Developmental pediatrics: Helping children grow and thrive

UW Health Kids developmental specialists work across disciplines. We provide care for children developing differently than their peers. We are experts in caring for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We also treat children with intellectual disabilities, fragile X syndrome and genetic disorders.

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• Learn about our autism treatment programs

UW Health Kids specialists create care plans that work with your child and your family. We understand conditions such as bone dysplasia, dwarfism and skeletal structure abnormalities. Working with your child’s doctor, we can coordinate the best care. Our genetic counseling services give you the resources you need. We connect you to community services for added support to ensure your child will thrive.

Children and their families receive a comprehensive evaluation with follow-up care and re-evaluation by our core team of specialists that include rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and nursing. Strong relationships with families and connections with other community service agencies and specialty health care providers are in place to insure that services meet commonly recognized and agreed upon goals.

For new parents, a baby’s diagnosis of Down syndrome can be overwhelming. UW Health Kids professionals work with you and your child to address a range of related concerns. We have experience helping children with behavior, feeding and hearing challenges. When your child faces communication and growth delays, our specialists can help. Our compassionate genetic counseling and therapy services support your whole family. And at every step, we follow the American Academy of Pediatrics Standards for the Care of Children with Down Syndrome.

Some children struggle with motor skills, or their muscles don’t move as expected. UW Health Kids specialists focus on children under age 3 with neuromotor development conditions. We are experts in treating cerebral palsy. Our specialists also understand other neurologic conditions that keep your child from moving.

Once your newborn leaves the NICU, you do not have to care for them alone. UW Health Kids experts provide ongoing care for your baby after they leave the NICU. As your child develops, our team is constantly in touch to make sure you are thriving together.

After being hospitalized for an acquired brain injury, children and their families are seen for initial and follow-up visits to address concerns related to the effects of the brain injury. These include delay in growth and development, behavior issues, headache management, learning/memory deficits, school performance concerns, decisions on when to return to full activities and any other concerns that you or your child may have. Individualized care is provided according to the needs of the child in collaboration with their parent or guardian.