Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Developmental Diagnostics offers comprehensive developmental-behavioral assessments including autism spectrum disorder evaluations and ongoing developmental and behavioral follow up care.  Dr. Elrod has extensive experience and expertise in the diagnosis and care of children with complex attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders.  She has training and experience in reviewing educational assessments and supports.   She has expertise in medications used to treat ADHD, autism, and associated conditions.  She provides global assessments and recommendations with consideration of strengths and challenges in all aspects of the child's life. 

Virginia Developmental Diagnostics provides developmental evaluations for patients from 18 months to 18 years of age. 

Once all intake forms and requested records are received and reviewed, the in person visit will be scheduled.  During the appointment, Dr. Elrod will complete a comprehensive developmental and medical history and perform developmental testing.  She will then discuss impressions and provide recommendations.  A comprehensive report will be completed after the visit and provided to the family and referring provider within two weeks.  

For an excellent summary of what to expect during a developmental-behavioral pediatrics visit, see the following video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYdH7QtGewg&t=1s

A Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician (DBP) is a residency-trained pediatrician with three additional years of subspecialty training and board certification in the evaluation and medical treatment of children with developmental and behavioral conditions.  DBPs are not psychologists or psychiatrists and do not provide psychotherapy.

For a helpful article with further information, please see https://www.understood.org/articles/developmental-behavioral-pediatricians-what-you-need-to-know

If medication is deemed to be recommended as a component of the treatment plan, the recommendation will be contained in the comprehensive report provided to the referring provider.  Dr. Elrod does not directly prescribe or manage medications at this time.  However, she offers support to referring providers in managing medications.

Please have your primary care provider submit a consult for Developmental Pediatrics at Alicia's Place.  

Or:

Send an email to christinegray@aliciasplace.org with the following information:

Child's name:

Child's age:

Reason for evaluation:

Has the child been evaluated previously for developmental conditions? (if so, type and dates of evaluations with any diagnoses given):

After establishing contact, you will receive an email containing further instructions, intake forms, and evaluations.  Upon return of all requested forms and records, the evaluation will be scheduled.

Appointments in most instances will occur within two weeks of return of forms.