A developmental-behavioral specialist is a pediatrician with special training and experience who aims to foster understanding and promotion of optimal development of children and families through research, education, clinical care and advocacy efforts. This physician assists in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of developmental difficulties and problematic behaviors in children and in the family dysfunctions that compromise children's development. Source: American Board of Medical Specialties, 2007. www.abms.org [7/1/2007: definition changed, source changed, 3/26/2008: definition corrected]