Nusre and baby playing with blocks

Congenital Heart Neurodevelopmental Program

If your child has a complex heart condition, you may have questions about their development as they grow.

At OSF HealthCare Children's Hospital of Illinois, our congenital heart neurodevelopmental program is here to address neurodevelopmental concerns early, helping your child reach their full potential. We’ll work closely with you to make a plan that fits your child’s unique needs.

Helping with Neurodevelopmental Issues

Kids with heart conditions can face different kinds of challenges as they grow.

Our cardiac neurodevelopmental program is here to help with:

  • Assessments to get your child ready for school
  • Attention, behavior and emotional issues
  • Connecting you with community resources and support
  • Delays in motor skills, like coordination and movement
  • Feeding problems for younger kids
  • Managing tasks and staying organized (executive functioning)
  • Problems making friends or getting along at home
  • School and learning difficulties

Finding these issues early helps your child get the right kind of support and sets them up for future success.

Nurse blowing bubbles with toddler

What to Expect from Your Child’s Visit

When you come to our congenital heart neurodevelopmental program, expect a thorough check-up that’s focused on your child. Visits usually last about five hours, so it’s a good idea to bring snacks, drinks, toys or books to keep your child busy.

During the visit, different team members will meet with your child to do their evaluations. Afterward, we’ll come together to create a custom plan just for your child and go over it with you, including any follow-up steps.

Follow-up Services

After your visit, our coordinator and social worker will help set up any follow-up care your child might need, close to home. This could include:

  • Behavioral health services
  • Neuropsychological testing
  • Physical, occupational or speech/feeding therapy
  • School support and advocacy

With your permission, we can also talk to your child's school to help teachers understand your child's medical and learning needs.

Insurance Coverage

Most plans cover the services we provide, and we’ll make sure you know what to expect when it comes to costs before your appointment.

Meet Your Neurodevelopmental Team

Your child’s team includes experts like:

  • Neurodevelopment coordinators
  • Neurodevelopmental pediatricians
  • Pediatric cardiac nurse practitioners
  • Pediatric cardiologists
  • Pediatric neuropsychologists
  • Physical, occupational and speech and feeding therapists
  • Social workers

Ask for a Referral

Ask your child's cardiologist to refer you to a pediatric congenital neurodevelopment specialist at OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois. Need a pediatric cardiologist? Browse our directory.

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