Dr. Danielle Scholze
Dr. Danielle is a highly esteemed developmental pediatrician who is excited to bring her expertise in neurodevelopmental testing to Pennsylvania. She specializes in diagnosing and treating autism, ADHD, Fragile X Syndrome, and other neurodevelopmental disorders in young children. Dr. Scholze's unwavering dedication lies in helping families gain a deeper understanding of their children's needs. She has a particular interest in helping young children, a population that all too often is often met with a response "let's just wait until they are a little older and see if the behavior resolves". She passionately advocates for the necessary support to enhance children's development and overall quality of life.
In 2021, Dr. Scholze received a prestigious $60,000 grant from Autism Speaks and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) to support the Waisman Center's integral involvement in the newly established Autism Learning Health Network (ALHN). Her enhance care and outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder by expanding the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) and collaborating with other academic and community autism centers. Through this network, data collection is standardized, quality improvement strategies are implemented, and evidence-based practices and care standards are identified to address challenging behaviors associated with autism, such as anxiety, ADHD, and irritability.
Dr. Scholze's remarkable achievements and continuous commitment to advancing the field of developmental pediatrics have made her a trusted and valued resource in the medical community. With a strong focus on holistic child health care, she offers comprehensive online assessments for autism and various developmental disorders. She is adept in providing medication management for such treatments as ADHD and anxiety for kids. Her tireless efforts in improving the lives of children with neurodevelopmental disorders are truly commendable.
Dr. Scholze was raised in Wisconsin, where she attended college and completed her medical training. Following her residency in Cleveland, she worked as a General Pediatrics practitioner in California for several years. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for assisting neurodivergent children and their families. After completing her fellowship in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of California-Davis MIND Institute, she practiced Developmental Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. During COVID, she honed her skills in providing online treatment. She and her family live in Maine but she is licensed in Pennsylvania.
The Role of a Developmental Pediatrician in Autism Diagnosis and Intervention
Early detection is key when it comes to any diagnosis, but especially those dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In Pennsylvania, an important partner in that early detection process and subsequent intervention is the developmental pediatrician. This specialist offers critical guidance to families on how best to understand ASD, and how to access resources for treatment and support.
What is a Developmental Pediatrician?
A developmental pediatrician is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating children with delays or disabilities. This includes physical impairments as well as learning, behavioral, and social difficulties. They have completed advanced training beyond medical school that focuses on the physical, emotional and cognitive development of children, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of childhood disabilities.
Since joining the team at NOVITSKY MD boutique mind doctors, board-certified developmental pediatrician, Dr. Danielle Scholze, works with other health care providers in the Philadelphia suburbs to provide comprehensive care for children with special needs. She is qualified to perform a wide range of assessments that can help diagnose autism early on. These assessments include:
Developmental milestones
Speech and language
Motor coordination
Behavior and social interaction
Cognitive skills
Medical history and physical exam
How is a Developmental Pediatrician Different from Child Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Therapists?
While therapists, child psychiatrists, and psychologists all contribute to the assessment and treatment of children with autism, their roles vary distinctly from that of a developmental pediatrician.
Child psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental disorders in children and adolescents. They can prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy. However, their focus is more on mental health disorders, which although can overlap, is not identical to developmental disorders.
Psychologists, particularly child psychologists, often conduct psychological testing and provide therapy. They can evaluate and diagnose a variety of mental health disorders, but cannot prescribe medication.
A therapist, depending on their area of expertise, can specialize in physical, occupational, or speech therapy. They work directly with children to help them improve their motor skills, speech, and behavioral responses using specific therapeutic interventions.
On the other hand, developmental pediatricians perform a comprehensive evaluation of a child's behavior, social skills, motor coordination, and cognitive skills. After completion of medical school training, they complete a residency in pediatrics and a fellowship in developmental pediatrics. These doctors have a broad understanding of children's development, including their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. This enables them to identify and diagnose a wide range of developmental disorders, including autism, and to coordinate care with other specialists. Unlike child psychiatrists and psychologists, they are also trained to evaluate and manage physical health problems that children with developmental disorders often have, such as sleep disorders or gastrointestinal issues. This comprehensive and holistic approach to the child’s development and health makes the role of a developmental pediatrician unique.
The Impact of Early Detection and Intervention in Autism
Early detection of autism facilitates the initiation of early intervention services that can significantly improve a child's development. The sooner a child is diagnosed with autism, the sooner the child and their family can access the necessary resources and support services, enabling them to start intervention strategies that can make a real difference.
Once a child is diagnosed with autism, a developmental pediatrician can refer the family to various specialists, such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and behavioral therapists, to provide the most comprehensive and effective treatment plan. These interventions, when started early, can significantly improve a child's communication, social interaction, cognition, and behavior.
For instance, speech and language therapy can develop a child's ability to communicate effectively, which can dramatically enhance their social interactions and relationships. Occupational therapy can help children improve their motor skills and learn to perform everyday tasks independently. Behavioral therapy can guide them in managing emotions and reactions, thus reducing problematic behaviors.
Research Supporting Early Intervention in Autism
With early diagnosis of Autism, interventions can be during the critical period, when a young child's brain is still in the process of forming. This is critical as the brain is more adaptable and responsive to change compared to older ages. This inherent plasticity enhances the effectiveness of treatments in the long run. By initiating early interventions, we not only provide children with the best possible start but also maximize their potential for holistic development. Timely support increases the opportunities for learning and progress, as suggested by recent guidelines that recommend an integrated developmental and behavioral intervention as soon as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed or strongly suspected.
Several research studies highlight the benefits of early intervention in autism. One such study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that children who received early intervention had significantly better outcomes related to social interaction, communication, cognitive abilities, and adaptive behaviors.
In another study published in Pediatrics, researchers discovered that toddlers with autism who were given intensive therapy showed significant improvements in IQ, language skills, and social interaction. This study underscored the significance of early intervention in promoting optimal outcomes in children with autism.
Furthermore, a groundbreaking study from the University of Pennsylvania conducted a long-term follow-up on children who underwent early intervention programs. The children were significantly more likely to have improved social and communication skills, maintain regular education placement, and require fewer support services during their school-age years.
Remarkably, some children with autism, thanks to early intervention, make significant strides and eventually no longer fall within the autism spectrum as they grow older. Several common factors contribute to this positive outcome:
Diagnosis and treatment at an early age
Above-average intelligence quotient (IQ) compared to other children with autism
Enhanced language and motor skills
Positive family involvement
These studies, among others, strongly underscore the importance of early intervention in autism. Investing in early diagnosis and intervention for children with autism has actually been shown to save money in the long run. Therefore, developmental pediatricians and other healthcare providers who specialize in autism in Pennsylvania and beyond continually advocate for detection as early as possible and initiation of intervention services.