The Role of the Pediatrician with Young Exceptional Children and Their Families

Abstract

The pediatrician's role in early intervention with handicapped children and their families is discussed primarily from the perspective of a subspecialist in handicapped children. Although the needs of the handicapped child and family are so extensive and ongoing that a host of professionals are required throughout the child's life, the pediatrician has a primary responsibility for guiding parents through the early diagnostic phase and helping them cope with the multiplicity of ongoing and emerging medical problems that tend to arise. In addition, pediatricians can be effective in assisting parents in the process of becoming more confident and competent in relating to their handicapped child and, through collaboration with other disciplines and community agencies, can provide a consistent and coordinated support system.