{"id":16067,"date":"2019-06-27T11:25:59","date_gmt":"2019-06-27T10:25:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dide.org\/the-child-neurologist-and-early-detection-of-behavioral-learning-and-developmental-disorders\/"},"modified":"2019-06-27T11:25:59","modified_gmt":"2019-06-27T10:25:59","slug":"the-child-neurologist-and-early-detection-of-behavioral-learning-and-developmental-disorders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dide.org\/en\/the-child-neurologist-and-early-detection-of-behavioral-learning-and-developmental-disorders\/","title":{"rendered":"The child neurologist and early detection of behavioral, learning, and developmental disorders"},"content":{"rendered":"

A neuropediatrician’s job is to promote the maximum possible development of people in all areas<\/h2>\n
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A child neurologist or pediatric neurologist<\/strong> is a doctor who treats children with nervous system problems. Everything related to the child’s brain falls within pediatric neurology. This includes from the beginning of pregnancy to the end of development. <\/span><\/p>\n

Nervous system problems can start in the brain, spine, nerves, or muscles. This can lead to problems such as seizures, headaches, or developmental delays. Early detection<\/strong> of behavioral, learning, and growth disorders is important to help the child develop correctly. <\/span><\/p>\n

We spoke with Manuel Antonio Fern\u00e1ndez<\/strong>, Neuropediatrician Expert in Learning and Behavior, (ADHD, Dyslexia…) Director of the INANP Center, Director of the Neuropediatrics Master’s Program, who granted us this interesting interview:<\/span><\/p>\n

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Manuel Antonio, what is the training of a neuropediatrician or child neurologist?<\/span><\/h2>\n

To become a pediatric neurologist<\/strong>, there is a long road. The most frequent route is through the specialty of pediatrics, so you have to do a medical degree (6 years), then prepare the MIR and get a place in Pediatrics (1 year), do the entire specialty of Pediatrics (4 years) and dedicate one more year to specializing in neurology in addition to the one you do within pediatrics itself at the end (1 year). Even so, the Spanish Society of Child Neurology<\/strong> asks you for more than 4 years of experience to give you the Official Accreditation. <\/span><\/p>\n

It is hard to read all this, but despite so much work, the Ministry of Health does not officially recognize the specialty of Child Neurology within pediatrics as of today.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What are the main problems that the neuropediatrician works on?<\/span><\/h2>\n

As an example, I can highlight genetic disorders, epilepsy, childhood migraines, and many other things.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is a very broad area that is still in the process of development in Spain. We are few neuropediatricians, and it is an area little known by other professionals in the health sector. I would dare to say more, the figure of the child neurologist is very little known among parents. Most do not even know that we exist, and of course, they are not clear in what situations we can help them. <\/span><\/p>\n

Is there a difference between neurological problems and neurodevelopmental problems?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Indeed, neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of neurological problems associated with altered brain maturation in a child. Neurodevelopmental disorders include autism, mental retardation, hyperactivity, or anorexia, for example. <\/span><\/p>\n

This issue is of great importance today since most consultations received in a pediatric neurology unit, whether public or private, are related to developmental problems like these.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of the problems you work with, which ones cover a greater percentage? Which are diagnosed more frequently? <\/span><\/h2>\n

Within neuropediatrics, I have specialized in neurodevelopmental disorders<\/strong>. Most of the cases I deal with on a daily basis are children with Developmental Delay<\/strong>, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder<\/strong>, and Autism<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n

This group of disorders is one of the most frequent and also one of the ones that produces the greatest repercussions both for the child and for their family. In addition, because in most cases there are no alterations in the usual tests such as electroencephalogram, resonance, and the like, they are among the most difficult to evaluate and diagnose. And I fear that for the same reason, they are among the most misunderstood disorders. <\/span><\/p>\n

Do you think that there is currently an increase in neurodevelopmental problems, or could it be that there is greater and earlier detection?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Indeed, that is the case. There are no more developmental disorders than there have always been in general. Evaluation techniques have advanced a lot. If we add to this the greater social awareness about these issues, we will find the answer to your question. <\/span><\/p>\n

When we see that some studies show high numbers of children with developmental disorders, we have to ask ourselves about the criteria chosen for diagnosis. Today there is a much greater knowledge of this issue, and this means that these children are diagnosed much earlier and much better. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Are parents attentive and knowledgeable about the possible problems that their children present?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The truth is that in the last 10 years we have noticed very important changes in this issue. Parents have been and continue to be very attentive to how the evolution and development of their children occurs. <\/span><\/p>\n

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There is an increasing dedication on the part of families to these aspects, which means that cases reach us earlier, and we can avoid major complications.<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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The problem lies in the lack of information that parents have about the normal development process of a child. There is a lot of information on the internet, but not all of it is reliable. That is precisely why we launched our website elneuropediatra.es<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n

It is the best way we have to promote a better understanding by parents of all aspects related to the neurological development of their children, so that they can detect alterations and anomalies.<\/span><\/p>\n

We have created 3 free guides for parents<\/strong> grouping the three most relevant areas. With them, we hope to do our bit to help parents in their complex task of educating and raising their children. <\/span><\/p>\n

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