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Special Needs

Special Needs In Phoenix & Scottsdale, AZ

We focus on children with special needs!

Special Needs - Phoenix Pediatrics

Since opening our doors more than 40 years ago, we have built a national reputation of excellence with both the medical community and Arizona families. In fact, we provide care to the largest number of Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) than any private pediatric practice in the country. While we’re proud of that, it’s our expertise and unwavering dedication to our complex special needs patients that has allowed us to build a Medical Home for patients of varying needs.

Autism and Down Syndrome are two conditions that require specialized treatment and care to help children manage symptoms and adapt to the world around them. Our Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ, pediatric team at Phoenix Pediatrics is here to help you navigate these challenges to find effective treatments and strategies for happiness, success and good health in your little one.

Down Syndrome is typically diagnosed during pregnancy (this test is most often performed between the 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy); however, autism is not one that can be diagnosed before your baby is born. While symptoms of autism may develop between 12 to 18 months, most pediatricians will not be able to provide you with a proper diagnosis until after 24 months. Potential behaviors to be on the lookout for in children under 3 years old include,

  • Regressed or delayed speech
  • Speaking in a flat tone
  • Avoiding eye contact
  • Doesn’t play with others or prefers to play alone
  • Doesn’t like physical contact
  • Doesn’t show interest in socializing (an overall disinterest in others)
  • Doesn’t respond to their name
  • Doesn’t make facial expressions or makes inappropriate facial expressions
  • Has trouble understanding people’s feelings
  • Performs repetitive movements such as rocking or flapping the arms

As your child gets older you may also notice,

  • Increased irritability and anxiety
  • Problems with changes to routine (needing a structure and routine)
  • Sleep problems
  • Short attention span
  • Impulsivity

If you believe that your child may be showing symptoms of autism and you want them evaluated it’s important that you are monitoring their behaviors and taking notes. These notes are particularly helpful for a pediatrician when evaluating your child. We have experience working with families of children with both autism and Down syndrome.

Getting a diagnosis can often provide parents with peace of mind and also help families get additional community and school support and services to help children with autism and Down syndrome thrive in these settings. We can also provide parents and families with the support they need to foster a nurturing environment for children with autism and Down syndrome.

Both of our office locations care for CSHCN patients. We proudly serve the Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ area! Call Phoenix Pediatrics today with any questions or to schedule an appointment at (602) 242-5121!

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00am-12:00pm at our Desert Ridge Location.

Saturday appointments are 'same day only'.

Sunday:

Closed