Dr. Patricia Harkins
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
San Antonio, TX
33 years experience female
Locations
Harkins And Associates, Inc
San Antonio, TX
My office hours
Friday: 9:00am - 2:00pm
Show morePhone
Insurances accepted
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
UnitedHealthcare
Humana Insurance Company
Tricare
About
Bio
I am a mother to 2 adult children - one with Asperger Syndrome, and the other with ADHD. I have extensive experience treating children with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, learning disabilities, developmental delays, genetic disorders, and other developmental issues.
I grew up in New Jersey, worked as an engineer, and did graduate work in biomedical engineering at Harvard and MIT. My undergraduate degree was from Rice in Mechanical Engineering. I absolutely love being a pediatrician, and now specialize in developmental disorders. I am board certified in both General and Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrics. I have learned a great deal from other parents and from my patients. I would never choose another profession.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
Pediatrics
Doctor Q&A
84 Answers
32 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
1% hydrocortisone: This is generally safe. If it does not improve in 24 hours, see your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 54-year-old male asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
GI and PCP: Gastroenterologist to rule out gerd, primary care physician for the others.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Amenorrhea: You may have an ovarian cyst preventing ovulation. See your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Yes: Weight loss supplements are unregulated and can have contaminants, they can have bad interactions, and they can be directly harmful. They often have ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 16-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Lice: You can sleep with your hair smothered in mayonnaise - that can suffocate them. You can get a prescription for Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimetho... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Depends: The research is mixed. There is a prescription medical food -vayarin that is fda approved for adhd and it can work very well. In most products, omeg... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Difference: Asperger syndrome is part of the autism spectrum. In the usa it is no longer a proper diagnosis, although it does describe a particular pattern withi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
No: Secondhand smoke does not cause grey hair.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Decreased pigment: Decreased pigment is common after superficial inflammation. It can take over a year to fill in. If it bothers you or is important to your job, you c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Feeling icky: When the dose of stimulants is too high, the patient feels head aches about 45 minutes after the dose, stomach aches, and lethargy. It is common to h... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Dyspraxia: Dyspraxia results when the brain is not good at planning motor actions. It can affect speech and be general. Occupational and speech therapy can hel... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Hygiene : Yes, itching is common. You need to follow good hygiene practices - shower daily and wash the area. A little baby powder may help keep it dry and le... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
GAPS: There is no evidence supporting this diet for autism. It is difficult to follow and has a low chance of success.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
No : Milk allergy is a sign of milk allergy. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with disrupted social, communication, and behavior. One condition do... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Acanthosis nigracans: This is a condition where the pigment around the neck darkens. It can be a sign of type i diabetes. Show it to your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Don't: When we artificially place an infant upright, we decrease their drive to learn to do so on their own, and may delay walking slightly. Walkers and exe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Yes: That is the point. They increase Dopamine in the synapses in particular parts of the brain, helping to make the synapses work better. In adult who t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Related: Early excessive head growth is seen in may children with autism spectrum disorders.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
It isn't : Adhd is an neurodevelopment disorder. People with adhd and without a learning disability can learn well if they can pay attention. The 2 often coexi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Lapband vs bypass: Lapband is less extensive surgery, and it can be reversed. Bypass is the most successful at weight loss, but the side effects can be a problem (frequ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Ulcer: You could have an ulcer on the tonsil (like a canker sore). You can also have a piece of food stuck in one of the folds. See your doctor to explore ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Medications: The cheapest meds are the generics of Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (dextroamphetamine and racemic amphetamine) (mixed amphetamine salts). T... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Possible infection: You may have a fungal or bacterial infection. Get a culture to determine which. There are other disorders to consider. See a doctor to evaluate for... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Possible: Pregnancy is possible, even without missing a period. Take a home pregnancy test now, and at the time of your next period.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
How old is he?: Babies start vocalizing with vowel sounds. By 9 months, you should start to hear consonants such as ba, ma, da. If he is older than 9 months and onl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Yes: Most women feel very tired in the first trimester. Usually energy returns until later in pregnancy, when it can be very difficult to get adequate sle... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Gyne: You could have endometriosis or a uti. Definitely see your gynecologist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
One is ok: Most women ovulate about 14 days after the start of the last period. So until she is pregnant a drink will not affect the future pregnancy. After 14... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Not ovulating: If sexually active, the answer is pregnant until proven otherwise. You could also have an ovarian cyst. If you don't ovulate one month, you may get ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Possible: Autism rates are increased when there is a family history. It is common for many people to have parts of it - anxiety, language delay, etc. When all... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Ok: Yes it is normal, especially if on clomid (clomiphene). Discuss it with your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Head growth: As we grow, the lower face grows more than the skull. So what you see is likely the mid face and jaw growing, and lengthening of the overall head.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old male asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
No : Stretching the spine cannot make it grow. It may temporarily increase the disks between the bones, but as soon as you stand, you lose the effect. In... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Does 6q deletion always involve mental retardation? or can some develope a normal cognitive ability?
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
No: This is a very rare disorder, so it is difficult to predict in an individual child. However, the cognitive skills of those reported from mental retar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Sleeve surgery: The gastric sleeve involves removing part of the stomach. It removes a large portion, forcing you to eat less. The part removed produces leptin, whi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Normal: In-toeing is common and usually not a problem. Most will outgrow it. It does not interfere with motor development. An interesting fact is about 50%... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
None: Juice is just sugar and water. If your baby takes adequate formula, she does not need extra vitamin c (most people's reason to give juice). It just ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 53-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Possible: Possible, but it has nothing to do with her autism.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
PDD: Pdd means pervasive developmental disorder. It is no longer in use in the usa. It is part of the autism spectrum disorder, and should be referred t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Bullying: Many adults who were victims of bullying have anxiety disorders lasting into adult life. It can be so bad that it qualifies as post traumatic stress ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Yes: They are genetic and inherited.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Big: Dysphasia/aphasia is an expressive language disorder. It means you can't find the words you need when you need them. In autism spectrum disorders, t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
No answer: That is not a know association with autism, but it would not surprise me it it was.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Yes: With adhd, too much stimulant can make you lethargic. Caffeine is a stimulant. You appear to be sensitive to it. An energy drink has much more caff... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Good nutrition: There are no save supplements. A normal multivitamin is ok. Otherwise, your genes and fitness guide your growth and development.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Genetics and autism: There are great advances in the genetics of autism spectrum disorders, but they are not good enough to predict based on genetic testing. A normal gen... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
No : Autism can lead to a lot of difficulties, and so can transgerder status. I don't think one makes the other worse.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Autism rarely: Very few people with an autism spectrum disorder lose the diagnosis, but many learn the skills needed for independent life. With adhd, boys are more ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Echolalia: This is echolalia and is often seen in children with autism spectrum disorders. However, it does not define the condition by itself. Talk to your pe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old male asked:
Dr. Patricia Harkinsanswered
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 33 years experience
Diet: There are many chemicals in our diet that can make headaches worse. I recommend people eat "real food" - meaning food with no artificial ingredients ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
3
Recommendations
93
Thank you notes
Sep 3, 2013
Dr. Harkins provides excellent developmental pediatrics evaluations and counseling.
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Harkins is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Harkins is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I so wish I could find therapy here to help resolve the damage in uk.
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! Thanks! His dad thinks his gums itch so he's rubbing them to stop it.
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! Thank u anyway for ur time really appreciate
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Graduated 1990MD
Residency
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Residency
CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PITTSBURGH OF UPMC
Completed 1993
Awards
Top Pediatric Developmental and Behavioral Specialist, Second Place, National - Summer
2013
HealthTap Doctor Mom
Affiliations
American Academy of Pediatrics
Texas Pediatric Society
Bexar County Medical Association
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