What a developmental paediatrician does
Where a general paediatrician manages health and growth, a developmental paediatrician looks at the developmental and behavioural picture in depth. That means milestones, learning, attention, social communication, sleep, feeding and behaviour, considered together and against a child's medical history.
- Assessment and medical diagnosis of autism, ADHD and developmental delay
- Investigating medical contributors: hearing, vision, sleep, nutrition, thyroid, genetic conditions
- Medication review where it is appropriate, including for ADHD, with honest discussion of benefits and limits
- Coordinating therapy across speech, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and special education
- School reports, accommodations and disability certification support
Why the medical picture matters
A striking share of developmental concerns have a medical component that is easy to miss. Undetected hearing loss presents as speech delay and inattention. Poor sleep, including sleep apnoea, presents as hyperactivity in children rather than tiredness. Iron deficiency, thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies all affect attention and mood.
Checking those before concluding anything is not being thorough for its own sake. It changes the plan, it is quick, and it occasionally makes further intervention unnecessary.
How this fits with psychological assessment
Families frequently ask whether they need a developmental paediatrician or a clinical psychologist. For autism and ADHD, the strongest assessments involve both: standardised psychological tools such as ADOS-2, Conners and cognitive testing, alongside a medical assessment that rules out or accounts for physical contributors.
At eMbrace both sit in the same team, so you get one integrated opinion and one plan rather than two reports that have to be reconciled by the parent.
What happens after the diagnosis
A diagnosis is only useful if something follows it. The consultation ends with a written plan: which therapies, at what intensity, in what order, what the school needs to do, what to watch for, and when to come back.
That plan is reviewed as your child changes. Fees are quoted upfront on your intake call so you know what you are committing to before you start.
What you get at eMbrace
- Medical diagnosis of autism, ADHD and developmental delay, with the physical causes checked
- Works alongside our psychologists rather than duplicating them
- One written plan covering therapy, school and review, not a list of referrals
- Medication discussed honestly, including when it is not needed
Where we offer developmental paediatrics
eMbrace runs three centres across Delhi NCR, plus online sessions for families elsewhere in India and abroad. For locality-specific details, including addresses, travel and what happens at a first visit:
- Developmental Pediatrician in Delhi
- Developmental Pediatrician in Gurgaon
- All eMbrace locations across Delhi NCR
Frequently Asked Questions
A general paediatrician manages health and growth. A developmental paediatrician specialises in development, learning and behaviour, and assesses those in far greater depth.
For autism and ADHD, the strongest assessments combine both: standardised psychological testing plus a medical assessment. Here they happen in one team rather than two appointments elsewhere.
Autism can often be identified from around 18 to 24 months. ADHD is usually diagnosed from about six, since younger behaviour overlaps heavily with normal preschool development.
Not automatically. Medication is one option among several, discussed with you honestly, and many children we see are supported entirely through therapy and school accommodations.
Growth and immunisation records, previous reports, school observations in writing, and a list of your specific concerns. Teacher input carries real diagnostic weight.
Not sure whether you need this yet?
Start with a free 15-minute intake call. A clinician will tell you honestly whether developmental paediatrics is the right next step, or whether something else is. There is no obligation and no waiting list to join.