Pediatric Behavioral, Developmental and Adolescent Medicine
Core concepts
Understand developmental surveillance and screening (autism, language delay, motor delay), the evaluation of ADHD and learning disorders, and the recognition of mood and anxiety disorders in children. Know the stages of adolescent development, confidentiality, and the approach to risky behaviors (substance use, sexual health, self-harm). Master the recognition of autism spectrum disorder, the differential for regression, and the principles of behavioral management.
Traps
Questions test whether you can distinguish a normal developmental variant from a delay requiring referral. Another trap is missing depression or self-harm risk in an adolescent who presents with somatic complaints. Do not forget that regression of skills is a red flag for a neurodegenerative or autistic regression process.
Worked example
A 2-year-old with no words, poor eye contact, and repetitive play should be referred for autism evaluation and early intervention; the trap is reassuring the parent that the child will "catch up." Early referral improves outcomes.
Rule of thumb
Any loss of previously acquired skills warrants urgent evaluation; in development, regression is never normal.