Wellness programs are seen as vital to big—and small—businesses. They recognize that when people live healthy lives, their medical issues decrease…and the company’s healthcare expenses are better controlled. Doctors (should) take the same preventative approach. Because pediatricians approach their littlest patients from a systemic perspective (versus developmental), they may inadvertently dismiss the developmental concerns of new parents. A PT, because of their unique viewpoint and spending more time with the child, is more likely to identify developmental issues at earlier stages.

Even when it may be clear to a PT that a child has a development issue—cerebral palsy, for instance—pediatricians do not typically make an official (therefore, treatable) diagnosis until age two or three. But this child is missing out on important treatment that could make a significant developmental impact. And even if a child is not ultimately diagnosed, the early intervention will not be harmful but can play a positive role in development.