Pediatrition Referrel Needed

[Busterduck (Premo)]

My son is now 13 months old and can not crawl or walk. He can't get from a tummy position to a sitting position. He delays are mostly torso gross motor delays. My pediatrition wasn't worried about it but after me again bringing my concerns to him, has suggested I contact a Neurologist. I did this and have an appointment in two weeks. I am a little concerned that my pediatrition is not doing enough about my son's situation. He was behind at 9 months and my pediatrition wasn't concerned.

We also contacted infants and toddlers program and they did an assessment on my son. They are going to give us the results but we haven't received them yet. They did inform us that my son is over 25% disabled in the gross motor area.

On that note, I feel that more needs to be done. Perhaps sending my son to an orthopedic pediatric specialist or a developmental peditrition. The problem is, I don't know of any. If any of you have had a similar situation or could provide any recommendations, I will be eternally greatful.

Thanks

Originally Posted by Busterduck

My son is now 13 months old and can not crawl or walk. He can't get from a tummy position to a sitting position. He delays are mostly torso gross motor delays. My pediatrition wasn't worried about it but after me again bringing my concerns to him, has suggested I contact a Neurologist. I did this and have an appointment in two weeks. I am a little concerned that my pediatrition is not doing enough about my son's situation. He was behind at 9 months and my pediatrition wasn't concerned.

We also contacted infants and toddlers program and they did an assessment on my son. They are going to give us the results but we haven't received them yet. They did inform us that my son is over 25% disabled in the gross motor area.

On that note, I feel that more needs to be done. Perhaps sending my son to an orthopedic pediatric specialist or a developmental peditrition. The problem is, I don't know of any. If any of you have had a similar situation or could provide any recommendations, I will be eternally greatful.

Thanks

Get a new pediatrician! I use Dr. Khalsa in Lexington Park.

[Dymphna]

My nephew couldn't crawl or walk at a year. To look at him, the obvious diagnosis was that he was so overweight he couldn't do it. His pediatrician had suggested putting him on a diet around 9 months. (The boy was a serious pudge) When the diet didn't help his motor skills, the Infant and Toddler program started coming to see him every week and working with him.

By the time he was 2 he was close to caught up. Now he's just under 3 and he's perfectly normal.

I would call the I&T program back and bug them about the results of their evaluation.

Lots of babies don't walk at 13 months, some are as late as 18 months and still perfectly normal. Some babies never crawl in the traditional sense, but find other ways of getting around, like rolling or scooting. Not being able to sit himself up IS a concern and they did tell you that there was a delay, so if you feel they haven't gotten back to you timely, call them back.

As far as your pediatrician goes...he may be correct in not being too worried, but if you aren't comfortable that he responded appropriately to your concerns, than by all means, find someone else. I will refrain from recommending my kids' doctor, but am not unhappy enough to bash him either.

[Busterduck (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Dymphna

My nephew couldn't crawl or walk at a year. To look at him, the obvious diagnosis was that he was so overweight he couldn't do it. His pediatrician had suggested putting him on a diet around 9 months. (The boy was a serious pudge) When the diet didn't help his motor skills, the Infant and Toddler program started coming to see him every week and working with him.

By the time he was 2 he was close to caught up. Now he's just under 3 and he's perfectly normal.

I would call the I&T program back and bug them about the results of their evaluation.

Lots of babies don't walk at 13 months, some are as late as 18 months and still perfectly normal. Some babies never crawl in the traditional sense, but find other ways of getting around, like rolling or scooting. Not being able to sit himself up IS a concern and they did tell you that there was a delay, so if you feel they haven't gotten back to you timely, call them back.

As far as your pediatrician goes...he may be correct in not being too worried, but if you aren't comfortable that he responded appropriately to your concerns, than by all means, find someone else. I will refrain from recommending my kids' doctor, but am not unhappy enough to bash him either.

That is very nice to know that he caught up. My son is no where near walking. He can't put much weight on his legs. He is not overweight but that sounds like it wasn't the reason your nephew couldn't crawl. Did they ever figure out what was wrong? Why he couldn't do the things that other children his age could? My son is very strong in his upper body. His fine motor skills are good too. It is just his lower gross motor skills.

[Dymphna]

Originally Posted by Busterduck

That is very nice to know that he caught up. My son is no where near walking. He can't put much weight on his legs. He is not overweight but that sounds like it wasn't the reason your nephew couldn't crawl. Did they ever figure out what was wrong? Why he couldn't do the things that other children his age could? My son is very strong in his upper body. His fine motor skills are good too. It is just his lower gross motor skills.

I think the weight was the problem, but it went on so long he didn't have the muscle development even after he started losing weight.

Either way, I think the Infant and Toddler program is your best bet for getting him help. If there is a medical problem related to motor development, they will be able to recognize that and be able to suggest the proper specialists. Turns out my nephew also had a speech delay, which his parents didn't really notice because of their concerns with his motor development. I&T picked up on it and helped find a resolution to that too.

[SoMDGirl42 (Premo)]

my youngest didn't walk until 14 months, however the fact that your son can't crawl would be a major concern if he was my son. You said he can't support much weight on his legs, so I would assume he can't pull himself up into a standing position holding on.

I think you're on the right path. Bug the crap out of those doctors until you get some answers! Continue being proactive, for your son's sake. If all is normal, no foul, no harm. If he has some underlying medical issues, you are his advocate to get him help. Mothers know their child better than anyone, and I think you are doing a good job trying to get to the bottom of it. Insist your pediatrican send you to a specialist, or find a new pediatrician. Best of luck, I hope he's just a little slow in his development and you'll be running to keep up with him soon.

[Busterduck (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Dymphna

I think the weight was the problem, but it went on so long he didn't have the muscle development even after he started losing weight.

Either way, I think the Infant and Toddler program is your best bet for getting him help. If there is a medical problem related to motor development, they will be able to recognize that and be able to suggest the proper specialists. Turns out my nephew also had a speech delay, which his parents didn't really notice because of their concerns with his motor development. I&T picked up on it and helped find a resolution to that too.

They read me the results but are putting together the "plan" and "report." That is how I knew that he met their requirements for the program. I know they have a time line they need to adhere to. It is nice to see that they are the folks who helped your nephew. I am just worried I am not doing enough. My son's Dr. never did tell us to go to the I&T program. I found out about them online. They were shocked that he didn't refer us to them.

Thanks again, it truly does help to talk to someone who knows more about the process than I do.

[Busterduck (Premo)]

Originally Posted by SoMDGirl42

my youngest didn't walk until 14 months, however the fact that your son can't crawl would be a major concern if he was my son. You said he can't support much weight on his legs, so I would assume he can't pull himself up into a standing position holding on.

I think you're on the right path. Bug the crap out of those doctors until you get some answers! Continue being proactive, for your son's sake. If all is normal, no foul, no harm. If he has some underlying medical issues, you are his advocate to get him help. Mothers know their child better than anyone, and I think you are doing a good job trying to get to the bottom of it. Insist your pediatrican send you to a specialist, or find a new pediatrician. Best of luck, I hope he's just a little slow in his development and you'll be running to keep up with him soon.

No, he can't pull up into a standing position holding on. I am very worried. I thought that maybe he should also see a pediatric orthropedic specialist. Does anyone know of any in this area? I have looked at John Hopkins website and they have them there. That's where I have the neruo appointment. I think I will call them too unless someone knows of a specialist in this area.

[jsouthan]

I would say that for something that specialized, I would personally go to somewhere like Hopkins over someone local. Not that there are not good doctors here, but they do not tend to be that specialized. You may also want to check out Children's Hospital in DC.

and good luck to you. I know that you are probably a little scared and very concerned for your little one right now. I think you are definitely on the right track and doing the best you can for your son. Just remember to always ask questions and do not be afraid to question what a doctor is telling you if it just does not seem right.

[Geek]

Originally Posted by Busterduck

No, he can't pull up into a standing position holding on. I am very worried. I thought that maybe he should also see a pediatric orthropedic specialist. Does anyone know of any in this area? I have looked at John Hopkins website and they have them there. That's where I have the neruo appointment. I think I will call them too unless someone knows of a specialist in this area.

That is the most important thing you said. Mother's instincts are very powerful, you know something is wrong. Don't give up until it feels right for you.