Dr. Norwood, a developmental pediatrician, focuses on helping children who either have serious ongoing medical challenges or at some point in the child's life has faced a serious medical challenge. Some of the topics that Dr. Norwood discusses are: Why he became a developmental pediatrician What the difference is between a pediatrician and a developmental pediatrician. Why the brain's development in the first two years of life is critical to overall development throughout a child's life. (deleted a redundant phrase). Why, during the first two years of life, the most important activities that you can do to help your child developmentally are reading and talking to your child. How toxic stress can have an adverse effect on a child’s development. The importance of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to assist the child and the parents in the child's development. The difference between an IFSP and an IEP? Dr. Norwood talks about the importance of both parents being involved in the care and the development of the child. Moreover, he talks about his responsibilities being the chair for the Council on Children with Disabilities, which is a group within the American Academy of Pediatrics. He shares how they advocate for children with disabilities and their families. Plus, he discusses family-centered care and how you cannot optimally care for a child if you do not understand the needs and resources of the family. The care team needs to understand the context in which that child exists, the family context, and the community context to most effectively provide for that child's needs. Plus, Dr. Norwood talks extensively about the importance of dental hygiene in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and delays. He discusses why newborn hearing screens are important to the development of a child who has medical complexities. He offers advice on preparing for a child for an appointment with a developmental pediatrician. He provides clues to use in evaluating your child for developmental disabilities once they are in school.

Plus, he reveals what Vulnerable Child Syndrome is and why parents need to be aware of it. Finally, he gives specific strategies and techniques on how to evaluate when your child accomplishes his or her development milestones Join us for this exciting episode.