Information on Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Our Services
1) What is a neurodevelopmental assessment at the Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Center for Children?
An NDC evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of your infant or child’s entire brain system including neuromotor, perception, learning, attention, speech, language, motor planning, cognition and behavior. These evaluations are tailored to your child’s age and development to offer a personalized and accurate snapshot of your child’s capabilities.
2) What's the purpose of a neurodevelopmental assessment?
An NDC assessment is conducted in order to understand how a child learns and how his or her brain functions. The evaluation provides information that can be used to develop early intervention strategies and determine what therapeutic services and neurodevelopmental activities are needed in order to optimize a child’s learning and educational success.
3) What are syndrome-specific neurodevelopmental activities?
In order to optimize success, syndrome-specific goals and objectives recognize that each child’s neurogenetic disorder must be considered in the development of his or her Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Syndrome-specific activities, which are recommended to promote developmental achievement and recovery, are based on the neurogenetic disorder involved and the child’s strengths, weaknesses, and behavior.
4) Should all children with neurodevelopmental disorders have a neurodevelopmental evaluation?
Yes. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders are at a significantly increased risk for learning dysfunction and school failure. They often have developmental dyspraxia and language-based learning disabilities, including speech and language problems, dyslexia, problems with written composition, auditory processing deficits, and possible secondary behavioral problems. These impact all aspects of learning and success in life.
5) Can an infant be tested?
Yes, it is generally suggested an infant be seen as early as 2 months. Dr. Samango-Sprouse carries over 20 years of infant and pediatric development experience and is skilled in observing and summarizing an infant’s unique learning style in order to optimize developmental outcome. This painless assessment widely resembles play for your child and can determine current or potential developmental delays your baby could be at risk for. Well-developed, standardized assessment tools are used to evaluate an infant’s organization, control, modulation and performance.
6) What is developmental dyspraxia?
Developmental dyspraxia, which impacts boys more often than girls by a ratio of 4:1. Children with developmental dyspraxia may have problems with motor actions, such as speaking, running, jumping, eating, or swallowing with spontaneity or on command. Children with developmental dyspraxia have developmental challenges that require support in order to be successful.
Is Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia (DVD) or Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) the same thing as developmental dyspraxia? No. DVD or CAS is primarily a motor planning deficit in oral motor or speech output. Many if not most children with DVD or CAS have associated motor planning deficits in gross and fine motor. Many children with DVD actually have developmental dyspraxia that is not recognized. It results in learning issues, handwriting issues and attention issues as well. This is important to identify and treat if rehabilitation is to be successful.
7) How much time is needed for an evaluation?
The length and time of your visit with Dr. Sprouse and the NDC team will be determined by your child’s age and current diagnosis. As your child ages, the evaluation will adjust to accommodate your child’s growth and development. Time is built in for the child to become comfortable and take breaks during their evaluation. In some cases, we will suggest these evaluations be split over the course of two days, so as not to overwhelm or rush your child.
8) Where does NDC hold clinics?
The Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Center for Children is based out of Maryland. However, through parent requests, NDC travels to Chicago, IL; Fort Lauderdale, FL; and San Francisco, CA throughout the calendar year. For additional information regarding our home or travel clinics, please contact our scheduling team at dr.sprousekids@gmail.com.
9) Does NDC accept insurance?
NDC for Children is Fee for Service. We require full payment at the time of your office visit. Our team provides an itemized invoice and insurance letter, that you may forward to your personal insurance company for reimbursement.
10) Will I receive a copy of the testing results?
Yes. Your evaluation with Dr. Samango-Sprouse and the NDC team will includ a consultation with Dr. Sprouse to discuss her initial observations and impressions with the parent(s) following testing. A full report detailing her findings, and recommendations will follow about 6-8 weeks after your child’s visit. Your family may opt to receive this report electronically, or via paper copy to the home address.