Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics
If you're concerned about your child's attention, behavior, mood, or development, our
pediatricians and clinicians, working alongside our
school psychologists, offer evaluation and ongoing support, all coordinated through your child's existing pediatric care team.
Are You Concerned?
If you have concerns about your child's behavioral development, call our office to schedule a consultation. We'll discuss your concerns, gather information, and if a full evaluation is needed, we'll schedule you with one of our school psychologists.
What We Evaluate and Treat
In collaboration with our providers and school psychologists, we evaluate and treat children for behavior concerns and school problems including inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, anxiety, depression, and atypical behaviors or socialization concerns.
ADHD/ADD Evaluation & Treatment
What is ADHD?
Children with ADHD have differences in brain development compared to children without it. Certain brain regions may mature more slowly, and there are imbalances in the neural networks and neurotransmitters nerves use to communicate. This matters because it helps parents understand their child isn't being oppositional on purpose; children with ADHD need support to learn to manage their behavior.
Symptoms fall into three categories:
- Inattention — trouble focusing, disorganization, losing items, forgetting homework or chores
- Hyperactivity — fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, excessive talking
- Impulsivity — interrupting, difficulty waiting turns, acting without thinking
How we diagnose and treat:
Our team uses symptom checklists, conversations with parents and children, direct attention assessments, and questionnaires completed by both parents and teachers. Because other medical issues can mimic
ADHD symptoms, we also make sure your child is current on
wellness exams first. Once diagnosed, treatment may include medication, dietary changes, and behavioral support, tailored to your child's needs. Our providers schedule regular follow-ups to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
If you or your child's teacher have concerns, call to schedule an ADHD consultation. We can refer you to our on-site school psychologists from there.
What to Expect at a Behavioral Evaluation
- Before your visit: Age-appropriate assessment forms must be completed in advance (for ages 5–12 and 13–18 respectively, these may include the Vanderbilt Assessment, SCARED anxiety screen, and CES-DC depression scale; teens may also complete a PHQ-9 and CRAFFT screening). All forms must be completed before your child's appointment.
- First appointment: Parents/caregivers and the child meet with the school psychologist together.
- Second appointment: Testing with the child alone; parents wait in the waiting room.
- Third appointment: Parents meet alone to review results and discuss next steps, including school performance strategies and whether medication management should be considered.
- If medication is started, your child is seen within 28 days to continue it. Once stable, follow-ups are typically every 3 months; any dosage change requires a follow-up within 1 month. Consistent follow-through is required for continued refills.
Meet the Team
Stephanie Dillabaugh, Ed.S., and
Samantha Tomaszewski, Ed.S. are our licensed school psychologists. They work directly with our pediatric providers on evaluations and ongoing care.
Have concerns about your child's behavior, attention, or development?
FAQ for Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics
What is a behavioral evaluation, and how do I get one for my child?
Call our office to schedule a consultation with one of our providers first. We'll discuss your concerns and, if needed, schedule a full evaluation with one of our on-site school psychologists.
What forms do I need to fill out before the appointment?
Depending on your child's age, you'll be asked to complete assessments such as the Vanderbilt Assessment (parent and teacher versions) and anxiety/depression screening tools. All forms must be completed before the day of the appointment.
How many appointments does a full evaluation take?
Typically three: one with parents and child together, one with the child alone for testing, and one with parents alone to review results and discuss next steps.
Do you diagnose and treat ADHD?
Yes. Our providers, working with our school psychologists, evaluate for ADHD using symptom checklists, parent/teacher questionnaires, and direct assessment, and can prescribe and manage medication treatment with regular follow-up.
How often will my child need follow-up visits once they're on medication?
Your child must be seen within 28 days of starting a new medication. After that, visits are typically every 3 months if things are going well, or within 1 month if a dosage change is needed.
Do you have psychologists on staff, or will we be referred elsewhere?
We have two licensed school psychologists, Stephanie Dillabaugh and Samantha Tomaszewski, on-site and working directly with our pediatric providers. Evaluations happen within our practice.
What other behavior and development topics do you have resources for?
ResourcesOur Behavior & Development library covers dozens of topics, from toilet training and sleep to autism spectrum disorder and teen mental health.
