Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up Program
Overview
The Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up Program is a Heart Center and Division of Neurobehavioral Health multidisciplinary clinic for children with congenital heart disease.
Research shows a link between congenital heart disease and neurodevelopmental issues that is first apparent in very young children. To address these long-term issues and possible impact of early heart surgery, the Akron Children’s Hospital Heart Center and Division of Neurobehavioral Health created the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up Program to ensure these children get the early intervention services they need. Close developmental follow-up is very important during the first 3 years of life and should continue well into school age. Getting an early start helps to address issues and lay the foundation for future learning and success.
Locations/Contact Us
Contact Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up Program
Akron Children's Hospital Specialty Care
Considine Professional Building
215 W. Bowery St.
Level 5
Akron, Ohio 44308
Fax: 330-543-3850
More about this location...
Map & directions
Akron Children's Hospital
Considine Professional Building
215 W. Bowery St.
Level 4
Akron, Ohio 44308
More about this location...
Map & directions
Our Doctors/Providers
Grace Smith, MD, FACC
Director, Heart Center Mahoning Valley; Associate Director, Pediatric Arrhythmia Center; Co-Director, Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Clinic; Pediatric Cardiologist
Lisa D. Stanford, PhD, ABPP
Director, Division of Neurobehavioral Health; Neuropsychology Clinical Training Program; Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Kristen Breedlove, PA-C
Manager, Cardiac Procedures; Physician Assistant
Evaluation
Children referred to our program receive a complete evaluation of their abilities and an individual care plan to best meet their needs. This evaluation is performed by our neuropsychologists. It can last for several hours and tests for developmental impact in these areas:
- Cognitive functioning
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Play and social skills • Attention
- Speech and language development
- Behavior
- Memory and learning
- Academic performance in reading, writing and math
Following the evaluation, our neurobehavioral specialists will meet with you to discuss results and treatment recommendations as well as provide you with a written summary. We also send a report of your child’s visits and the care provided to your child’s pediatrician. If additional resources are needed to help your child, our team will provide appropriate referrals.
Referral and Follow-Up Schedule
We recommend that babies and toddlers be evaluated every 6 months through age 3 years, then once a year thereafter until at least age 6 years. If an appointment is not made before you leave the hospital following your child’s heart surgery, you may be referred to our program by your pediatric cardiologist, your child’s pediatrician or your family doctor
