Reviews
Book Review
Identifying and Addressing Developmental-Behavioral Problems: A practical guide for medical and non-medical professionals, trainees, researchers and advocates, Nolensville, TN: PEDStest.com, LLC, 2013 www.pedstest.com
FP Glascoe, KP Marks, JK Poon, MM Macias (Eds).
As stated in the introduction, this book addresses primary care issues for early detection, prevention, referrals, and intervention for children with possible developmental delay or behavioral problems. It is geared for those in primary care, residency, fellowship, and nursing. The book covers how to effectively address parental concerns, conduct screening/surveillance, and provide counseling during a primary care visit. This is a common conundrum for primary care physicians who have multiple issues that need to be addressed during a 15 minute visit.
The chapters of the book cover a wide variety of topics including screening/surveillance, early intervention, language concerns, cultural issues, teaching/training professionals, and conducting research on developmental-behavioral issues. There is also a companion website where the reader can download forms and access links to other websites that will offer further information or resources pertinent to the corresponding chapters. It is a useful site, and I found I was able to access information more quickly by this route than by flipping through the book.
Two chapters were the main focus of this review. Chapter 5 concentrates on developmental-behavioral screening and surveillance for children birth to six years. The chapter discusses, in detail, the different screening/surveillance methods that can be used in an office setting. Templates are given for the referral process so that adequate information is given to the specialist. Examples are provided of correspondence letters, completed screening tools, and longitudinal documentation. Chapter 7 concentrates on promotion of development and behavior. It discusses establishing a relationship between clinician and parent and how to dispense effective advice to parents in a manner for them to be able to recall readily. This ranges from verbal advice to written advice, organizing group visits, providing internet resources, and videos. Behavioral interventions are also discussed. Information on general child management strategies and common behavioral issues are provided along with handouts that can be given to parents. For situations where more intense interventions are needed, resources are provided. There is also a section on parenting resources.
From the two chapters that have been reviewed, it is evident the authors have researched all areas thoroughly and provide a wealth of information for primary care physicians. It can be a bit overwhelming for those not familiar with developmental-behavioral issues, and those referencing the book may have to review the chapters a couple of times to take full advantage of the material provided. As a physician in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, this book appears appropriate for general pediatricians, nurses, and residents. It can be a little basic at times with some of the descriptions and advice given. The behavioral interventions discussed are very useful, appropriate and practical for the primary care setting. Based on the two chapters reviewed, this book would be a valuable resource to clinicians in the primary care setting.
Submitted by
Parul Vora
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatric Fellow
Nationwide Children's Hospital
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