Project Description:
The Child Development Unit (CDU) staff work with children from birth to 18 years who have developmental, learning, and behavioral issues. After referral from the primary care provider (PCP) the staff provide a comprehensive evaluation, if ordered, and plan, with the family and the primary care provider, the healthcare management and treatment of children who exhibit problems including hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, poor school performance, developmental delays, birth defects, supersensitivity, failure to thrive, oral feeding problems, autism, fetal alcohol syndrome and substance abuse.
The evaluations are tailored to each child's and family's needs in consultation with the referring physician or primary care provider if referral is from another source. A copy of the evaluation results and recommendations is given to the referring physician and the parents/guardian of the child.
Treatment recommendations are based upon an expectation that the individual and his or her family will participate in all community settings of their choosing. All recommendations promote the philosophy of inclusion. Each child seen in the unit is encouraged to use their PCP as a health care resource and facilitator. Special clinics include: an infant/toddler clinic for children under three years of age; a preschool clinic for children age three to five years; a fragile X screening clinic; a medication follow-up program; and, an oral feeding clinic.
Major Goals:
-Provide evaluation services for children with developmental issues and their families in a sensitive, family centered, culturally competent manner with fiscal efficiency;
-Identify and recommend interventions to maximize function and promote independence of children with disabilities;
-Help families access appropriate resources within the community.
Target Audience:
Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
