Neurology

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects a child's ability to communicate and socialize with others, impacting growth and development. It is marked by limited or restricted patterns of behavior or speech, difficulties creating and maintaining social relationships, poor ability to communicate in a functional or meaningful way, and sensitivities to sensory input. While there is no cure for autism spectrum disorder, early identification and intensive treatment can significantly impact a child's outcome. CHKD has established a clinic focused on rapid access to diagnostic evaluations for young patients with the goal to create and implement a comprehensive treatment approach for children with autism.

• Learn about our Autism Diagnostic Clinic

Behavioral disorders involve a pattern of disruptive behaviors in children that cause problems in school, at home and in social situations.Nearly everyone shows some of these behaviors at times, but behavior disorders that last for extended periods of time are more serious.Behavioral health disorders can cover a variety of issues including mood disorders, attentional disorders, anxiety disorders and conduct disorders.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that often is due to a direct hit to the head. But it can also result from a blow to the neck, the face, or the body that causes a rotational force to the brain. Concussions happen to athletes more frequently, but non-athletes sustain them too. In fact, millions of children suffer or sustain a concussion each year. The good news is that most concussions don't cause lasting effects, and most children recover completely within several weeks.

There are a variety of medical and neurological conditions which affect cognitive ability and learning in a number of different ways. Our child neurologists use state-of-the-art technology and neuroimaging, up-to-date guidelines from national neurological experts, and the latest in genetic testing to identify the cause of intellectual and learning dysfunction, allowing us to address your child's needs moving through child development, into academic achievement, and long-term life skills. We have the knowledge and resources to aid patients with special needs in the transition from childhood to adulthood and dependence to independence. 

Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions that cause an impairment in fine or gross motor, language, cognitive, social or behavioral development, typically with onset in infants and toddlers. Early delays in achievement of developmental milestones can be a marker for long-term neurological dysfunction. By evaluating and identifying your child's needs, a child neurologist can assure that your child receives the supportive therapies and academic supports necessary to ensure success in growth and learning. 

Some children may be born with structural differences in the anatomy of their brain, leading to long-term complications including developmental delays, cognitive or learning disabilities, motor dysfunction, cerebral palsy or epilepsy. While most of these conditions are typically non-progressive, and the spectrum of severity is varied, a select few experience degenerative conditions requiring immediate treatment. Early diagnosis and evaluation by a qualified child neurologist is imperative. 

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders and is characterized by repetitive seizure activity. Epilepsy encompasses a wide range of seizure types and includes a number of underlying causes. Our board-certified pediatric neurologists have the ability to use state-of-the-art technology to more accurately diagnose the presence and cause of seizures as well as help delineate the most appropriate treatment for good seizure control. 

• Learn about CHKD's Epilepsy Program

Headache disorders are characterized by repetitive and chronic head pain. However, headaches can vary greatly in their duration, cause and severity. If your child experiences recurring headaches, it is important to characterize the type and cause of this pain in order to appropriately treat them. We know headaches can cause significant disturbance in a child and family's quality of life. Our goal is to help you and your child understand the cause of the headaches and provide appropriate coping methods and treatments.

• Learn about CHKD's Headaches Center

Metabolic disorders, including mitochondrial disease, are conditions that affect your body’s ability to break down nutrients from food and use them to create energy and vital building blocks in your cells. While these conditions can affect the entire body, the brain is a sensitive organ requiring high levels of oxygen and energy, and these conditions uniquely affect the brain and brain development. Our child neurologists are experienced in identifying and managing these highly rare conditions and have the resources to support overall health.

Genes are the building blocks of heredity, passed from parent to child. They hold DNA, the instructions for making proteins. But sometimes there is a mutation, a change in a gene or genes. We treat genetic disorders involving the nervous system, including Tuberous Sclerosis, Fragile X syndrome, Down Syndrome, Neurofibromatosis and more. We also work closely with CHKD's medical genetics practice. 

• Learn about CHKD's Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic
• Learn about CHKD's medical genetics experts

Movement disorders are a constellation of conditions that affect a child's ability to plan and coordinate movement. Movement disorders encompass a range of symptoms such as ataxia, tremor spasticity, dystonia, chorea, and other abnormal movements which can result in an overabundance of or a paucity of movements. Our child neurologists are skilled at identifying the cause and tailoring the treatment of your child's symptoms to prevent these movements from affecting purposeful and meaningful movement.

Neuromuscular disorders are diseases affecting the nerves and muscles of the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, fatigue, numbness, pain, abnormal sensations and overall difficulty with functional, purposeful movement. Neuromuscular disorders encompass a wide range of disorders which can be progressive in nature. Our neurologists are specially trained to evaluate and diagnose disorders of the nerves and muscles in order to create an appropriate treatment plan to protect and improve a child's strength and coordination.

• Learn about CHKD's Neuromuscular Clinic

Tics are involuntary movements or vocalizations that are typically brief, repetitive and stereotyped, frequently imitating normal behavior. While tics themselves are harmless, the severity and intrusiveness can significantly impact a child's quality of life. Tic disorders such as Tourette Syndrome are often associated with behavioral, academic, sleep and mood disruption. Our goal is to attend to the full constellation of symptoms your child is experiencing and to support your family in creating a happy and successful childhood experience. 

• Learn about CHKD's Tic and Tourette Center

Children's sleep habits can be an ongoing frustration for parents. But it can be just as frustrating for the child who is struggling with sleep. And it is a crucial element to good health. CHKD also has three sleep study clinics throughout the region.

• Learn about CHKD's Sleep Medicine Program
• Learn about CHKD's Sleep Medicine Testing

Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic condition causing a loss of specialized nerve cells, called motor neurons, in the spinal cord and brain stem.  This leads to weakness and wasting of muscles used for activities such as crawling, sitting, walking and head control, as well as basic activities such as breathing and swallowing. Novel treatments for SMA highlight the need for comprehensive care for individuals affected by this motor nerve condition.  Our center recognizes the need for multispecialty collaboration in an era where the future for patients with SMA is radically changing.

• Learn about CHKD's Spinal Muscular Atrophy Center