Neurodevelopmental
Contact Neurodevelopmental
-
Seattle
206-987-2210
- Olympia
360-459-5009
Our Neurodevelopmental program evaluates and cares for children with conditions
related to the development of the nervous system, including the brain. We
specialize in the care of children with special needs, and tailor our services
to your child and family. We work closely with experts in
Nutrition,
Occupational Therapy,
Physical Therapy,
Speech and Language and
Social Work, as well as
Neurology,
Neurosurgery,
Orthopedics and
Urology, to ensure that your child receives all the care
needed. We also set aside blocks of clinic time to care only for children
with autism or only for children with stiff, rigid muscles (spasticity).
Our team of doctors, nurses, social workers, dietitians, and physical and
occupational therapists understands that your child's well-being affects your
entire family. We take into account your family's priorities and concerns, as
well as those of your child's doctor, schools and community services, when
planning your child's care. We work closely with providers in the community to
ensure that your child's care is well coordinated, community-oriented and
family-centered.
Meet the
Neurodevelopmental care team.
Conditions we treat
We see children with many conditions, including:
- Autism spectrum disorders
Autism is a disorder that can affect the way a child behaves, thinks,
communicates and interacts with others. Children with autism are affected in
different ways. Some have only mild symptoms and grow up to live independently,
while others have more severe symptoms and need supported living and working
environments throughout their lives.
- Brain and nervous system problems
The brain and nervous system work together to control the functions of the body.
Simply put, the nervous system sends messages from the brain to different parts
of the body, and carries information from different parts of the body to the
brain. Because the brain controls so much, problems with it and the nervous
system can affect many different parts of the body. Diseases passed from parent
to child, brain disorders associated with mental illness and head injuries can
all affect the way the brain works and upset the daily activities of the rest of
the body.
- Cerebral palsy (CP)
Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects your child's muscle tone and ability
to move on purpose in a coordinated way. Cerebral palsy can lead to other health
issues, including vision, hearing and speech problems and learning disabilities.
CP is most often caused by damage to the brain. There is no cure for CP.
Treatment, therapy, special equipment and, in some cases; surgery can help your
child live with the condition.
- Developmental delays in
language skills and in controlling muscle movement
(motor skills)
Children who develop at a slower rate compared to other children in their age
group may have what healthcare providers call developmental delays.
Developmental delays can refer to the rate at which children's senses develop,
how they grow socially or emotionally, or how fast they learn language.
- Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is sometimes called water on the brain. Children with
hydrocephalus have too much of a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid in the areas
of the brain called the ventricles. The condition can also involve extra fluid
in spaces between the brain and the skull. Hydrocephalus usually occurs when a
child's cerebrospinal fluid cannot flow or be reabsorbed correctly and builds
up.
- Premature Birth
The birth of a baby before the 37th week of pregnancy.
- Spasticity
Spasticity is a condition that occurs when some muscles are constantly stiff and
rigid. Children with spasticity also may have many reflex movements that they
cannot control. This can make movement, such as walking and speech, difficult
and awkward. Spasticity usually occurs due to damage to the part of the brain or
spinal cord that controls voluntary movement.
- Spina bifida (PDF) and other neural tube defects
Spina bifida is a neural tube defect. The neural tube is located along the back
of an unborn baby. It eventually develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord.
Spina bifida occurs when the neural tube fails to close. There are many neural
tube defects, and they vary greatly in their severity. Some, such as Spina
bifida occulta, cause few if any problems. The most severe form,
meningomyelocele, often causes loss of muscle use (paralysis) in the leg, bowel
and bladder, along with learning disabilities.
- Tourette Syndrome (TS)
To be diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, a child must have many different types
of tics. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements (motor tics) or sudden,
repetitive sounds (vocal tics). Doctors don't know the exact cause of TS, but
some research suggests that it occurs when there's a problem with how nerves
communicate in the brain.
Services we offer
- Premature infant
follow-up
It is impossible to predict a baby's future health based only on whether it was
born early. But babies who are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy
(premature infants) may have a greater
chance of delayed growth and development. Our team provides evaluation for
premature infants to help your child get needed services early in life.
- Prenatal counseling for spina bifida and other neural tube defects
Most doctors offer pregnant women a blood test that checks for neural tube defects such as spina bifida. When a neural tube defect is diagnosed before birth, our team can provide you and your family with information about options and support.
