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Cardiac Developmental Outcomes Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Cardiac Developmental Outcomes FAQs


Yes. Developmental delay can be very subtle initially so that parents and even pediatricians only notice the changes once the ideal time for intervention has passed. The robust screening offered by our program is designed to catch these signs early so that targeted interventions can be as effective as possible.

Yes. Many children who come to our clinic are already receiving therapies or interventions, but they may benefit from additional or increased therapies or medical services. We also offer long-term follow-up as needed so that as your child grows and their needs change, we can adjust the therapies as needed.

During our initial evaluation of your child, we will ask questions about their motor skills, behavior and speech and language skills. You may be asked to complete standardized questionnaires related to specific conditions. We welcome any questions you may have about your child’s development.

The second part of the visit includes testing to assess motor, cognitive, speech and language development. Academic abilities are evaluated for older children. We use a play-based approach for many of these assessments and parents are often invited to participate. For older children, psychological testing can also be involved.

If we identify areas of concern, we will provide you with recommendations that may include referrals for therapies and educational interventions. If there are any medical concerns, we will refer to the appropriate specialist.

After the visit, you will be given a report that summarizes your child’s development, any appropriate diagnoses and our recommendations.

Our psychologist will ask questions about your child’s current development and perform neuropsychological testing, which assesses motor, speech/language, cognitive and behavioral abilities. This visit is typically longer than a clinic visit. Please be aware that, unlike a psychiatrist, a psychologist does not prescribe medications.

For children under age 2, we recommend appointments every 6 months. Visits at 6 and 12 months of age are conducted by a board-certified developmental behavioral pediatrician. Children will then undergo an evaluation with a psychologist at about 18 months of age and return to the developmental behavioral pediatrician at 24 months. After this point, follow-up is individualized to the child.

Yes. We can review your child’s prior school testing and current school-based interventions, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), to determine if appropriate services are being provided. We also offer our own evaluations for school-aged children to determine the most appropriate interventions. Our dedicated social workers can provide guidance for working with schools and recommend community advocacy resources.

Yes. In addition to diagnosing autism spectrum disorder, we can make follow-up recommendations and our social workers are able to provide autism-specific resources for families.

Yes. Children with congenital heart disease are at increased risk for ADHD. Evaluation for ADHD includes formal assessment within our clinic and information received from your child’s school. Management may include behavioral therapy, medications and/or educational interventions.