ABP Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics study guide
ABP Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The ABP Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Subspecialty Certifying Examination is a required component of ABP certification for pediatricians who have completed accredited fellowship training in developmental-behavioral pediatrics. It is intended for physicians preparing for subspecialty practice in evaluating and managing developmental, behavioral, and learning concerns in children. The ABP Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics study guide has 5 sections and about 1,488 words.
01Typical and Atypical Development
Typical development is assessed across separate but linked domains: growth, gross and fine motor, language, cognitive, social-emotional, and regulatory (sleep, feeding, temperament). Plot growth on WHO charts for 0-2 years and CDC charts for 2 years and older; length, weight, and head circumference should track together.
310 words, about 2 min02Behavioral and Mental Health Conditions of Childhood
ADHD requires developmentally inappropriate inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, present before age 12, in at least two settings, with functional impairment. For preschool children, parent behavioral training is first-line; stimulants are considered only when impairment is severe and behavioral treatment fails.
305 words, about 2 min03Neurodevelopmental and Genetic Disorders
Intellectual disability requires deficits in intellectual function and adaptive behavior, with onset during development; severity is based on adaptive functioning, not IQ alone. Autism spectrum disorder requires persistent social communication deficits plus restricted, repetitive behaviors or interests, with early onset.
304 words, about 2 min04Assessment, Screening, and Diagnostic Evaluation
Developmental surveillance is ongoing clinical observation and parent concern; screening uses validated tools at set ages. The ASQ-3 is a general developmental screen; the M-CHAT-R/F is an autism screen at 18 and 24 months.
277 words, about 1 min05Intervention, Management, Advocacy, and Systems of Care
Early intervention under IDEA Part C serves children from birth to age 3 through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). From age 3 to 21, special education and related services fall under IDEA Part B and an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
292 words, about 1 min