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What Is a Developmental Pediatrician?
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Individualized Health Plan (IHP) in an IEP
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Durable Medical Equipment (DME) 101

Top Parent Questions

Parent Question
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.
Parent Question
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.
Parent Question
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.

Top Video Clips

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The Importance of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians
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What To Do After Insurance Denies Your Claim
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How Multiple Sources Can Pay For Services For Children with Disabilities
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Who Pays For Your Child's Medical and Therapeutic Needs?
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Making a Health Plan Part of an IEP

Latest Resources

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Author

Brittany OlsenUndivided Editor

An editor and cartoonist who loves using words and images to simplify and share ideas. She has ten years of experience as a copy editor and lives near Portland, Oregon. She often spends her free time going on nature walks with her dog or trying new bread recipes.

Reviewed by

Jennifer Drew, Undivided Senior Editor

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