Developmental Pediatrics

Physicians

Timothy Brei, MD
Marilyn Bull, MD
Deborah Hamby, MD
Julie Keck, MD
Abigail Klemsz, MD
Thomas Lock, MD
Carolyn Lytle, MD
Joseph O'Neil, MD
Maria Stanley, MD
Jason Woodward, MD

The Section of Developmental Pediatrics at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health is one of the largest programs of its kind in the country. Our physicians provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for infants and children who have, or who are at high risk for, developmental and feeding problems. We address the needs of our patients through inpatient services, consultation services, and a variety of clinical programs. Developmental Pediatrics works with many other specialists, including dieticians, social workers, child psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech therapists. Together, we provide a complete course of care, individualized for each child and family, with the goal of assisting these children to develop to their full potential.

Developmental Pediatrics was founded for the purpose of enhancing the coordination of services for children and families with special needs. Our goal is to provide professional care and support for all children with developmental disabilities. Through various programs, Developmental Pediatrics provides diagnosis, comprehensive evaluation, treatment, training, and education for infants, children, and adolescents with developmental disorders, including:

ADHD
Autism
Cerebral Palsy
Chromosomal abnormalities
Down syndrome
Developmental disability/mental health disorder
Learning disabilities
Mental retardation
Spina Bifida/Myelomeningocele

An Expert Team Meets each Child's Unique Needs

Developmental Pediatrics provides services for infants, children and adolescents from birth to age 18 who are experiencing developmental problems in their lives and have their own individual needs. These children may learn in a special way, have physical challenges that are different from other children, or have behavioral issues that require special attention at home, in school, or in the community. Our team of highly qualified specialists determines the needs of each child and develops unique and total care plans.

We offer:

A complete diagnostic evaluation to create a blueprint for care
Therapy to help families and teachers better manage the behavior, communication, and learning problems of children with developmental disabilities
Family support services and resources ranging from parent discussion groups to a special needs toy library
Services to help transition children to adult life
Chromosomal abnormalities

Clinical Programs

The Down Syndrome Program brings together specialists from many areas to address the medical and psychosocial needs of children with Down syndrome. A developmental pediatrician, pediatric nurse practitioner, pediatric social worker, pediatric occupational therapist, physical therapist and certified speech pathologist work closely with the primary care physician to help each child achieve his or her optimal potential. We also refer the family to local resources for therapy and developmental programs.

The Cerebral Palsy Program provides comprehensive care for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy and related disorders. Members of the treatment team include a developmental pediatrician, pediatric neurologist, pediatric orthopedist, occupational and physical therapists, augmentative communication specialist, social worker, nurse and pediatric dentist. Audiologists, orthotists and pediatric surgeons also are called in whenever needed. Our clinic staff works with the family and with local health care providers to ensure a coordinated, individualized program of care for each child.

The Myelomeningocele Program provides comprehensive multidisciplinary care to children and adolescents with spina bifida. Our team of pediatric specialists includes a developmental pediatrician, pediatric orthopedist, pediatric neurosurgeon and pediatric urologist. Physical and occupational therapists, social workers, dietitians and orthotics specialists also contribute to our team effort.

The Feeding Team Program is the first established Feeding Team in the state. Riley's experts look at all aspects of nutrition and feeding in children who have or are at risk for developmental or behavioral problems affecting feeding and growth. An individualized program is developed for each child by a multidisciplinary team including a developmental pediatrician, occupational and speech therapist, dietitian, child psychologist and social worker. Both inpatient and outpatient feeding evaluations are available.

The Behavior Clinic helps patients and families deal with the challenging behavioral issues that may occur in some children with developmental disabilities, including young children with autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome. Investigation may identify treatable underlying conditions that contribute to problem behaviors including organic sleep disorders, dysphasia, seizures, or communication disorders. Interventions may include provision of specific behavior management techniques, ongoing behavior therapy, pharmacologic treatment, and/or educational program recommendations.

The International Adoption Program provides premier pre- and post-adoption support for families and couples going through the adoption process. Our program has gained regional and national recognition and is a certified member of the Joint Council on International Children's Services. Our core team, with international adoption expertise, includes a board-certified neurodevelopmental pediatrician, licensed psychologist, nurse practitioner and speech/language pathologist with expertise in feeding disorders. Our team regularly coordinates with other medical specialties within Riley Hospital when additional expert medical care is required (for example, cardiology, cleft and craniofacial anomalies, infectious diseases).