Behavioral and Developmental Pediatrics

At Child & Family Development, we understand that every child is unique, with distinct needs and abilities. Through our highly specialized Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics services, we aim to provide personalized care that fosters growth, participation, and success for children with developmental and behavioral concerns. Our goal is to support not only the child but also their family, educators, and pediatricians with expert guidance and evidence-based care.

What Is Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics?

Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics focuses on the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of developmental, behavioral, and learning challenges in children and adolescents. This specialized field integrates an understanding of child development, behavior, and mental health to comprehensively address a child’s unique concerns.

Children can face a wide range of developmental challenges, from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and learning disabilities to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. Our approach enables families to better understand these challenges and equips them with tools to enhance their child’s quality of life.

Benefits of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Early Identification of developmental concerns for timely intervention.
Evidence-based Treatment to address a child’s specific needs.
Improved Participation in school, social settings, and community life.
Support for Families with guidance on challenges and goals.
Comprehensive Care Plans tailored to children’s unique developmental and mental health concerns.

At C&FD, our focus is on creating opportunities for success and fostering resilience for children and their families.

Services in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at C&FD

At C&FD, we are proud to offer premium services under the expert care and guidance of Barbara Kissam, MD, a board-certified specialist in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.

Meet Barbara Kissam, MD

With years of experience and diverse expertise, Dr. Kissam is dedicated to helping children and adolescents with developmental and behavioral challenges thrive. She specializes in working with individuals from toddlers to 26 years old, uniquely addressing the needs of her young patients as they grow, transition, and enter adulthood.

Services Offered By Barbara Kissam, MD:

Medical Evaluations for diagnosing mental health and developmental concerns such as ADHD, anxiety, ASD, learning disabilities, chronic pain, and more.
Medication Management to address symptoms and improve children’s ability to engage in therapy, build relationships, and participate in school or community activities.
Expertise in managing comorbidities, where developmental issues intersect with conditions like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.

Conditions Treated

Dr. Kissam works with children and young adults facing a wide range of challenges, including but not limited to:

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Customized treatment plans aimed at improving focus, behavior, and academic performance.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Support for communication, social interaction, and reducing barriers to participation.
Anxiety and Depression: Tailored interventions to help build emotional regulation and resilience.
Learning Disabilities: Identifying gaps and providing solutions to improve learning outcomes.
Bipolar Disorder: Comprehensive care and medication management to promote stability and focus.
Chronic Pain: Holistic strategies for managing pain alongside comorbid developmental concerns.

What Does the Treatment Process Look Like?

We know that navigating the healthcare system can feel overwhelming as a parent or caregiver. That’s why CFDC strives to make the process as seamless and supportive as possible. Here’s what to expect when working with Dr. Kissam for developmental and behavioral pediatric care.

Step 1: Schedule Your Initial Medical Evaluation

The first step to care begins with a comprehensive Initial Medical Evaluation. This allows Dr. Kissam to assess your child’s unique concerns and needs.

Contact us: Call our friendly Client Services team at 704-332-4834.
Referral: Ensure a physician referral is sent to CFDC so our team can coordinate with you directly.

Step 2: Follow-Up Evaluations

Based on the findings from the initial evaluation, a Medical Follow-Up visit may be scheduled 4–6 weeks later to assess progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Step 3: Personalized Treatment Plan

Once the evaluation process is complete, a personalized care plan is developed for your child. This plan includes any required medication management, recommendations for therapy, and guidance for parents, educators, or healthcare providers.

Why Medication Management Matters

For many children with developmental concerns, medication management can be an essential component of successful treatment. Properly managing symptoms—whether related to ADHD, anxiety, or ASD—can open doors for progress in other treatment areas, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or social skill development.

Benefits of Medication Management:

Supports participation in school, therapy, and social interactions.
Improves emotional regulation and management of challenging behaviors.
Reduces symptoms that may hinder developmental progress and goal attainment.

Our team takes these decisions seriously. Medication is used thoughtfully, monitored carefully, and adjusted as necessary to ensure the best outcomes for your child.

Why Choose C&FD?

At C&FD, we are deeply committed to helping children and young adults achieve their fullest potential. Here’s what sets us apart:

Expertise: Led by Dr. Barbara Kissam, our team is highly experienced in complex developmental and behavioral concerns, especially in cases with comorbidities.
Comprehensive Care: We combine robust evaluations, medication management, and individualized treatment plans to ensure holistic support.
Collaboration: We partner with parents, educators, and healthcare providers to create a unified approach to care.
Empathy: We appreciate that every family’s situation is unique and provide care with understanding and respect.

Take the Next Step in Your Child’s Care

If you’re ready to take the first step toward improved behavioral, developmental, and mental health outcomes for your child, we encourage you to schedule an appointment today. Whether you’re exploring treatment options for the first time or seeking specialized care for comorbid conditions, CFDC is here for you.

Have a referral? Simply send it over, and our team will reach out to coordinate the next steps.