Diagnostic Expertise
What is a neurodevelopmental examination?
The neurodevelopmental examination provides information about how your child is learning, growing, and developing over time. For a complete picture of your child’s health, a team of specialists will carry out the following tests:
- Developmental tests
- Neurologic examination
- Physical examination
- Brain imaging
- Laboratory tests
These test results will be used to help you understand how your child’s disease has affected his or her health and which treatments are most likely to help. The results will also help us predict how the disease will progress so that specific goals can be set for your child.
The Program for the Study of Neurodevelopment in Rare Disorders (NDRD) uses an “arena” style of examination. This means that members of the team work together and watch the evaluations performed by the other specialists. Because the exams are not performed separately, they will take less time and your child will not become as tired.
Health care providers involved in the neurodevelopmental examination include but are not limited to:
- Neurodevelopmental pediatrician
- Neurologist
- Ophthalmologist, or eye doctor
- Audiologist
- Physical therapist
- Nurse practitioner
Treatment and Support Services
Support for families when they need it most.
Because of our extensive experience in the assessment and management of children with rare genetic disorders, the NDRD team has a unique perspective on the complex needs of families.
The NDRD team counsels parents on the expected course of their child's condition and assists them in procuring appropriate treatment and adaptive equipment. One of our goals is to advocate for parents as they respond to the multiple medical, social, and educational concerns of their children.
