Overview

Helping children grow and thrive

We use family-based care to treat children who develop at a different speed than their peers.

We also care for kids with conditions that slow their mental and physical growth. Our specialists can step in if motor skill coordination slows down your child. If your child shows indications of autism, our experts provide the extra care they need.

Programs and research

Advanced care and research for developmental delays

UW Health specialty clinics support children of all ages.

Our programs

UW Health Kids developmental specialists work across disciplines. We provide care for children developing differently than their peers. We are experts in caring for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We also treat children with intellectual disabilities, fragile X syndrome and genetic disorders.

UW Health Kids specialists create care plans that work with your child and your family. We understand conditions such as bone dysplasia, dwarfism and skeletal structure abnormalities. Working with your child’s doctor, we can coordinate the best care. Our genetic counseling services give you the resources you need. We connect you to community services for added support to ensure your child will thrive.

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Children and their families receive a comprehensive evaluation with follow-up care and re-evaluation by our core team of specialists that include rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and nursing. Strong relationships with families and connections with other community service agencies and specialty health care providers are in place to insure that services meet commonly recognized and agreed upon goals.

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For new parents, a baby’s diagnosis of Down syndrome can be overwhelming. UW Health Kids professionals work with you and your child to address a range of related concerns. We have experience helping children with behavior, feeding and hearing challenges. When your child faces communication and growth delays, our specialists can help. Our compassionate genetic counseling and therapy services support your whole family. And at every step, we follow the American Academy of Pediatrics Standards for the Care of Children with Down Syndrome.

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Some children struggle with motor skills, or their muscles don’t move as expected. UW Health Kids specialists focus on children under age 3 with neuromotor development conditions. We are experts in treating cerebral palsy. Our specialists also understand other neurologic conditions that keep your child from moving.

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Once your newborn leaves the NICU, you do not have to care for them alone. UW Health Kids experts provide ongoing care for your baby after they leave the NICU. As your child develops, our team is constantly in touch to make sure you are thriving together.

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After being hospitalized for an acquired brain injury, children and their families are seen for initial and follow-up visits to address concerns related to the effects of the brain injury. These include delay in growth and development, behavior issues, headache management, learning/memory deficits, school performance concerns, decisions on when to return to full activities and any other concerns that you or your child may have. Individualized care is provided according to the needs of the child in collaboration with their parent or guardian.

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Our research

UW Health Kids researchers study ways to improve childhood growth and development. Our scientists discover new therapies to offer your child the best available care. Learn more

Meet our team

Your developmental pediatrics team

The UW Health Kids team of experts includes specialists in developmental pediatrics. Our audiologists work with child psychologists to keep your child hearing and laughing. Social workers and family advocacy professionals provide your family support. The UW Health Kids nutrition, occupational, physical and speech therapists work together for your child's health.



Our providers
Smiling child with sign reading UW Health Kids
UW Health Kids
Our pediatric experts have served the special needs of children for more than 100 years. We focus on each child’s unique needs and offer social and emotional support to help you and your child face even the most complex condition. Our long history includes the creation of medical advances that save lives around the world. Together, we get your child back to health and enjoying being a kid.

Conditions and treatments

Meeting milestones on your child’s timeline

UW Health Kids experts detect and treat a broad range of developmental delays so children can live happy, healthy lives.

Children develop at different speeds. But, if your child grows more slowly than expected, UW Health specialists are here to help. Our team includes experts in a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Autism spectrum disorders

  • Behavior concerns

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Down syndrome

  • Feeding difficulties

  • Fragile X syndrome

  • Genetic disorders

  • Hearing loss

  • Intellectual disability

  • Motor disability

  • Neurologic conditions

  • Vision concerns

Our care plans meet your child's specific developmental needs. We offer treatments such as:

Patient resources

Education, guidance and training for families

As the UW Health Kids team, we support families so children can live active and healthy lives.

The Waisman Center provides workshops and training resources. We support children, parents and families at the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

Locations

Expert clinic care close to home

UW Health Kids offers developmental care for children at the Waisman Center and American Family Children's Hospital in Madison, Wis.