Brain Development Network

Part of the nationally recognized Nicklaus Children's Brain Institute®, the Brain development Network (BDN) provides coordinated, comprehensive care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The BDN program is unique as care planning is not based on a specific diagnosis label, but instead focuses on what each individual child needs to maximize his or her neurodevelopment.

Neurodevelopmental disorders affect a diverse group of children, creating challenges in brain function that may result in difficulties with social interaction and cognition (e.g., autism spectrum disorders), learning difficulties (ADHD and other learning disabilities) and challenges with global cognitive functions.

Conditions treated by the BDN

  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Developmental language disorders
  • Intellectual disability
  • Developmental epilepsies such as Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Chromosome 15

Causes of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

  • Genetics
  • Prematurity
  • Brain malformations
  • Metabolic conditions

Signs and Symptoms of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

  • Not meeting developmental milestones such as language development
  • Abnormal movements
  • Regression
  • Behavioral problems

Treatment Options

The comprehensive treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders includes coordination of care among physicians, allied health professionals and educators. Treatment protocols may include psychology assessment, behavioral interventions, and speech-language, occupational and physical therapies. Medications are often used to address specific symptoms that are interfering with the child’s progress.