Pediatric Developmental Medicine

Compassionate support for kids with developmental or behavioral concerns in New Jersey

If you’re worried about your child’s development or behavior, you’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. At Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, our team is here to listen, evaluate, and guide you toward the right care. Whether your child has already been diagnosed or you’re just starting to explore what might be going on, we’re here to help.

When Should I Consider a Developmental Evaluation?

A developmental evaluation can help identify the cause of certain behaviors or delays and point your family to helpful support and services. It might be time to seek an evaluation if your child:

• Isn’t speaking much, has trouble forming sentences, or struggles to communicate
• Has delays in crawling, walking, or fine motor skills like using utensils or crayons
• Avoids social interaction, struggles to make friends, or doesn’t respond to social cues
• Shows ongoing behaviors that are disruptive or hard to manage
• Has difficulty with schoolwork or following instructions for their age
• Repeats actions or movements that seem unusual for their age
• Fixates on one topic or activity and shows little interest in anything else
• Overreacts, or doesn’t react much at all, to sounds, textures, lights, or other sensory input
• Has trouble with social basics like eye contact, sharing, or taking turns

Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, we encourage you to reach out. Getting answers early can make a big difference.

Call us to schedule an evaluation at one of our developmental centers across New Jersey.

While You Wait for Your Appointment

Getting an appointment with a specialist can take time. In the meantime, we offer resources and programs to help you feel more prepared and supported.

“While You Wait” Monthly Workshops

Offered through the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, these workshops are designed for parents and caregivers. You’ll get age-specific guidance, learn how to access local services, and find out how to advocate for your child while waiting for the full evaluation.

Conditions We See and Support in Our Kid-Friendly Environments

Our highly-trained developmental experts at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health will assess your child with a thorough examination. When needed, they’ll make referrals to other pediatric specialists, such as pediatric physiatrists, at our children’s hospitals. No matter the outcome of your child’s evaluation, our team is here to help. We have experience working with children who have various learning, behavioral and developmental conditions, including:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• ADHD or ADD
• Down syndrome
• Fragile X syndrome
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
• Learning differences
• Selective mutism

If your child is diagnosed, our social workers and team will help connect your family with everything from early intervention services to support for teens preparing for adulthood. This may include:

• Referrals to pediatric specialists
• Speech, occupational, and behavioral therapies
• Help navigating school services
• Advocacy and support groups
• Insurance guidance
• Medical equipment or home care resources

And if your child ever needs to stay in the hospital, rest easy knowing they are surrounded by staff who are trained to work with children who have developmental needs. Our goal is to make sure your family feels supported, informed, and never alone in this process.