What does a developmental pediatrician do?

<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;display:inline !important;float:none;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">A developmental pediatrician evaluates and supports children with delays in reaching developmental milestones, along with concerns such as autism, ADHD, learning difficulties and behavioural challenges, working alongside families, schools and therapists.

At what age can autism be diagnosed?

<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;display:inline !important;float:none;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Autism can often be reliably identified from around 18 to 24 months of age, though some signs may appear earlier. Earlier evaluation generally allows for earlier access to support and therapy.

What are early signs of ADHD in children?

<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;display:inline !important;float:none;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Early signs of ADHD can include difficulty sitting still, trouble focusing on tasks, acting without thinking, and difficulty following instructions, though a proper evaluation is needed since many young children show some of these behaviours normally.

How is a developmental evaluation different from a regular check-up?

<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;display:inline !important;float:none;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">A developmental evaluation looks specifically at a child's motor, language, social and cognitive skills against expected milestones, often using structured tools and questionnaires, rather than a general physical health check.

Can learning difficulties be identified before school age?

<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;display:inline !important;float:none;font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Some early signs, such as delayed speech or difficulty with pre-reading skills, can be noticed before school age, but many learning difficulties become clearer once a child is engaged in structured academic tasks.

Developmental Pediatrics

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When should you seek a developmental evaluation?

Every child develops at their own pace, and many worries turn out to be nothing serious. But some signs are worth a specialist's look, especially when they appear together, get worse over time, or interfere with everyday life at home or in school. Below is a plain-language guide to what parents commonly notice.

⚠ A note on urgency. Developmental concerns are rarely emergencies, but if your child suddenly loses previously learned skills, stops responding to their name, or shows a sudden, dramatic change in behaviour, don't wait for the next routine check-up. Call and ask for an earlier appointment.

Social & communication

Connection and communication that seem different

Limited eye contact or response to their name being called
Little interest in playing with or near other children
Repetitive movements or intense focus on specific routines
Strong distress with small changes in routine
Losing words or gestures your child had already learned

Attention & activity

Focus, impulsivity or activity beyond peers

Trouble sitting still or staying seated when expected
Difficulty following simple, multi-step instructions
Acting without thinking, especially around safety
Losing focus quickly, even during preferred activities
Teachers repeatedly raising concerns about attention

Learning & school

School performance that doesn't match effort

Struggling noticeably with reading, writing or maths
Avoiding schoolwork or showing frustration around it
A gap between spoken understanding and written work
Falling behind despite regular help or tutoring
A sudden drop in school performance

Speech & language

Talking or understanding language later than peers

No clear words by 18 months, or no short sentences by 2.5 years
Speech that's hard for family members to understand
Difficulty following simple spoken instructions
Relying heavily on gestures instead of words at an older age
Not combining words the way same-age peers do

Movement & motor skills

Physical milestones that seem behind

Not sitting by 9 months, standing by 12 months, or walking by 18 months
Poor balance or frequent unexplained falls
Difficulty with handwriting, buttons or using scissors
A strong preference for one hand before 18 months
Persistently floppy or stiff muscles from infancy

Not sure if what you've noticed is worth a visit?

You don't need a referral. If any of these signs sound familiar, or if something just feels different about how your child is growing or learning, a short consultation can help you understand what's going on and what, if anything, to do next.

Book a consultation

Call the team

Why early evaluation matters

A child's brain develops fastest in the early years, which is exactly when the right support makes the biggest difference. Getting a clear answer early, whether that means reassurance, therapy, or simply a plan to watch and review, protects your child's development and saves families months of worry.

What to bring to the visit

A short written timeline of what you've noticed, any feedback from teachers or caregivers, and if possible a short video of behaviours you'd like the doctor to see.

Developmental & behavioural concerns we support

From autism and ADHD to speech delays and learning difficulties, our team supports children's growth, learning and behaviour at every stage.

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Autism spectrum disorder

Evaluation of social communication, interaction and behaviour patterns, with early identification helping children access the right therapies sooner.

Social communication delays Repetitive behaviours Early screening

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ADHD & attention difficulties

Assessment of attention, impulsivity and activity levels compared to what's typical for a child's age, with practical strategies for home and school.

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Learning difficulties

Evaluation of reading, writing, maths or general school performance that isn't matching a child's effort or overall ability.

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Speech & language delays

Assessment of a child's understanding and use of language compared to typical milestones.

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Motor development delays

Review of gross and fine motor skills, such as sitting, walking or handwriting, when a child seems behind their peers.

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Behavioural & emotional concerns

Support for tantrums, anxiety, difficulty with transitions, or social challenges that go beyond typical childhood behaviour.

What to expect at your first visit

Knowing what happens next makes the day easier for you and your child.

Book your slot

Book online or call us. Bring any school reports, past evaluations or notes on what you've observed if you have them.

Talk it through

The doctor listens to your concerns, reviews your child's developmental history, and gently observes how they interact and respond.

Screening, only if needed

If more information helps, we explain each tool first, such as a developmental questionnaire or a structured observation.

A clear care plan

You leave knowing the next step, whether that's therapy, further assessment, or a plan to watch and review, and when to follow up.

How we evaluate

Evaluations are usually gradual and collaborative rather than a single test.

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Detailed history & milestone review

A conversation about your child's development so far, including any concerns from school or caregivers.

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Standardised screening tools

Age-appropriate questionnaires and observation tools used to compare development against expected patterns.

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Multidisciplinary input

Input from speech, occupational or behavioural therapists when a fuller picture is needed.

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Family & school collaboration

Recommendations shared with parents and, where relevant, schools, so support stays consistent.

How we support

Support is built around your child, and often combines more than one kind of care.

Speech therapy referral Occupational therapy referral

Behavioural strategies Parent coaching

School coordination Medication management, if needed

Ongoing follow-up

Our goal isn't a label. It's a child who feels understood, and parents who feel equipped with a clear plan forward.

What good developmental care looks like

A developmental concern is rarely solved by one appointment. It needs patience, coordination and a team that keeps parents informed.

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Doctors trained in child development

Pediatricians who understand typical and atypical development, and evaluate the whole child, not just isolated behaviours.

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A patient, non-judgemental approach

Parents are often anxious when raising these concerns. A calm, understanding conversation matters as much as the evaluation.

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Clear, honest next steps

Whether it's continued observation, therapy referral, or further assessment, you should leave with a clear plan.

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Coordination with therapists & schools

Developmental support works best when doctors, therapists and teachers are aligned on the same plan.

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Close to home across Bangalore

Consultations available at Kalyan Nagar, RT Nagar, Malleswaram and New BEL Road.

FAQ

We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to help you find the information you need quickly and easily.

“If you can't find the answer to your question here, please don't hesitate to contact our support team for assistance.”