The role of the pediatrician in caring for children with developmental disabilities: overview.

Pediatricians can help children with developmental disabilities to reach their potential. In addition to the issues relating to direct care outlined above and in the other articles in this issue of Pediatric Annals, clinicians should advocate on a community-wide level. This includes working with neighborhood schools, community health nurses, disease-oriented volunteer groups, and neighborhood agencies to provide access to services, support, and education for children and their families. It also includes championing the cause of children with disabilities with local and state governments. Because of the respect that pediatricians command in the community, they can play a major role in the lives of these children and their families.