It starts with diagnosis and management - which leads to confidence in life now and in the future
Making the Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy-Spectrum Disorders
Personalized care begins with an understanding of child and family goals, combined with a complete history and examination, to focus on cause and optimal treatment
Our clinicians take the time required to recommend targeted testing, often including brain MRI, and to use clinical skills to establish a developmental diagnosis, such as cerebral palsy.
Realizing Potential: Everyday Motion
Children with cerebral palsy can have difficulty moving, sitting, standing, or playing. Every child has different goals in different settings.
At the Phelps Center, our team combines state-of-the-art medical and surgical evidence-based treatments with local resources to promote individual goals based on everyday challenges.
Planning for the Future: From Classroom to Community and Workplace
Every individual with cerebral palsy has different strengths and limitations. Problem-solving and communication abilities may be just as important as movement skills for achieving long-term goals.
At the Phelps Center, our team helps children find their unique strengths, build upon them, and overcome their challenges to participate and reach their full potential.
About Our Program
Children, adolescents and adults with a range of developmental disorders including cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, communication disorders and autism are evaluated and followed longitudinally in the Neurodevelopmental Medicine Program (NMP) by neurodevelopmental pediatricians, pediatric nurse practitioners and physiatrists. As part of the initial evaluation, special attention is given to diagnosis, with referrals to a wide range of medical specialists at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins, including genetics, ophthalmology and neuroimaging. Additionally, appropriate referrals are made to rehabilitative specialists at Kennedy Krieger Institute in pediatric orthopedics, pediatric gastroenterology (GI), physical therapy, occupational therapy, communications sciences and disorders (speech language pathology, audiology and assistive technology), nutrition and social work. Mental health services are utilized if required. Consultations are also made to Johns Hopkins specialty clinics, including neurosurgery, pulmonary, urology and hematology as required. Depending on the identified diagnosis, ongoing care may be provided in the Phelps Center or in other appropriate programs throughout Kennedy Krieger Institute.