Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics is a discipline that employs a holistic approach and views child in context of his/her environment, including family and society, stresses the importance of factors that either promote or undermine child's development (which includes cognitive, emotional, language and communication, relating, motor and behavioral domains), activities and participation, identifies causes of developmental difficulties, seeks ways to prevent and treat these causes. Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics translates contemporary scientific knowledge into clinical practice, aiming at serving needs of individuals, and through development of applicable population-wide programs and practices serves needs of whole population. Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics employs family-centered approach and bioecologic theory to diagnose, treat and refer children with developmental difficulties to social, education and rehabilitation services. Foundations for Developmental Pediatrics in Ankara University were laid in 2000, and it was established as a separate department within pediatrics in 2011. Master's Degree Thesis Program is a curriculum within Ankara University Institute of Health Sciences that started in 2002. The program's theoretical curriculum includes topics on child's development, developmental assessment, developmental difficulties and their remediation, early childhood development support and early intervention. The program also includes applied lessons to improve developmental assessment and observation skills. These are developmental observation techniques, developmental assessment techniques, developmental support and therapeutic modalities in developmental pediatrics, early intervention programs and program development in developmental pediatrics. Given high prevalence of developmental difficulties in population, Developmental Pediatrics trainees are expected to learn methodology of developing early intervention programs.

Developmental Pediatrics Master's Degree program aims to train pediatricians in Developmental Pediatrics and equip them with up to date knowledge required to follow contemporary science and yield scientific knowledge, provide clinical, training (train primary care workers, pediatricians and allied professionals) and consulting services, and advocate for children.

Upon completion of the program, the trainee will gain knowledge about: -Biological and psychosocial risk factors that adversely affect child's development and their prevention -Monitoring and supporting child development, developing methodology to promote monitoring and supporting child development -Addressing developmental difficulties -Referral to social and rehabilitation services -Childhood chronic diseases and conditions that adversely affect development -Diagnosis and treatment of developmental difficulties in early childhood -Early childhood development support programs in Turkey and worldwide -Programs and projects led by Turkish Government and Ministries that aim at addressing developmental difficulties Upon completion of the program, the trainee will acquire skills and profiency required to: -Diagnose biopsychosocial risks -Provide developmental surveillance -Learn methods that assess the child in context of bioecologic theory/model -Diagnose developmental difficulties and provide early intervention -Apply family-centered interview techniques for developmental assessment -Provide prompt referral to appropriate social, special education and rehabilitation services, collaborate with allied institutions and foundations -Develop early childhood support programs Upon completion of the program, the trainee will acquire attitude required to: -Focus at importance of addressing developmental risks -Understand the importance of prompt referral of diagnosed developmental difficulties to appropriate social and special education services, and collaboration with allied governmental institutions and foundations for advocacy and aiding access of special need children and their families to their rights

Turkish

Prof. Dr. İlgi ERTEM E-mail : ertemilgi@yahoo.com CV :

Prof. Dr. Elif Nursel ÖZMERT E-mail : elifnurselözmert@gmail.com CV :

Associate Prof. Dr. Emine Bahar BİNGÖLER PEKCİCİ E-mail : bbingoler@ankara.edu.tr CV :