A Developmental Pediatric Consultation is the process of evaluating a child for emotional, behavioral, neurological or developmental concerns. The process begins with a comprehensive detailed interview with the parents, followed by an evaluation of the child, then a conference with the family to discuss the outcome and treatment options. If medication is needed it will prescribed, and any further testing or referrals if necessary will be obtained.

Dr. Aronson-Ramos practices Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics exclusively. She will not replace your regular Pediatrician and she does not provide general Pediatric services (immunizations, sick visits etc). She will address the specific developmental and behavioral problems which are a concern. She will communicate with your regular doctor and any involved specialists as needed.

A Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician specializes in the treatment of emotional, behavioral, and neuro-developmental problems in children and adolescents. It is a physician who has subspecialty certification in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, in addition to general pediatrics.

There is overlap in the services provided by a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician, a Child Neurologist and a Child Psychiatrist. All three specialists treat some of the same populations of children, for example Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and undiagnosed disruptions in development or behavior. However there are exceptions to some of the children each specialists treats, and there are differences in their clinical approaches.

In some cases two or even all three sub specialists may form the best treatment team for a particular patient depending upon the problem. Children with brain tumors, seizures, or primary neurological conditions should be treated by a Child Neurologist. Children with symptoms of schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder or major depressive illness should have the input of a Child Psychiatrist. However, in many of the developmental problems of childhood and adolescence such as ADHD, learning disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Delay, Genetic Syndromes, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Language Disorders, Disruptive Behaviors, and abnormal behaviors a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician is able to treat the child and family without the input of other specialists.

What many families enjoy about Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics is the solid primary foundation in Pediatrics gives the Physician a strong basis for understanding the developmental and dynamic nature of many problems of childhood. Additionally, the therapeutic interventions recommended are broad encompassing a wide variety of treatments and disciplines with medication being only one component.

Any child from birth to young adulthood, who is not developing typically, who is diagnosed with a specific neurological or psychological problem, or who is experiencing emotional, behavioral, or learning problems is appropriate for a consultation. In some cases a child may not have a specific diagnosis, but the parents are just worried about the child and need help understanding if there is a real problem or if the concern is within normal limits. Young adults from 18-29 who are experiencing difficulties related to a developmental or emotional difficulty from their childhood are also welcome stay in the practice or join as new patients.

Children or adolescents who are actively suicidal, have multiple prior psychiatric hospitalizations, or are experiencing seizures should be seen by an appropriate sub specialist.

New patients can expect a three visit work up consisting of:

Initial Consult (90 min) - parents only.

Child Only Visit (60 min) - evaluation of the child.

Feedback Visit (60min) - conference with the parents or other caregivers.

Established patients receiving medication management, can expect 30-60minute Follow-Up Visits every two to three months. Some patients may need to be seen more or less frequently. Additional appointments are made as needed on an individualized basis.

Phone consultations are available for parents who need extended telephone time or are unable to schedule an office visit. These sessions cannot substitute for face to face visits with your child on a regular basis, but may take the place of an office consultation occasionally.

School Visits are available depending upon the school's location. You can contact Dr. Aronson-Ramos directly for more information.

In many cases insurance plans, other than HMO's or Medicaid, will cover these consultations. However, every plan is different, and I cannot guarantee your insurance company will reimburse you for your visit. I will provide you with a paid invoice which you can submit to  your insurance plan. We do not file claims for you and do not have the staff to handle matters related to your insurance coverage. Full payment for your visit is expected at the time of service (credit cards, debit cards, and checks are accepted). In some cases insurance companies may deny coverage for certain prescription medication. Every effort will be made to cooperate with your health plan to limit your out of pocket expenses for medication. Click here for more information.

If an evaluation was completed recently and is available for review, a single Treatment Consultation (90 min) with the child and the parents can be scheduled. This will replace the Initial Consultation and Child Evaluation visits. A Treatment Consultation may also be appropriate for very young children four years of age and younger.

Patients may be seen without a referral. Some health plans require a referral from the primary care provider to reimburse you for your visit. If you are knowledgeable about the requirements of your insurance plan, it will maximize the potential for reimbursement for your visits. When a referral is necessary your primary care provider, therapist, or other specialists can make a direct referral.

The developmental pediatric consultation is an attempt to help parents "fill in the gaps" in the medical care of their children with developmental, behavioral and learning difficulties. I will help families determine if assessments are complete and thorough. I will make specific recommendations for further evaluations only if they are truly needed. I will also help to insure that no underlying problems have been overlooked. I am also available for ongoing support as new challenges arise and to monitor a child's progress.

My Consultations always include the process of helping to uncover the strengths and resources of each and every child regardless of the underlying concerns. Parents may have lost the ability to see their child's unique strengths and assets. Sometimes this is due to the negative impact a child may have on the entire family system, making life a daily challenge. It can also be due to a history of diagnostic work ups that have focused exclusively on a child's deficits. If we are not looking for a child's positive qualities they may remain hidden from view.