[Assessment of parental perception of relevant symptoms in children with developmental disorders]

We assessed parental perception of relevant symptoms in children with developmental disorders (concern, anxiety and worries regarding to the development of their child) and examined the circumstances leading to consultations with physicians. We analyzed answers from 53 parents who were grouped according to the diagnoses of their children. Developmental disorders were perceived by the parents and the parents immediately consulted physicians at the time of their child's birth in the case of children with Down syndrome, when their child was around 1-1.5 years old in children with pervasive developmental disorders, and when their child was around 3 years old in children with mental retardation. Both worries and the use of consultations by the parents of 1.5-year olds were similar to those of the parents of 2-year olds. Specialists need to recognize that parental perception of developmental disorders and the use of consultations differs according to the diagnosis. To provide continuous support to the families of children with developmental disorders, public medical examination of infants and collaborations between medical, educational and other social organizations must be organized to meet the needs.