Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics 13 Years After the First Board Certification: Evolving Subspecialty.

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Psychology
• Behavioral Health

Background:

• Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) is a recognized subspecialty.
• Workforce demographics and practice patterns evolve over time.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for DBP training and support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the evolving landscape of the Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) subspecialty.
• To analyze changes in the DBP workforce by comparing pre- and post-subspecialty certification survey data.

Main Methods:

• An electronic workforce survey was distributed in 2015 to members of relevant professional organizations.
• Responses were compared to data from a 1998 survey of DBP subspecialists.
• Key demographic and practice characteristic data were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The 2015 DBP workforce was older, more female, and more diverse than the 1998 group.
• Evaluation and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and developmental delays remained high.
• Care for children with physical disabilities and other conditions decreased significantly.
• Referrals increasingly came from pediatric subspecialists, and the need for community DBP specialists rose.

Conclusions:

• The DBP workforce is aging and undergoing demographic shifts.
• ADHD, ASD, and developmental delays are central to the DBP clinical focus.
• Identifying training needs and advocating for system changes are essential to support the DBP workforce.