Hello, parents. As Dr. Anita Sabeti, I have had the privilege of meeting countless families over the years. I know that every child is unique, a little universe of their own potential. But I also know that for parents of children with special needs, the journey of raising that child comes with a distinct set of challenges. You are not just a parent; you are an advocate, a care coordinator, a researcher, and a protector.
One of the biggest hurdles you likely face is navigating the healthcare system. If you have ever felt rushed during a 15-minute appointment, or if you have sat in a crowded waiting room praying your child doesn’t have a sensory meltdown, you know exactly what I mean. The traditional pediatric model often fails the children who need it the most.
This is why I am so passionate about concierge pediatrics special needs care. It is not just a different way of paying for medicine; it is a completely different way of experiencing medicine. Today, I want to walk you through why this model is changing lives and why it might be the solution you have been looking for.
The Standard Model vs. The Reality of Special Needs
In a typical pediatric practice, doctors are often required to see 25 to 30 patients a day. That leaves about 10 to 15 minutes per child. For a child with a simple ear infection, that might be enough. But for a child with complex medical history, autism, ADHD, or a chronic condition, 15 minutes is barely enough to say hello.
When you have a child with special needs, you aren’t just there for a check-up. You have questions about therapy, medication interactions, behavioral changes, and diet. You need a doctor who has the time to listen to the whole story, not just the headlines. When doctors are rushed, important details can be missed, and parents often leave feeling unheard and anxious.
What is Concierge Pediatrics?
Concierge pediatrics, sometimes called Direct Primary Care, turns the volume down on the chaos. In this model, I limit the number of patients I take on. Because I have fewer patients, I have much more time for each one. Families pay a membership fee, and in return, they get direct access to me and extended appointment times.
But for special needs families, it is about so much more than just time. It is about creating a safe, medical home where your child is truly known.
The Gift of Time and Patience
Imagine booking an appointment and knowing you have 30 minutes to an hour with me. There is no rush. If your child takes ten minutes to warm up and feel safe enough to let me listen to their heart, we have that time. We don’t have to force anything.
For children with sensory processing disorders or anxiety, the “rush” of a standard doctor’s office is terrifying. The doctor bursts in, puts a cold stethoscope on their chest, and checks their ears before they have even processed who is in the room. In a concierge pediatrics special needs setting, we move at your child’s pace. This creates a positive association with the doctor, rather than a fearful one.
Accessibility: I Am Just a Text Away
One of the most stressful parts of parenting a special needs child is the uncertainty. It is 9:00 PM on a Friday, and you notice a change in behavior or a reaction to a new medication. In the traditional system, your only option is usually a crowded Urgent Care or ERāplaces that are often nightmares for children with sensory sensitivities.
In my concierge practice, you have direct access to me. You can text me a photo, call my cell phone, or email me. Often, we can solve the problem without you ever leaving your house. If you do need to be seen, I can often get you in the same day or the next day. This peace of mind is priceless. You aren’t navigating a phone tree or talking to a triage nurse who doesn’t know your child’s history; you are talking to the doctor who knows you.
Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment
Letās talk about the waiting room. For many of my patients with autism or sensory processing challenges, the waiting room is the hardest part of the visit. The noise, the other sick kids, the bright lightsāit triggers dysregulation before the appointment even begins.
In a concierge model, waiting room time is virtually eliminated. Because I don’t double-book patients, when you arrive, you go straight to the exam room. Or, in some cases, I might even come to your home. By controlling the environment, we lower the anxiety for everyone. When a child is calm, I can get a much more accurate assessment of their health.
Comprehensive Care Coordination
Children with special needs often have a team of specialists: neurologists, OTs, PTs, speech therapists, and nutritionists. As a parent, you often feel like a project manager, carrying binders of medical records from one office to another, trying to get everyone on the same page.
As your concierge pediatrician, I step into that role with you. Because I have the time, I can personally call your childās neurologist to discuss a medication change. I can review the reports from the speech therapist to see how we can support those goals medically. I become the “quarterback” of your child’s medical team, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. This is the true definition of a “Medical Home,” a concept strongly supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
A Visual Comparison
To help you see the differences clearly, I have put together a chart comparing the typical experience versus the concierge experience specifically for families with special needs.
| Feature | Traditional Pediatric Practice | Concierge Pediatrics Special Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment Length | 10ā15 minutes (Rushed) | 30ā60 minutes (Relaxed) |
| Waiting Room Time | Often long; noisy and crowded | Minimal to none; direct entry |
| Communication | Leave a message with staff | Direct text/cell with doctor |
| Sensory Environment | Overwhelming/Unpredictable | Controlled, calm, and safe |
| Care Coordination | Up to the parent to manage | Doctor coordinates with specialists |
| Continuity of Care | May see different doctors | Always see your doctor |
Deepening the Doctor-Patient Bond
Trust is the foundation of all good medicine, but for a child with special needs, trust is everything. If a child has had traumatic medical experiences in the pastālike being held down for shots or blood drawsāthey will be defensive.
In my practice, I work hard to rebuild that trust. Because we have time, I can engage with your child on their level. If they love dinosaurs, we talk about dinosaurs for ten minutes before we talk about their cough. If they need to sit on the floor instead of the exam table, I sit on the floor with them.
Over time, your child learns that “Dr. Anita” is a safe person. This makes future visits easier and easier. I have seen children who used to scream at the sight of a white coat eventually walk into my office and give me a high-five. That transformation is possible because we prioritize the relationship over the schedule.
Supporting the Whole Family
We cannot forget about you, the parents. Caring for a child with special needs is rewarding, but it is also exhausting. High rates of burnout exist among caregivers. A significant portion of that stress comes from fighting for services and feeling unsupported by professionals.
When you join a concierge pediatrics special needs practice, you are getting a partner. You have someone to validate your concerns. If you are worried about something, I am worried about it too. You don’t have to convince me that something is wrong; I trust your parental intuition. By taking the medical burden off your shoulders, I hope to give you more mental space to simply enjoy your child.
Navigating Developmental Milestones
Developmental milestones can be a source of anxiety for many families. In a high-volume clinic, doctors use standard checklists. If a child isn’t meeting a milestone, a referral is written, and you are sent on your way. It can feel cold and mechanical.
I take a different approach. We look at milestones, of course, but we look at them in the context of your child’s unique trajectory. We celebrate the “inchstones”āthose small, precious victories that standard charts might miss. Because I know your child well, I can spot subtle developmental changes early. Early detection means early intervention, which leads to better outcomes. We can discuss therapies and strategies in depth, creating a customized roadmap for your childās growth.
Is Concierge Care Right for Your Family?
I understand that moving to a concierge model is an investment. It is an extra cost on top of insurance. However, I encourage you to look at the value rather than just the price. Think about the cost of missed work due to long wait times. Think about the cost of unnecessary ER visits because you couldn’t reach a doctor after hours. Think about the emotional cost of stress and anxiety for your child.
For many families with special needs children, the personalized attention, the direct access, and the advocacy I provide actually save them money and time in the long run. But more importantly, it improves the quality of life for the entire family.
A Final Thought on Your Journey
You are doing an amazing job. Parenting is not easy, and parenting a child with extra needs requires a level of resilience that is truly inspiring. You deserve a pediatrician who matches that commitment. You deserve a healthcare experience that lifts you up rather than wears you down.
If you are tired of feeling like just a number in a system that wasn’t built for your child, I invite you to explore the world of concierge care. It is an honor for me to walk this path with my patients, providing the compassionate, unhurried, and expert care that every child deserves. Letās build a healthier, happier future for your child, together.
