Pediatric Developmental Medicine
Compassionate care for kids with developmental or behavioral conditions in New Jersey
Whether your child has already been diagnosed with a developmental condition, or you need a comprehensive evaluation, we can help you navigate the process and direct you to services. Your child may benefit from visiting a developmental evaluation center if they have:
- Limited vocabulary, difficulty forming sentences, or struggles with communication appropriate for their age
- Difficulty with coordination, fine or gross motor skills, or delays in achieving developmental milestones like crawling or walking
- Difficulty making friends, lack of interest in social activities, or challenges with understanding social cues
- Persistent and disruptive behavioral issues that impact daily life and social interactions.
- Struggles with academic skills, reading, writing, or understanding instructions at an age-appropriate level
- Engaging in repetitive movements or actions that seem unusual for their age
- Extreme focus on specific topics or activities, with little interest in a diverse range of subjects
- Overreacting or underreacting to sensory stimuli such as touch, sound, or light
- Difficulty with basic social milestones like making eye contact, sharing, or taking turns
It’s important to trust your instincts and seek professional guidance if you have concerns about your child's development. Call to schedule an appointment at our Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health developmental evaluation centers. While you wait for your child’s evaluation appointment date, take advantage of our helpful resources to help you understand what to expect and what you can do to help your child.
While You Wait
Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital is the first to launch “While You Wait” monthly workshops for parents/caregivers with age-specific anticipatory guidance on how to access community support and educational resources and provide guidance on how to request help for their child while the family awaits their formal developmental evaluation.
Contact Us
Institute for Child Development at Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital
30 Prospect Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601
551-996-5555
Child Evaluation Center at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital
81 Davis Avenue, Neptune, NJ 07753
732-776-4178, ext. 2
You and Me Autism Program at JFK University Medical Center
732-548-7610
Compassionate Care in a Kid-Friendly Environment
Having a child with developmental issues isn’t easy. We’re here to support you in any way possible.
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)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD and ADHD)
- Down syndrome
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
- Fragile X syndrome
- Learning difficulties
- Selective mutism
If a diagnosis is made, our social workers and team will connect you to everything you may need, from early intervention to transition services for your adolescent. This includes:
- Advocacy, support groups and therapies
- Education/schooling assistance
- Home care agencies
- Insurance guidance
- Medical equipment
- Referrals to other specialists
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. Whether it’s helping a child tolerate difficult procedures or finding the best communication tools for their needs, we’re here and ready to help.
Developmental Medicine Programs & Services
Family Resource Specialist
Through our partnership with the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN), the family resource specialist at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital provides services for families. SPAN is a statewide program with resources for parents, caregivers and families to help them advocate for their children in collaboration with their school district. Our family resource specialist helps families with:
- The transition from early intervention to preschool
- Navigating the transition process for adolescents
- Linkage to NJ resources for families; making connections to information services
Sibling Workshops
The Institute for Child Development at Hackensack University Medical Center offers workshops for siblings of children with disabilities or special health care needs to help them connect with their siblings. Children, aged 7-13, are invited to take part in activities with an experienced social worker or child life team member.
Why Choose Us for Developmental Medicine?
Choosing Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health means choosing some of the best pediatric developmental experts in the country. At Hackensack, you get:
Collaboration
Our team of top-notch pediatric developmental specialists work closely with other experts like neurologists, psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. This teamwork guarantees a thorough evaluation and personalized plans to address each child's unique needs.
Family-Centered Care
We understand that a child's journey is a family affair. Our approach involves families in every step, fostering collaboration and ensuring that the support system plays an integral role in the child's developmental progress.
Research Focus
Through research and innovative approaches, we stay at the forefront of advancements, ensuring our patients benefit from the latest insights, therapies, and interventions in pediatric developmental medicine.
