In this guide · 8 sections
Treated at the clinic under growth & developmental assessment.
Start with your child’s pediatrician. A pediatrician can check growth, hearing, vision and general health, screen development with standard tools and explain whether your child needs a specialist. Some children then see a developmental pediatrician, a pediatric neurologist, a child psychologist or a therapist. Which one depends on the concern. At myPediaclinic we do the first step and we refer on when a child needs a specialist assessment or therapy.
Why start with a pediatrician?
Developmental concerns have many possible causes, and several are simple to find: hearing loss, vision problems, anaemia, thyroid problems, poor sleep or a medical condition. A pediatrician looks at the whole child and can rule these in or out first. They also know which specialist suits which problem, so you are not left guessing between a therapist, an audiologist and a neurologist.
A pediatrician can also tell you when to wait and when not to. A 2-year-old who says 20 words and understands well is a different case from a child who has lost words, and the first visit helps you tell them apart.
Who does what?
| Who | What they do | Typical reasons to see them |
|---|---|---|
| Pediatrician | Checks growth, hearing, vision and general health; screens development; refers on | First step for any concern |
| Developmental pediatrician | A pediatrician with extra training in development and behaviour; carries out comprehensive developmental assessments | Speech, motor or social delay; suspected autism or ADHD; learning difficulties |
| Pediatric neurologist | Assesses the brain and nervous system | Seizures, loss of skills, abnormal movements, suspected neurological conditions |
| Child psychologist | Assesses thinking, learning and emotional health; may offer therapy | Learning difficulties, anxiety, behaviour concerns |
| Child psychiatrist | A doctor who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions | Complex behaviour or emotional concerns, ADHD treatment decisions |
| Speech and language therapist | Assesses and treats speech, language and swallowing | Late talking, unclear speech, stammering |
| Occupational therapist | Helps with fine motor skills, sensory needs and daily skills | Handwriting, dressing, sensory sensitivities |
| Audiologist | Tests hearing in detail | Failed hearing screen, repeated ear problems, speech delay |
Names vary between clinics, and in Dubai the same service may be offered under different titles. If you are unsure, ask the clinic what the person’s training is and what they assess.
What does the first visit with a pediatrician involve?
- A conversation about your concerns and your child’s history, including pregnancy, birth, feeding and milestones.
- A physical examination and a check of growth.
- A look at how your child plays, speaks and interacts.
- A standard developmental questionnaire, where it suits your child’s age.
- A hearing and vision check, or a plan for one. See our vision and hearing screening service.
- A clear explanation of the findings and what to do next.
The visit gives you an answer on whether your child’s development looks typical, whether they need more tests, and who to see. It is not a diagnosis of autism, ADHD or any other condition, which needs a longer assessment by specialists. Our guide to autism screening for toddlers explains this step in detail.
When is a developmental pediatrician or neurologist needed?
A pediatrician may refer you to a developmental pediatrician when development is delayed in more than one area, when autism or ADHD is a question, or when a longer, structured assessment is needed. A pediatric neurologist is more likely when there are seizures, a loss of skills your child had, abnormal movements, or signs that point to the brain or nervous system.
Often several professionals work together. A child with a speech delay may need an audiologist, a speech therapist and a developmental assessment together. The earlier support starts, the more it can help, so referrals should not wait.
What is normal, and what is a reason to ask?
Children develop at different speeds, and a small difference is usually not a problem. Reasons to ask for an assessment include:
- no babbling or pointing by around 12 months
- no single words by around 16 months, or no two-word phrases by around 2 years
- not walking by around 18 months
- losing words or skills
- not responding to their name or to sounds
- little eye contact, or little interest in other children
- concerns from nursery or school about learning, attention or behaviour
- your own sense that something is different
Our guide to developmental milestones lists what to expect by age.
When to see a doctor
See a pediatrician as soon as you have a concern. You do not need to wait for a set age or a nursery report. Seek an urgent assessment if your child loses skills they once had, has a seizure, or has a sudden change in how they move or respond.
How we can help at myPediaclinic
Dr. Tala Belbeissi, Consultant Pediatrician, and Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban, Consultant Pediatrician and Medical Director, carry out developmental evaluations through our growth and developmental assessment. We take the history, examine your child, screen development and hearing, and tell you plainly what we find. Where a specialist assessment or therapy is needed, we refer you on and write down what to ask for. Consultations at our clinic in Dubai Healthcare City are available in English and Arabic.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a pediatrician about development?
No. You can book directly. A referral is usually needed from a pediatrician to see some specialists, depending on the clinic and your insurance.
Can a pediatrician diagnose autism or ADHD?
A pediatrician can screen for both and explain what the results mean. A full diagnosis normally comes from a longer assessment by a team, which a pediatrician refers you to.
Does insurance cover developmental assessments?
It depends on your policy and the service. Reception can check the cover for the pediatric visit before you come. Cover for specialist assessments and therapy varies, so check with your insurer.
How long will I wait for a developmental assessment?
Waiting times vary between providers. Ask about the wait when you are referred, and in the meantime follow the advice from your pediatrician, which can often start straight away.
Should I wait to see if my child catches up?
Not if you are worried. Some late talkers do catch up, but a check can find a simple cause such as a hearing problem, and early support helps if there is a delay.
To book, message us on WhatsApp at 052 218 1662 or call reception on 04 430 5926.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis or advice about your own child. If something worries you, speak to a doctor.
