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NICU Neurodevelopment Clinic

Developed by St. Charles Health System, the NICU neurodevelopment clinic provides neurodevelopmental screening for infants discharged from the St. Charles Bend NICU who meet specific criteria including:

  • Born at 32 weeks gestational age or less
  • Weighing <1500 grams at birth
  • Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
  • Treated with a hypothermia protocol
  • Display other congenital anomalies placing them at risk for neurodevelopmental delays

A multidisciplinary team — including a physician, nurse, dietitian, occupational and physical therapist, speech and language pathologist and licensed psychologist — assesses and monitors infants deemed at risk of developmental delays from birth to two and a half years of age.

The early identification of children with special health needs through early and continuous screening for developmental or behavioral concerns is a low-cost strategy to improve the lives of children and their families. Early intervention also reduces risks and increases optimal health and development, while preventing the onset of and/or reducing the impact of secondary complications of chronic illness or disability.