Doctor/Therapist Specialists

On this page you will find the names and descriptions of specialty doctors and therapists with whom parents of special needs children often have to spend a lot of time. KidPower is providing this page for informational purposes only. If you would like to see one of these specialists, consult with your primary care physician and have them write a referral for you.

Audiologist (Pediatric)--Specialize in testing children's hearing. Can also test for auditory processing deficits if they have the training and the equipment. Have specialty equipment for testing infants and toddlers hearing.
Testing for CAPD
EDEN Professionals
Testing for Hearing Loss in Children

Cardiologist (Pediatric)--Specially trained and skilled in finding, treating, and preventing heart and blood vessel disease in the infant-teenage population.
Heart Murmurs in Pediatric Patients: When Do You Refer?
Testing they might order:
Pediatric Cardiology Evaluations

Childlife Therapist--play therapy for children chronically ill or hospitalized. This member of the health care team focuses on the emotional, social, and developmental needs of a child while they are in the hospital.
Childlife Specialist

Developmental Pediatrician--specializes in child development and offers diagnosis and treatment to children who have or are at-risk for developmental disabilities and related behavioral or emotional problems.
Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Geneticist (Pediatric)--evaluate and diagnosis infants-adolescents for inherited disorders including birth defects, mitochondrial disorders, muscular disorders, mental retardation, growth disorders and chromosomal abnormalities.
Genetics Education Center
Tests they may order:
Genetic Testing and Evaluation

Immunologist(Immunology--Pediatric)--provide evaluation, testing, and interventions for infants-adolescents who have failure to thrive, chronic infections and/or primary autoimmune deficiencies.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Online

Neuropsychologist--A psychologist with training on the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the nervous system. Specialize in brain/behavior relationships.
Pediatric Neuropsychology Links
What is a Neuropsychologist?
Tests they may order:
The Halstead Reitan Neuropsychology Battery
Luria - Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery
Neuropsychological Assessment in Schools

Occupational Therapist (Pediatric)--works with children to rehabilitate them from an injury or illness or to habilitate children born with congenital brain injuries or malformations. These therapists work with the smaller muscles in the body that control fine motor skills.
America Occupational Therapy Association
Occupational Therapy

Otolaryngologist(ENT/Otolaryngology)--physicians trained in the management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT).
Otolaryngologist.com
What is an Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon?

Pediatric Gastroenterologist(Gastroenterology)--Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal system of the body or motility disorders. You would see one of these Doctors for toileting problems, constipation, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), swallowing problems, dysphagia.
Dysphagia
The Gastroenterologist Locator Service
Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children
Information About Gastroesophageal Reflux
KIDS GI DISORDERS

Pediatric Neurologist(Neurology)--Specializes in diagnosing, treating and managing brain and nervous system disorders in children. This would be the doctor to get a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, epilepsy, etc.
Find a Neurologist
Tests they may order:
Computed Tomography (CT)
Electroencephalogram (EEG)--These can find seizure activity.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) --Used to study the brain and spine

Pediatric Opthamologist(Optometry)--Can evaluate how well the eyes work together, exam eyes and prescribe glasses, diagnose eye disease and can also perform corrective eye surgery. A Pediatric Optometrist can do all of the above except perform surgery.
American Association For Pediatric Ophthamolgy and Strabismus (AAPOS)
American Nystagmus Network
Glossary of Vision/Vision Health Terms
Pediatric Optometrist or Pediatric Ophthalmologist?

Pediatric Orthopedist (Orthopedic Surgeon)--Specializes in the diagnosis, management and treatment of problems affecting the growth and development of the skeleton or the muscles, bones, and joints, using surgical or mechanical means. These doctors can do botox injections to reduce spasticity, recommend orthotics, and monitor for back, hip, leg problems related to cerebral palsy or other disabilities. A pediatric orthopedic surgeon can perform hamstring/tendon lengthenings, tendon transfers, posterior and selective dorsal rhizotomies, scoliosis surgery, etc.
What is Scoliosis?
Orthopedics Today
Pediatric Orthopaedics at The Childrens Hospital of Alabama

Pediatric Surgeon--Perform needed surgeries on children.
American Academy of Pediatricians
American Pediatric Surgeon Association
How to Choose a Pediatrician?
Pediatric Surgical Update

Pediatrician(Pediatrics)--Specialize in treating infants-adolescence on general health issues.
General Pediatrics

Physiatrist(Physiatry)--A physician that specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This doctor will coordinate your medical and therapy team to get the optimal long term treatment plan set up for your child.
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
The Association of Academic Physiatrists
The History of Physiatry

Physical Therapist (Pediatric)--Health care professionals who do rehabilitation/habilitation with children who have been injured or ill or have a congenital condtion. These therapists address gross motor function.
American Physical Therapist Association
Physical Therapist Online

Psychologist--helps children learn positive ways to deal with anger, agression, addresses behavior issues, disability issues, anxiety and depression. See also Neuropsycholgist.

Pulmonologist--assess, diagnose and treat children with breathing/lung problems.
Pediatric Pulmonology
Pulmonology

SIPT Therapist--Sensory Integration Praxis Testing certified occupational therapist is trained to evaluate and treat a child with Sensory Integration Dysfunction.
KidPower SID Page
Sensory Integration International
SI Network

Speech Language Pathologist--provide evaluation and treatment services for children with communication, cognitive-linguistic and swallowing disorders.
ASHA
Building Speech and Language Skills

TES Therapist--A PT or OT who has been trained by Mayatek, Inc on the use of Threshold Electrical Stimulation.
Kyle and TES
The TASC Network