Responding to the developmental consequences of genetic conditions: The importance of pediatric primary care

This article characterizes the critical role of the primary care physician in the identification, initial evaluation, and management of children with developmental disabilities. Problems of definition and epidemiology are rev iewed and linked to issues of referral and eligibility for services and sup ports. Developmental screening methods afford opportunities for early ident ification, whereas chronic condition management in primary care defines a m ore explicit role for the pediatric primary care provider. (C) 1999 Wiley-L iss, Inc.