Developmental Pediatrics

Dr. Myra Cleary is a Nurse Practitioner who assesses and treats children, from birth through young adulthood, with suspected or diagnosed developmental delays, disabilities, learning difficulties, and behavior challenges; this includes NICU “graduates” who may need additional support as they grow.

A Developmental Behavioral Specialist evaluates children who have developmental, behavioral, and learning differences when compared to their same-aged peers. Here at Parker Place, Dr. Cleary offers assessments and follow-up care to children and adolescents with these differences, including the following:

Services Offered

You can learn more about Dr. Cleary’s services by clicking any of the images below!

INSURANCE

For a list of Dr. Cleary’s currently accepted insurances, please click here. If Dr. Cleary is not in-network with your insurance but your plan includes out-of-network benefits, we will be happy to provide documentation of your child’s visit(s) so that you can submit a request for reimbursement. (Please note, we cannot guarantee your reimbursement request will be approved; please be sure to verify your benefits and any required documents with your insurance plan prior to scheduling!)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why should I bring my child to see a Developmental Behavioral Specialist?

Many families seek out a specialist in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics based on the recommendation of a primary care physician or other medical provider. In other cases, a parent, teacher, child care provider or other adult in the child’s life may have noticed the child not meeting certain milestones as expected, or observed some behaviors that cause concern. Another common reason to seek this type of care is when a child is a NICU “graduate.” An assessment with a Developmental Behavioral Specialist can provide the clarity of a diagnosis and transition planning, as well as a treatment plan going forward.

How does a Developmental Behavioral Specialist differ from a primary care pediatrician, psychiatrist, or therapist?

Developmental Behavioral Specialists are able to spend more time with each patient and family listening to concerns about development and behavior, and their assessments may include the use of specialized tools to formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan. They often make referrals to other medical specialists and providers and direct families to additional resources to best support their child’s health and well-being. Children should maintain a relationship with their primary care provider for routine medical care.

Psychiatrists diagnose, and often treat with medication, a wide variety of mental health problems and mood disorders. Therapists utilize one-on-one and/or group counseling techniques to support a person’s mental health. Dr. Cleary can manage medications for some children with anxiety and depression once they have received a diagnostic assessment from another qualified mental health professional.

Can Dr. Cleary diagnose autism spectrum disorder?

Yes, Dr. Cleary can diagnose autism spectrum disorder when a child is five years old or younger. In the case of older children, she is available for a consultation and screening. Diagnosing autism in children is particularly complex and cannot always be determined. When symptoms are not conclusive for autism, she will refer your child to an autism specialist for additional testing.

Please be aware: some insurance carriers and school systems require specific assessment tools such as the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale) - which Dr. Cleary does not perform - in order to authorize treatment and services. Some also have specific requirements that the autism diagnosis be made by a physician (M.D.) or licensed psychologist. Dr. Cleary is a nurse practitioner and therefore would not meet this requirement. Please confirm any specific testing or diagnostic measures, as well as specific provider credentials, required by your insurance carrier prior to scheduling.

Which problems does Dr. Cleary not diagnose or treat?

While these conditions often overlap with those that Dr. Cleary does treat, she does not perform diagnostic testing for dyslexia, learning disabilities, intellectual disability, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, fetal alcohol syndrome, or genetic disorders. In cases where the primary concern is a mental health problem marked by dangerous or violent behaviors (such as setting fires, harming animals, or immediate safety concerns for self or others), urgent psychiatric treatment should be discussed with your primary care provider.

What can my child and I expect during a developmental pediatric assessment with Dr. Cleary?

Developmental Behavioral pediatric assessments consist of two sessions, each lasting approximately 60 minutes. Prior to your first visit, you’ll complete a set of online intake forms. We’ll also ask that you forward any reports from previous evaluations, if applicable, so that Dr. Cleary can review them in advance.

When you arrive for your first session, our staff will check you in and record your child’s vital signs. During your time with Dr. Cleary, she will collect a comprehensive health, family and psychosocial history, conduct a medical exam, and observe your child in various types of activities. She will also determine if additional diagnostic screenings or tools are needed.

In the second session, Dr. Cleary will discuss her findings with you and review a treatment plan with your family.

What happens after my child has received a diagnosis from Dr. Cleary?

After the visit, documentation of your child’s assessment, including diagnoses and treatment plan, will be provided. Dr. Cleary will explain your child’s results during your appointment, and her report will include her recommendations for your child’s continuing care and support. She may suggest accommodations for school and/or childcare settings as well as other topics to be addressed in an IEP (Individualized Education Program), recommend an early intervention program, and/or provide resources or referrals to other specialists for follow-up if needed.

What if my child already has ADHD, or has been followed by a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician, and we would like to transfer care to Dr. Cleary?

For children and teens who have had an ADHD diagnosis, or are suspected to have ADHD, Dr. Cleary will conduct a single-session assessment to evaluate symptoms and behaviors and to identify possible co-existing conditions. If ADHD medication is appropriate for your child, Dr. Cleary can then begin prescribing and monitoring your child’s treatment through follow-up appointments.

For children and teens who have previously been followed by a developmental pediatrician for other conditions and would like to bring their child to Dr. Cleary for follow-up, a single-session assessment is also conducted. Regular follow-up appointments may then be scheduled.

My child is a former patient of Dr. Cleary’s at another medical facility - can we come see her at Parker Place?

Of course! Please just reach out to our office to schedule a follow-up appointment. You can also learn more about follow-up care with Dr. Cleary here.

I’m unsure whether an appointment with Dr. Cleary would be the right fit for my child - what should I do?

Please feel free to contact our office and speak with our practice manager, Jennifer. She can answer your questions and help you to determine if Dr. Cleary’s assessment can meet your family’s needs.

To schedule an appointment, please contact our office directly. You can also learn more about our providers and staff or explore our blog!