Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist — A medical practitioner specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.

Child and Adolescent Psychologist — Psychologists study behavior and brain function by observing, interviewing, and surveying people. They can identify psychological, emotional, behavioral, or organizational problems and diagnose disorders.

They may also conduct research and identify behavioral or emotional issues such as anxiety, learning difficulties, ADHD, and depression. They offer specialized therapies to children, adolescents, and families.

Social Worker — Social workers help people find solutions to their problems. This may include protecting vulnerable individuals from harm or abuse or supporting people to live independently. They work with clients, their families, and others around them and with different groups, including children and teens. They may also help coordinate care.

Pediatric Nurse — A nurse who cares for sick individuals or those suffering from medical conditions. They are licensed health care professionals who practice independently or under the supervision of a physician, surgeon, or dentist. Pediatric nurses are skilled in promoting and maintaining health, with various levels of training and practice.

Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrician — A developmental-behavioral pediatrician provides expert care for children and adolescents with developmental delays and learning difficulties.

They diagnose and manage conditions such as autism, ADHD, and social communication issues. Some also treat anxiety, depression, OCD, tics and Tourette’s, pain, sexual and physical abuse, and learning disabilities. They may provide expert case management.

Psychotherapist — Psychotherapy is typically a more in-depth, long-term process that focuses on a person’s feelings and past experiences. It can lead to personal growth and improved functioning.

Counselor — Counseling, on the other hand, refers to short-term talk therapy. It focuses on helping individuals find solutions to current issues.

Pediatric Speech-Language Therapist — A speech-language pathologist (SLP), also known as a speech therapist, is a communication expert who assesses and treats individuals with speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders.

They work with people of all ages, from babies to adults. SLPs help those who struggle with communication, eating, drinking, and swallowing. They prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat disorders such as:

• Stuttering

• Language impairments associated with strokes

• Learning difficulties and syndromes

• Voice problems

• Acquired hearing loss

• Cleft lip and palate

• Cerebral palsy and physical disabilities

• Social pragmatic communication challenges

SLPs work in various settings, including schools, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and private practice.

Occupational Therapist — A pediatric occupational therapist helps children with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses improve their ability to perform everyday activities and meet developmental milestones.

They can assist with a range of skills, including:

• Physical skills: fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, core strength, hand strength, and endurance

• Cognitive skills: problem-solving, memory, and attention

• Social skills: taking turns, thinking of others, cooperation, and regulating emotions

• Sensory skills: coping with various textures, adjusting to different movements, and seeking adequate sensory input

• Executive function: planning ahead, organization, safety, and following directions

• Activities of daily living: dressing, feeding, and using the restroom

• School skills: pre-writing, writing, and scissor skills

• Self-care: learning basic self-care tasks

Occupational therapists work in schools, homes, or other health care facilities. They use everyday activities, exercises, and therapies and may also recommend aids and equipment.

Physical Therapist — Pediatric physical therapists (PTs) work with children and their families to help each child reach their maximum potential for independent functioning and promote active participation in home, school, and community environments.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), sometimes known as physiatry or rehabilitation medicine, aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

Pediatric Neurologist — A child neurologist, or pediatric neurologist, is a doctor who treats children with problems in their nervous system. These issues can originate in the brain, spine, nerves, or muscles, leading to conditions such as seizures, headaches, or developmental delays.