Finding the best developmental pediatrician is something that, fortunately, came to me unexpectedly. I feel incredibly fortunate because, here in the Philippines, it’s difficult to get an urgent appointment due to long wait times. But in our case, the universe truly seemed to intervene.
Our journey began differently.
My son contracted Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), and we consulted a general pediatrician. During this consultation, we were already concerned about my son’s delayed speech, so we asked for guidance. The pediatrician, a kind soul, referred us to a developmental pediatrician (Dev Ped), stating that she's a good friend, and she could help and would arrange an appointment soon.
Typically, appointments with developmental pediatricians involve a minimum six-month wait, but we were lucky and only waited for one month.
Even though we had the referral, I continued my own research on finding the "best developmental pediatrician in the Philippines" through Google, but still struggled to find personal recommendations.
The Importance of a Developmental Pediatrician
A developmental pediatrician plays a vital role in diagnosing developmental delays, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These specialists are trained to assess children with developmental issues and guide parents on the best course of action. From our experience, I’ve seen firsthand how early intervention can greatly improve outcomes, making the search for the best pediatric developmental specialist even more critical.
Who is the Best Developmental Pediatrician for Us, and Why She Stood Out
We met Dra. Victoria Dominique Ang (now Dra. Victoria Dominique Ang-Velasco) at Manila Medical Center. While I had already accepted whatever fate had in store for us, Dra. Ang exceeded all our expectations. She patiently answered all of our questions and provided valuable insights on how to cope with the autism diagnosis.
One moment I remember vividly was when we told her that we are concerned on my son’s fondness for spinning wheels and then Dra. Ang kindly asked, "Does it bother you?". It made me realize how much we still had to learn about parenting and autism. Her thoughtful approach was invaluable. She never rushed us and even removed her white coat when my son became scared during the visit. Despite the 1.5-hour distance to her clinic, we continued seeing her because she made such a positive impact.
You can find Dra. Ang-Velasco on these hospitals:
Manila Medical Center: https://manilamed.net.ph/our-doctors/
Cardinal Santos Medical Center: https://cardinalsantos.com.ph/our_doctors/ang-nolasco-victoria-dominique-c/
Why We Had to Shift to Another Developmental Pediatrician
After three visits, we had to change developmental pediatricians because Dra. Ang went on indefinite leave. It was disappointing to part ways with someone we trusted so much, especially given how much she had helped us understand our son's developmental needs.
Disclaimer
It may be difficult to claim that Dra. Ang is the best developmental pediatrician for everyone, considering I haven’t met many others. But for our family, she was the best at the right time. Dra. Ang, if you ever read this, please know that I will always be grateful to you.
READ ALSO: https://www.spectrummommy.com/post/what-to-expect-at-first-developmental-pediatrician-visit
Comparing Our Experience with the Second Developmental Pediatrician
After Dra. Ang, we found another developmental pediatrician closer to home, whom we’ll call Dra. C. Unfortunately, each visit with her was very different from our experience with Dra. Ang.
There was no effort to make my son feel comfortable, and I remember one instance where, when my son became impatient and tried to stand, the doctor simply pushed the table closer to him to prevent him from getting up. I felt pity for my child.
On another occasion, without any early notice of the new policy, the doctor didn’t allow us to be present in the room, which I felt could be terrifying for a small child. When my son struggled with a task she asked him to perform, I mentioned he could do it at home, but instead of celebrating his progress, she dismissed it with, "Well, unfortunately, he didn’t do it here."
At one point, we also brought up our plans to homeschool, but she disagreed with the idea, making it clear that our philosophies didn’t align.
Our Journey Beyond the Dev Ped
When our son turned 7, we stopped seeing our developmental pediatrician. It felt like a chapter closing, but it’s actually just the start of another story. Our journey since then has been filled with its own set of challenges and milestones, showing how our approach to his care has evolved and changed. Each phase has brought its own lessons, and we're learning and adapting every step of the way.
Key Takeaways for Parents Looking for a Developmental Pediatrician
Our child’s biggest allies, aside from parents, are therapists and developmental pediatricians. These professionals play a crucial role in guiding us through important developmental milestones and any underlying health concerns. When searching for a pediatric developmental expert, I encourage parents to seek referrals, ask about qualifications, and consider their child’s specific needs.
Facebook groups can also be valuable in finding recommendations from other parents. Don't hesitate to ask them what they appreciate in their chosen doctor, as different families have different priorities. (Read also: https://www.spectrummommy.com/post/resources-for-autism-philippines)
Above all, it’s essential to build a trusting, communicative relationship with your developmental pediatrician. This partnership can significantly affect how your child progresses. A developmental pediatrician for autism should be your ally, someone who sees you as the leader in your child’s journey. The worst experience would be a doctor telling you outright to find another specialist simply because you questioned their approach.
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