The fellows receive exposure to all of these aspects of advocacy. The Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship program began in 1991 with support from the U.S. Mental and Health Bureau. The program provides clinical experiences and theoretical training in child development, intellectual and social functioning, growth and development, and in the neurosciences relevant to developmental-behavioral pediatrics. The program includes in-house seminars on behavioral neurology, research methodology, child development and interviewing and counseling skills. Coursework in epidemiology and biostatistics is provided.
Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of basic research expertise as part of leadership training.
The fellowship is for 3 years. A primary purpose of the fellowship is to help prepare leaders in the field of developmental disabilities. The program, which consists of 2-3 years, provides interdisciplinary clinical experience and theoretical training in developmental disabilities, and working with children and their families, service providers, and other representatives of the service system. The clinical program includes training in outpatient developmental assessment teams, inpatient and outpatient medical management of children with developmental disabilities, community experiences, and clinical experiences in related disciplines such as neurology and genetics. Didactic seminars and conferences ensure a solid theoretical base and exposure to current research issues.