I noticed that most people have their pediatricians working with them. I love our pediatrician and he’s the best in the area but he doesn’t seem to have any interest in SM and helping me with my son. I called and spoke to him but he just referred me the local hospital to have him evaluated. Should he be working with us? Should I have the CST send their findings to him?

Answer

Actually, pediatricians rarely work with the child on an ongoing basis. We are working hard to educate pediatricians into recognizing SM and to then direct families to the appropriate mental health professional, but most pediatricians do not actively treat SM. However, some pediatricians, considered developmental pediatricians, may work with families and children more regularly for SM, but regular docs rarely do.

Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum