August 3, 2022
How To Bring Up Your Concerns To Your Pediatrician
“Suggestions for when you have concerns about your child’s development and your pediatrician doesn’t think referring is necessary?”
ANSWER- First, I’m sorry this is happening, I know it can be so challenging when your gut is telling you one thing and you aren’t feeling heard about those concerns. My suggestion would be to first, try to have an honest conversation about how you are feeling! Saying something like “It is definitely comforting to hear you don’t think this is a concern, could you elaborate on why it isn’t and when it would become a concern, just so I can understand better?”. Opening up the conversation this way can be a really awesome way to get on the same page and figure out next steps, if appropriate!
The other side of this conversation though, is that for most states in the U.S., you don’t actually need a referral to seek out an Early Intervention Evaluation in your areas of concern. This website is a great resource that you can look up your county’s contact number and reach out directly.
I would suggest asking:
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If a referral from a physician is needed?
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Is it free?
Most times, it is both free AND able to happen without a referral! Hope that helps!
MORE RESOURCES:
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For developmental questions, tips and guidance related to milestones about tummy time, rolling & sitting, crawling and walking, check out KC’s developmental Masterclasses linked here.
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KC is a pediatric doctor of physical therapy, wife and mom of three! She has spent her career working with children and young adults of all ability levels, and currently specializes in birth to three years.