Developmental and behavioral pediatrics service: comprehensive early childhood care in Mexico

Lizbeth G. Salado-Meléndez, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Service, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
Antonio Rizzoli-Córdoba, Servicio de Pediatría del Desarrollo y la Conducta, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
Leopoldo A. Cruz-Ortiz, Health Service, Práctica Privada, Mexico City, Mexico

Developmental pediatrics (DP) in Mexico has taken a crucial step forward in the creation of the Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Service (SPDC, for its acronym in Spanish) at Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez (HIMFG). The SPDC is a leading area in early detection and intervention in neurodevelopmental problems and contributes to children’s well-being. Among its achievements are the development and implementation of the Child Development Evaluation Test, which has been validated for children under 6 years old, and of a free virtual training program for medical personnel that is supported by an interactive platform. Furthermore, the SPDC is the only center in Mexico to offer a postgraduate degree in DP. With a fair and evidence-based approach, the SPDC contributes to the strengthening of public policy, research, and comprehensive care to ensure children’s development.

Keywords: Developmental pediatrics. Child development. Screening test. Early interventions.