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AAP News Vol. 13 No. 6 June 1997, p. 2 © 1997 American Academy of Pediatrics
Lack of parent/pediatrician discussion might limit detection of disabilities in children, a 1996 study showed. Parents' concerns can be significant predictors of developmental problems, yet parents often do not convey their concerns to pediatricians, researchers stated. Parents of 408 U.S. children, ages 18 months to 7 years, were surveyed on their perceptions of their children's health status. Parents were told to list concerns and were asked if they had discussed them with their child's physician. Results showed 220 parents had at least one developmental or behavioral concern, some of a significant nature. Of the 220 parents, 59 percent could identify health care providers. These families were more likely to report problems than those without providers, and fathers were more likely than mothers to report concerns.
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