About Us

The Division of Child Development is an academic medical center whose efforts focus on children birth-21 years with developmental disabilities and delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, disruptive behavior disorders, learning disabilities, anxiety, and other special health needs.

Our division contributes to the Mission of the Department of Pediatrics by:

• Providing family-centered, culturally competent specialty care for infants, children, and adolescents.

• Implementing and developing interventions to improve the quality of life of children and families affected by developmental and behavioral health disorders.

• Advancing pediatric behavioral health issues through advocacy and community engagement.

• Training future pediatricians, psychiatrists, and psychologists to provide evidence-based services and to embrace a family-centered model of care within a multidisciplinary team. 

Research

The Division of Child Development conducts clinical research on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of developmental disabilities, disruptive behavior disorders, and adverse childhood experiences.

The DOCS Parenting Programs, HOT DOCS and DOCS K-5, provide behavioral parent training in a group format for caregivers of children ages birth-12 years. The DOCS Parenting Programs also provide training to psychology trainees, physician residents, and professionals in Hillsborough County.

To learn more about our broader research efforts click here.