Brianna HarrisonMy coworker, who recently moved to the 6ix, recently hit me up with a major parenting dilemma. She needed help finding the best developmental pediatrician in Toronto for her energetic twin boys.
Of course, I was all over it! I grabbed my laptop, did some digging, and reached out to other parents for their top recommendations.
After countless hours of research, I came up with a list of the best developmental pediatricians in the city. This was based on board certification, years of experience, parent reviews, and more!
So, for all you parents out there who are also on the hunt for a top-notch dev ped for your little ones, here are my top picks.
How much does seeing a developmental pediatrician cost in Toronto?
The cost may vary on the complexity of the assessment and services offered. Additional costs may apply for follow-up visits or specialized tests.
How We Chose the Best Developmental Pediatricians
1. Kidcrew Medical
Kidcrew is pretty much Toronto’s one-stop shop for children’s healthcare. Pediatric allergists, psychologists, and of course, developmental pediatricians, are conveniently located under one roof, so you don’t need to go anywhere else.
We like their easy-to-use online booking platform, where you can set up appointments or even chat with your clinician via call or video chat to go over the next steps in care.
They also have a dedicated developmental and behavioral pediatrics team that focuses on children with cognitive, social, or emotional challenges.
One of its developmental pediatricians is Dr. Rageen Rajendram. He specializes in developmental disorders, clinical informatics, and artificial intelligence—especially when it comes to improving care for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The only downside is that some families have told us about their abrupt rescheduling of appointments, which can be frustrating when you’re juggling a busy schedule.
Recently switched to Kidcrew, and it’s been the best decision
“We recently switched to Kidcrew, and it’s been the best decision. Very professional and an overall amazing experience every time we visit. Dr. Aharon Lauterpacht is my daughter’s pediatrician and we are so happy with him. So thorough and ensures we leave feeling reassured. Not to mention he is amazing with her (2 years old) and we finally leave the doctors happy and not crying!”
Maddalena Mac Isaac, Google Review
My daughter is medication-free now and is feeling great!
“Amazing doctor! She really listened to understand our daughter’s issues, and her recommended course of action worked so well. We had been to two other paediatricians and my daughter was not getting better. We are so lucky to have seen Dr. Kulik. My daughter is medication free now and is feeling great! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Manisha Sharma, Google Review
2. Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s mission is to create endless opportunities for kids and youths with disabilities.
They help kids with everything—from language delays to more complex developmental needs. They’ve also built an amazing developmental pediatric team, including therapists, social workers, psychologists, and nurses, all working together.
Some conditions they specialize in include acquired brain injuries, autism, cerebral palsy, and neuromuscular disorders. We also like that their assessment and treatment programs are really thorough, making sure that each child gets personalized care.
Another nice touch is their interpreter services. If you need help understanding anything during your visit, they offer professional interpreters for free.
Unfortunately, we heard about their long wait times. This is something to keep in mind if you have to go somewhere after your appointment.
Has been life-changing for my daughter and our family
“This place has been life changing for my daughter and our family. The facilities are very wide range and we are very thankful for our referral to holland bloorview.”
Renee Allan, Google Review
Wonderful, caring staff!
“Wonderful, caring staff! The grounds are very peaceful and beautiful and the building has lots of natural light. All of this makes a difficult time more pleasant for families.”
V Leung, Google Review
3. Bloorkids
BloorKids is one of the largest pediatric clinics in the city, providing a one-stop experience for all your child’s healthcare needs.
They’re known for their use of smart technology to streamline everything—from booking appointments to navigating care.
Now, when it comes to developmental pediatric services, Dr. Claire Nguyen leads the way. She’s passionate about working with young children on the autism spectrum but also helps kids with a range of developmental needs.
Additionally, she provides assessments for autism, cognitive and learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, language delays, and other disorders.
One cool feature is their in-house team of drug experts, making it super convenient if your child needs prescriptions.
On the other hand, long wait times seem to be the norm here, so be prepared to wait an hour or two before seeing a doctor.
Bloor Kids is what you hope all doctor’s offices could be
“Bloor Kids is what you hope all doctor’s offices could be. A clean, well oiled machine, with the best doctors and service around. Our 2 daughters were lucky enough to see Dr. Stacey Bregman, who could not have been better with the girls and with us as parents. Highly recommend!”
Ian Hanecak, Google Review
Great place to take your kid
“Great place to take your kid. Love that everything is done online and the staff is very responsive by email. To maintain this level of service and efficiency cancellation policy makes total sense.”
Rares Lucacel, Google Review
4. Surrey Place
Surrey Place has been making a difference since 1962. As a non-profit, they’ve helped people of all ages with autism, developmental, and sensory concerns reach new milestones.
Their OAP Core Clinical Services include applied behavior analysis, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mental health support.
They’re also known for their Early ASD Diagnostic Assessment. For young kids with autism, they provide early assessments that focus on play skills and adaptive skills.
We love that their care goes beyond their facilities. They offer services at home, online, or at one of their five locations, making it easier for families to get the help they need.
One thing to note is that their services can sometimes feel a bit disorganized due to communication issues. Some families have experienced confusion with coordination between different parts of the team.
Everything you need for children with special needs
“Everything you need for children with special needs. The Therapists go above & beyond to help each & every Client & all their diverse needs!”
carla naylor – facesbycarla, Google Review
My son likes it that much, he doesn’t want to come home
“I’m coming here with my son for therapy. He likes to come here. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. My son likes it that much, he doesn’t want to come home, lol.”
Katalin, Google Review
5. The Hospital for Sick Children
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is one of the best in Canada. It’s connected to the University of Toronto and is the biggest center for children’s health in the country.
For developmental pediatric services, they offer a couple of key programs.
First, the ABILITY Program is a referral-only clinic for kids and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. It’s designed to give kids the extra support they need.
They also have the DAGSY clinic—your child will meet with a team, including a psychiatrist, psychologist, and psychometrist, for a full assessment. Then, they give parents a detailed plan and help them find services elsewhere.
One thing we didn’t like is the long wait times—families sometimes wait 6 to 8 hours to be seen, which can be tough.
This world-class facility is the best for specialized treatment
“This world-class facility is the best for specialized treatment and care for kids. The state of the art care facility is ‘research-intensive’ for complex pediatric treatment. Well qualified and friendly doctors, caring nurses, and staff, calm and welcoming kid friendly environment – all make this establishment the best of the best. It also has a small food court with a couple of common fast food franchis and an adequate underground parking lot.”
Subrata Kumar Saha, Google Review
Best hospital for kids in the country
“Best hospital for kids in the country they are amazing. They do wonders at this hospital. Thank goodness for all the staffs especially the Drs and Nurses🙏❤️.”
EelamRose Canada, Google Review
