Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
Pediatricians, with sub-specialty board certifications in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, provide extensive neurodevelopmental examinations for children. Developmental and behavioral pediatricians serve as key members of the interdisciplinary team. They provide:
- Comprehensive developmental, medical, and behavioral histories
- Extensive neurodevelopmental examinations
- Liaison with primary care physicians and medical specialists
- Education for parents and professionals regarding various medical/developmental diagnoses
- Medical management of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and releated disorders
- Community outreach to parents, schools and medical specialists
Nursing
A registered nurse at the Institute for Child Development provides support for many services, functions as patient advocate, serves as health educator, and plays a key role in the interdisciplinary team. The nurse provides:
- Assessment to address the physical, emotional and developmental state of the child
- Education and counseling services
- Liaison between child, family, private physician and school personnel
Communication Disorders
Speech and language pathologists provide evaluations and therapeutic recommendations for children experiencing:
- Receptive and expressive language disorders
- Motor speech disorders (dysarthria and apraxia)
- Voice or resonance disorders
- Dysphagia (eating and swallowing disorders) including radiographic assessment of swallowing (modified barium swallow studies).
On-site speech / language / dysphagia therapy may be available for young children under the age of 3 years or for children whose speech / language or swallowing disorder requires skilled, medically-based treatment.
Occupational Therapy
Registered occupational therapists specialize in pediatric evaluation and treatment for all ages of children who may have difficulties with fine and visual motor coordination, sensory or self-help skills. Services include:
- Therapy programs focusing on sensory, fine and visual motor coordination, motor planning and self-help skills. Sensory-based treatment when appropriate
- Suggestions in problem areas for activities to be used at home
- Consultations for schools, other professionals and agencies that provide intervention for special children
- Consultations to improve hand skills
- Consultations for adaptive equipment
Physical Therapy
Registered physical therapists provide evaluation and therapeutic services for children of all ages with problems with gross motor (large muscle) development due to orthopedic, developmental and/or neurological disorders. Services include:
- Exercise programs (for strengthening, range of motion, balance and coordination)
- Functional mobility skill training, including walking and using assistive devices
- Postural training
- Baby massage
- Ongoing family education through home exercise programs
- Orthotic consultation
- Adaptive equipment consultation
- Consultation and evaluation services for schools
Medication Program
The Medication Program provides services to families whose children would benefit from medication management of developmental or behavioral disorders. Conditions treated include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders and other behavioral disorders. Diagnostic and treatment services are tailored to the specific needs of each patient and their family. Treatment plans for medication management would typically be under the supervision of board certified developmental and behavioral pediatricians. Additional recommendations may include referrals for individual psychotherapy, behavior management programs, social skills training, parent education/counseling and school consultations.
Autism Program
The Autism Program provides services to families whose children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Developmental/behavioral pediatricians provide diagnostic and follow-up services. A social worker and an early childhood specialist work with the families to help determine child and family needs and assist in accessing services. Parent support, education, counseling and training services, social skills groups, language groups, individual therapies and sibling groups are also available. The Autism Program is partially funded by a grant through the New Jersey Governor's Council Medical Research and Treatment of Autism, Special Child and Family Services, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.
High Risk Infant Follow-Up Program
Babies who are born prematurely are at a high risk for a developmental delay. Assessment of infant's skills in motor coordination, play, social awareness and communication is available through the High Risk Infant Follow-Up Program. A developmental/behavioral pediatrician performs a neurodevelopmental evaluation. They also provide parent education regarding the acquisition of these skills and referrals for recommended services or further evaluation and treatment, if needed.
The JUDY Center for Down Syndrome
The JUDY Center for Down Syndrome is dedicated to the management of the complex health care needs of individuals with Down syndrome and other lifelong developmental disabilities. The program provides neurodevelopmental and medical evaluations and recommendations for the patient's family, physician and school. Services provided include medical services to manage specific problems associated with Down syndrome, individual and family counseling aimed at enhancing coping and adaptation, referrals to community resources to ensure continuity of care throughout the lifespan, educational services that help families have smooth transitions along the educational pathway, and long-term planning services that provide an advocacy support system to assist families with projected long-term needs. For more details please visit the JUDY Center website.
Parent ICD Packets
Please click on the links below to download the ICD Packets