Developmental Pediatricians
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
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Behavioral Pediatrician Needed for ADHD Diagnosis
June 2011
I would welcome recent recommendations for a behavioral pediatrician for my child, who may have a borderline case of ADHD. We are looking at the Hyperactivity, Attention, and Learning Problems (HALP) clinic at UCSF, and would be particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has used that clinic. We would also be interested in behavioral pediatricians in the East Bay. Many thanks! Concerned Mom
Dr. Alterman in the Psych Department in Richmond is excellent. If nothing else, do your best to get into his seminar for ''strong willed'' children, it will be an amazing benefit for you and your family.
Developmental Pediatrician for ADHD
April 2008
Our 7 year old has been diagnosed with severe ADHD. We are seeking recommendations for developmental pediatricians as we begin to look at drug treatment options. Who have you used? We\x92d love a SF recommendation, but the East Bay is also very convenient. We understand that finding the right meds is a process and requires collaboration. What have your experiences been? We\x92re not looking for advice about non-drug alternatives -- we have been using great behavioral specialists for several years (and will continue) who agree it's time for drugs. thanks for your advice
We've been taking my 11 yr old son to Dr. Josephine Lindt in Albany for over four years. I've been very happy with her care. We suspected ADHD by the time my son was around 6 yrs old and at first saw another behavioral pediatrician, Dr. Lawrence Diller in Walnut Creek. We had an extremeley poor experience with him and finding Dr. Lindt was a huge relief. On top of the ADHD diagnosis, she also immediately spotted signs of dyslexia and dysgraphia that no other professionals had even suggested. After follow up testing with an ed. therapist, we were able to start getting him much needed help for reading and writing. We have switched medication many times over the years. Sometimes a med will work well for a few months or more and then with a growth spurt the dosage will need to be upped. Othertimes it has been more a matter of making him too ''flat'' or just not working to help him focus or settle down. Dr. Lindt has been very easy to work with in that regard--checking in by phone and being patient to keep on top of things until finding one that works with the fewest side effects. Medication has made a very positive difference for my son--academically and socially. Best of luck on your journey. Mom of a great boy
Need to consult with Child development specialist
April 2007
I'm looking for a child development expert to consult about my three year old, who seems to be regressing and having a lot of anxiety. I'd like to learn whether or not this is all normal behavior and how to help my child cope. Can anyone recommend a psychologist type with a calm presence and sympathy to attachment parenting? thanks
How is your child regressing? Is it develomental or emotinal or both? If your child is regressing in his/her development you should definitely have your child assessed. If it is developmental you should see a Pediatric Developmental Specialist or Pediatric Behavioral Medicine Expert. Dr. Brad Berman (Walnut Creek), Dr. Wachtel (Children's Hospital), Dr. Winters (CHO), or Dr. Tina Gabby (Marin). Be prepared for a long wait list. Good luck to you. anonymous
I can whole-heartedly recommend Anita Barrows, Ph.D. as a child development specialist. She is supportive of attachment parenting and knowledgeable of the developmental stages of children, what is normal, what may need attention, and how to go about addressing the needs of a child. She has a very calm presence and is down to earth. Her office is near Berkeley Bowl, phone number: 540-8330. Anon.
Our pediatrician recommended evaluation of 2.5 year old
March 2007
Our 2.5 year old son's pediatrician recommended that he be evaluated by a developmental pediatrician because he does NO imaginative play. He has good language skills and is bonded to us. We would prefer to pay out of pocket at this point. Know of anyone good? We live in Berkeley but will travel for the right person. Anon
I highly recommend our developmental pediatrician Dr Brad Berman . His office is in Walnut creek and phone number is 925-279-3480. I have to warn you that the wait to get an appointment is long and he is expensive - but well worth it. I have also seen Dr Erica Buhrmann, in Albany, but do not feel she helped us as much - her number is 510-540-5320. If you would like to e-mail or call me I'd be happy to give a more detailed answer. Laura
My child has seen Dr. Erica Buhrmann for some similar issues. My husband and I found her very knowledgeable and supportive of our son and of us. She has a private practice on Solano Avenue but is also on staff at Children's Hospital. Her phone number is 510-540-5320. Anon
Dr. Erica Buhrmann in Albany (510) 540-5320. She's very nice and very available, she'll explain everything to you in words you can understand and will answer all your questions. Good luck!! Jill
Marianne Eraklis in Orinda (DB Pediatrics) is a wonderful developmental pediatrician. Highly recommend her. Unfortunately she doesn't take insurance.
Hi there! UCSF Children's Hospital Mission Bay definitely has a bustling developmental medicine clinic - find more info here: https://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/clinics/developmental-medicine-clinic
I work in an adjacent pediatric specialty at Mission Bay and I think the team is excellent, particularly Shannon Lundy, but I would feel comfortable taking the first available appt w/ anyone.
Good luck!
We ended up using Dr Deanna Lau in Santa Rosa because she was rec by a friend and had space to take kids. He only has to go in person once or twice a year now that things are more settled and he’s older. We zoom for our other meetings
It is incredibly hard for families right now, given the national shortage of developmental clinicians. Sorry to hear it is impacting you!
To clarify, UCSF is not "closed" but due to a recent reduction in developmental behavioral pediatrician team size, their small team had to restrict their services to patients who are already within the UCSF pediatrics care system and who meet criteria for referral, but they are working on replacing them asap--it is just hard when there are so few DBPs graduating each year nationally and cost of living is so high in the Bay.
The only East Bay actively open DBP private practice I know is:
Mariana Eraklis, MD - https://www.dbped.com/
If you are able to travel farther, below are a few other practices I believe are still active.
Trenna Sutcliffe, MD, MS (Los Altos) - https://www.sutcliffeclinic.com/
Annie Berens, MD, MA (Menlo Park) - https://berensdbp.com/
Tina Gabby, MD (Marin/Corte Madera) - https://tinagabbymd.com/about
Best of luck finding what you need for your family.