Children are referred to our center by their primary care physicians. Physicians and parents must complete the intake forms, which are available in the right column. Our referral process ensures we receive the information necessary to provide your child an effective assessment.

On the day of your appointment
We have something in common with you: We want the best care for your child. This developmental assessment is an important time to focus on your child’s special concerns. To help all of us accomplish the best possible visit to our center, we will need your help. The measures listed below are important to help your child be prepared for this evaluation. Initial evaluations usually take up to 2 hours to complete. Follow-up evaluations are often 30-60 minutes long.

• Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive a parent packet. Take time to complete the enclosed forms to help our staff understand your child’s history and special needs. Bring these forms with you on the day of your appointment.
• Let us know if your child has had prior developmental assessments or testing for IQ or cognitive ability, academic ability, speech-language ability, fine motor or gross motor ability, adaptive or sensory evaluations.
• On the day of your child’s appointment, plan to arrive about 20 minutes before your appointment time to complete registration.
• Please bring someone with you who can assist your child when needed so that you will be able to speak with the center’s professionals.
• Try to ensure your child has the opportunity for a good night’s sleep the night before the appointment. Let us know if we have scheduled this appointment during your child’s usual nap time. We will try to arrange this appointment during times when your child is alert and engaged.
• Provide time for meals prior to the appointment. Children perform at their best when they have eaten. It is also helpful to bring along your child’s favorite snack, drink and/or toy.
• If your child is on any medications, please give all medications at the usual prescribed time. Bring a list of your child’s medications and doses or the medication bottles with you to your appointment.
• If possible, please make arrangements for your other children to be cared for while you participate in this appointment. If you must bring other children with you, please bring someone to watch them for you during this appointment.

After your appointment
Our professionals at the Center for Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics will discuss the results of your child’s evaluation with you at the time of your visit. Together, we will discuss the evaluation and develop a plan of care for your child that may include school modifications, child services, therapy needs, future testing, medication recommendations and future appointments.

If your child is placed on a medication, you will be instructed on specific information about the medication and the proper way to obtain refills.

If at anytime after your child’s appointment you have questions or concerns, please contact the center at 423.778.6031. We will be happy to answer your questions.