developmental pediatrics

Sometimes, children lag behind others when it comes to reaching a developmental milestone. They might learn how to walk a little later or have fewer words than other children of the same age. This is not always a cause for concern. But if your child is consistently “behind schedule” in meeting developmental milestones, or delayed in more than one area, it may be time to make an appointment with a specialist at Dayton Children’s. We offer a comprehensive evaluation and can assist you in finding early treatment that can make a difference in your child’s life. These services are available for children from birth through four years old (up to your child’s fifth birthday).

We do not provide comprehensive evaluations for children older than five who have not been diagnosed with a developmental delay. But we may be able to suggest a referral to a provider who can—please call us for more information.

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Research shows that early intervention can make a big difference for children with autism. That’s why the autism diagnostic clinic at Dayton Children’s provides a fast-track approach to our evaluation process. Our goal is to see your child for an initial screening within 10 days of receiving the forms we need from you and your child’s pediatrician. Learn more.

The laboratory department and child life department at Dayton Children’s Hospital worked in collaboration to become the first of its kind to earn the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This designation means that the lab and child life teams had to complete a rigorous training and certification program to help them better assist autistic patients or those with other sensory sensitivities. The CAC certification also includes an onsite review to provide support and guidance to accommodate patients with sensory needs. Click here to learn more.

Dayton Children’s provides comprehensive care and care coordination for children with cerebral palsy from birth through 21 years of age. These children have complex medical needs, and a multidisciplinary approach to care is essential. A developmental pediatrician leads the care team, which also includes:

• A physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation
• A certified pediatric nurse practitioner
• A social worker
• A dietitian
• An orthopedic surgeon
• Physical therapists and a speech/feeding therapist
• An orthotist, who is specially trained to work with medical supportive devices.

These providers come to the cerebral palsy clinic to see your child, rather than having you come to them for separate appointments. This means fewer trips to the hospital and better care coordination.

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Dayton Children’s has been treating children with cleft lip/cleft palate for more than 35 years. About 200 children from throughout the region depend on our team for care. The team includes a developmental pediatrician, a pediatric nurse practitioner, plastic surgeons, an oral surgeon, an orthodontist, a speech-language pathologist, a dietitian, a genetic counselor and other specialists. Together, they provide a detailed diagnosis, comprehensive treatment plans and extensive support every step of the way.

Medical advances are helping people with Down syndrome live longer, healthier lives than ever. However, the condition can cause significant medical problems, such as congenital heart defects, breathing issues and hearing problems, to name a few. Our Down syndrome clinic offers comprehensive evaluations, treatment planning and referrals to other providers and organizations that families may need now and in the future.

Children who spend their first days, weeks or months of life in a newborn intensive care unit need specialized follow-up care to make sure they are growing and developing as expected. Our high-risk newborn follow-up clinic provides screenings, evaluations, therapy and referrals, as well as support and education for parents. The team includes a developmental pediatrician, advanced practice nurses, occupational therapist, speech/feeding specialist, nurse coordinator and social worker. Learn more.

The myelomeningocele clinic provides a multidisciplinary approach to the care of infants, children and adolescents with myelomeningocele/spina bifida and other neural tube defects, tethered cord and related disorders. Care team members include an orthopedic surgeon, neurosurgeon, urologist, developmental pediatrician, a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation, nurse practitioner, dietician, occupational and physical therapists, genetic counselor, a social worker, service coordinator, nursing staff and orthotist, who is specially trained to work with medical supportive devices.

Learn more.