Well-Child Visits for Children With Special Needs

Well-child visits or checkups promote better health and wellness for all kids, including those with special needs. Scheduling regular well-child visits enables the pediatrician to monitor health, growth, and development from year to year and recommend treatment or interventions when needed. The experienced providers at Pediatric Specialists of Tulsa in Tulsa, OK, offer well-child visits to help all children enjoy better health and wellness. 

Types of Special Needs

Many different types of special needs can affect children. Special needs fall into four main categories: physical, developmental, and learning, behavioral and emotional, and sensory impairments. Examples of special needs conditions within each of the four categories are listed below.

Physical: Chronic asthma, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy.

Developmental and Learning: Autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, Down syndrome, and processing disorders.

Behavioral and Emotional: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and oppositional defiance disorder.

Sensory Impairments: Visually impaired, legally blind, hearing impaired, or deaf.

Well-Child Visits

Well-child visits for children with special needs are similar to those for kids without special needs. At our pediatric office in Tulsa, OK, a typical well-child visit includes a physical exam to assess growth, development, and overall health. Things to expect during the physical exam portion of the visit include taking height and weight measurements; checking blood pressure, heart rate, reflexes, and lungs/breathing; as well as examining the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.

Another component of a well-child exam is ensuring your child is up to date with vaccinations and immunizations. For kids with certain types of conditions or special needs who might be unable to receive immunizations, such as those with a compromised immune system, the pediatrician will discuss precautions you can take to help protect your child from illnesses. 

Other aspects of a well-child visit include conducting developmental screenings at certain ages and assessing where kids are with reaching various age-related milestones. The doctor will also monitor any chronic conditions your child might have, such as asthma, allergies, or diabetes. Medication or treatment changes can be made if needed.

For children with special needs, the well-child visit also provides an opportunity for the pediatrician to assess and monitor how your child is doing overall and address any specific concerns. Depending on your child’s particular needs, the doctor might conduct additional assessments and evaluations, which can help determine if your child could benefit from additional intervention services, therapies, or treatment. Referrals to specialists, such as a speech or physical therapist, will also be made as needed.

Well-child visits for children with special needs are quite similar to those for any child but include an additional focus on your child’s specific needs or condition. To schedule your child’s next well-child visit, call Pediatric Specialists of Tulsa in Tulsa, OK, at (918) 523-5437.