Pediatrics

Assessment for Developmental Delays

One important aspect of pediatrics is the assessment of developmental delays. Children who have developmental delays may lag behind their typically developing peers in many ways. The doctor may check your child’s hearing, vision, reflexes, muscle tone, swallowing, and speech skills. If a child is found to have a deficit, appropriate referrals for further evaluations and specialty services may be made. Early intervention may be able to help your child to reach his or her potential.

Evaluation for Behavior Disorders

If you notice that your child has problematic behaviors that disrupt focus, concentration, school activities, or family activities, Dr. Saam can evaluate your child for behavioral disorders. Some behavior disorders have a medical cause, such as a chemical imbalance in the brain or a hormone deficiency. The doctor may also diagnose your child with a learning disorder or a mental health disorder based on certain behaviors.

Height and Weight Checks

Height and weight checks for your child are done frequently during infancy. These checks help to determine if your child is growing and thriving. These visits continue to be important as a child grows. A child who is overweight may be more at risk for medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. These conditions can start resulting in symptoms in older children and teenagers if they are not treated.

Management of Chronic Conditions

Pediatrics also involves managing your child’s chronic conditions. If your child has asthma, allergies, or diabetes, Dr. Saam will manage the testing and medications used to treat those conditions. The doctor will also monitor any changes in your child’s symptoms.

Sick Visits

Sick visits are one of the most common reasons for a pediatric visit. Children get sick with all sorts of germs, from the common cold to strep throat, pink eye, and the flu. A visit to the doctor can help determine what is causing your child to feel ill. This type of pediatric visit can also help to catch serious illnesses early. Dr. Saam may prescribe medication or recommend pain relievers to help your child feel better.

Well Child Checkups

An annual well child checkup is also important for your child’s health. Babies get well child checkups every couple of months. Once a child reaches the age of two years, these visits decrease to about once per year for healthy children. During a well child checkup, your child will be examined and checked for common medical conditions such as scoliosis and myopia. Your child may also receive routine vaccinations. These vaccinations can help to protect your child from serious contagious diseases such as whooping cough and tetanus.

To schedule an appointment for your child or to learn more about pediatric services provided by Dr. Saam, contact us today.