Developmental Medicine - A New Concept

Authors: Stoeckl-Drax T*

DOI: 10.23880/nnoaj-16000139

Volume 4, Issue 2

Abstract

From a developmental pediatrician toward a new concept, an expanded definition and a broader view of developmental medicine: The German term “Entwicklungsheilkunde” has just been created and it is composed of “Entwicklung”- development, “Heil”- whole and healed and “Kunde” – science and knowledge. This composition also could lead to an expanded content, a new concept and definition of developmental medicine. The common use of developmental medicine (simultaneously used are developmental neurology and pediatrics) refers mainly to neurodevelopment from infancy to adolescence leading to diagnoses of disability, impairment, delay, neurodisability, developmental disability in the motor, speech, intellectual, sensory functions and special needs due to disorders of the brain and nervous system. The author proposes that developmental medicine should equally focus on developmental trauma and (also minor) adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to diagnose and treat developmental trauma as early as possible to avoid the severe impact on the developing brain and the future life. There is already an opening to a broader view of developmental medicine from some departments; however, the explicit connection to developmental trauma is still missing. Therefore, the author suggests: a. To explicitly broaden the definition and the concept of developmental medicine to include developmental trauma, the relational aspect and also minor adverse childhood experiences in its focus and diagnostic criteria. b. To find and evaluate the earliest therapeutic approaches possible to avoid chronification. c. To include parents and caregivers in the therapeutic concepts as trauma has the relational aspect and is often transmitted through the environment. d. To raise awareness within the society for the healthy development of children and how to facilitate it.

Keywords: Developmental Medicine; Developmental Trauma; Developmental Pediatrics; Developmental Neurology; Adverse Childhood Experiences

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