About Our Program:
The Kennedy Krieger Institute Sickle Cell Neurodevelopmental Clinic will assess the neurological, developmental and behavioral functioning of children with sickle cell disease. Each patient will receive a comprehensive neurodevelopmental evaluation, including a complete neurological examination, neuropsychological testing, behavioral evaluation, and recommendations for services or further evaluations as indicated. Our team will coordinate care with the patient’s primary care providers (pediatricians/hematologists), an efficient approach that allows our team to expedite the next steps for laboratory evaluation, appropriate referrals, and patient management.
Additional medical consultation is available as needed from pediatric physicians trained in neurogenetics, sleep medicine, psychiatry, and rehabilitation.
Primary Program Goals:
Children with sickle cell disease quite commonly have associated neurological and developmental complications, including strokes, seizures, and cognitive dysfunction. In addition, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, specific learning disabilities, language issues, and executive dysfunction may also be seen and require additional assistance to optimize functional abilities. These conditions severely impact these children’s functional independence, quality of life, and educational pursuits, as well as increase their risk of future complications. Early recognition, evaluation, and treatment of neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders will increase compliance with therapeutic regimens, minimize the need for other consultation, improve mental health outcomes for children with sickle cell disease and help these children reach their fullest potential.
Participate in Research:
The Sickle Cell Neurodevelopmental Clinic at Kennedy Krieger Institute invited Dr. M. Dawn Nelson from Central Michigan University to speak on "Missing Hearing Loss and Dizziness in Children Living with Sickle Cell Disease."
