Developmental Pediatrics

The Section of Developmental Pediatrics provides excellence in the assessment and management of children with developmental, behavioral and neuromotor concerns. We are committed to advancing the quality of care and well-being of children impacted by developmental challenges and supporting their families and communities.

Our Vision: Opening Doors to Success for all Children

Our Core Values: Core values of the Section of Developmental Pediatrics are aligned with those of Alberta Health Services and the Department of Pediatrics, including the principles of patient and family-centred care. We strive for excellence using evidence-based practice in patient care and advocacy.

The Developmental Pediatrics Section consists of a team of Developmental Pediatricians, Child Neurologists, Child Psychiatrists and Community Pediatricians.  In addition, the CDS has allied health professionals (such as speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, psychologists, social workers, educational and child development specialists) that are/might be involved in developmental assessment or treatment.  Our services are mostly dedicated to children and youth who present with complex conditions. 

Clinics within Child Development Services:

Adolescent Medicine - Youth Health
Youth Health consultative services for adolescents (at least 11 years of age) struggling with issues related to adolescence: body image, peers, sexual health, substance use, chronic illness, and comorbid mental health concerns.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Diagnostic Clinic provides diagnostic assessment and/or consultation services for pediatric patients 0-18 years of age with a question of ASD.

Child Abuse Services
A multidisciplinary, specialized service that provides therapeutic and medical services to children who have experienced physical/sexual abuse and/or neglect. In order to enhance bio-psycho-social health and well-being, the service has two streams: Therapy Stream and Medical Stream.

Cumulative Risk Diagnostic Clinic
The Cumulative Risk Diagnostic Clinic (CRDC) is a specialized collaborative and consultative clinic that provides diagnostic and functional assessment, interprofessional case consultation and treatment recommendations for children and youth with complex developmental and behavioural profiles in the context of multiple etiologic risk. The clinical mandate does not include ongoing case management and treatment but seeks to support referring clinicians with longitudinal community care.

Developmental Neurology Clinic
The Developmental Neurology Clinic provides consultative neurological assessments for children aged 0-17 years of age with atypical neurodevelopmental profiles and/or suspected underlying neurological conditions. The clinic focuses on the investigation and diagnoses of potential neurological disorders, along with the provision of expert opinion and management recommendations to support ongoing longitudinal care in the community.

Developmental Pediatric Psychopharmacology Clinic
This service provides psychopharmacology consultation for children with complex developmental profiles, who have not had success with standard treatments in the community. The psychopharmacology clinic is a consultative clinic and is unable to take over care of patients from pediatricians. The goal is to support pediatricians in managing these patients in the community, through telephone consultation, medication review, initiation of new medication, and short-term follow up.

Developmental Pediatric Complex Medical/Genetics Clinic
This clinic sees children ages 0-17 years for developmental consultation in the context of complex medical needs including identified or suspected genetic disorders. Patients may be seen for consultation regarding specific diagnostic questions and/or medical management of developmental disorders. Appointment type will be determined based on the specific diagnostic or management question and may be limited to an in-person or virtual consultation with a Developmental Pediatrician.

Early Childhood Rehabilitation Clinic
Early Childhood Rehabilitation (ECR) provides goal-focused, time limited intervention and parent education for healthy and medically stable children, from birth to kindergarten eligibility, with delay(s) due to neuro-developmental origin(s) that are impacting daily life. With coaching, the parent must be able to articulate a functional goal on which they would like to focus intervention. All services provided are at AHS facilities.

International Adoption Clinic
The International Adoption Clinic cares for children who have been adopted from countries outside of Canada. Services include:

• assessment of the child's medical, behavioral, psychological and developmental needs
• scheduled visits at 2-3 weeks, 2 months, 6 months and 12 months post arrival in Canada
• referrals to programs and services that support early intervention.

Neonatal Follow Up Clinic
The Neonatal Follow Up Clinic provides multidisciplinary neurodevelopmental assessments and care of very high risk infants. This service offers:

• family centred multidisciplinary neurodevelopmental and neurosensory evaluations
• guidance, diagnosis, treatment, interim care, and early referral as needed for infants at risk of developing future health and developmental issues because of perinatal/neonatal problems
• assistance with transition to educational services
• surveillance/information on early childhood outcomes of newborns born extremely premature or very low birth weight, and children with other high risk conditions.

Neurodevelopmental Attention Clinic
The Neurodevelopmental Attention Clinic sees children aged 0 to 17 years with complex medical needs (neurologic illness or injury, systemic disease or other neurodevelopmental disorders) that require consultation for specific diagnostic assessment and/or management of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) or impairments in executive functioning. The Neurdevelopmental Attention Clinic provides diagnostic assessment and does not provide assessment, diagnosis, or treatment for mental health disorders.

Pediatric Oncology Neuro-Developmental Follow-Up Clinic
The Pediatric Oncology Neuro-Developmental Follow-Up Clinic offers consulting services for the diagnosis, treatment, and support of neuro-developmental issues affecting pediatric cancer survivors. 

Members of the Section of Developmental Pediatrics also work in other clinical settings including:

• Clinical Neurosciences
• Community Outreach in Pediatrics Psychiatry and Education (C.O.P.E.)

A physician Referral is required for all Clinics. Please contact your physician or family doctor.
Child Development Services Referral Criteria and Forms can be found through the following link: CLICK HERE

Research activities within the Section of Developmental Pediatrics focus on:

• Autism spectrum disorders
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Social pediatrics and the effect of adverse childhood experience on child developmental and mental health outcomes
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
• Children with complex neurodevelopmental disorders
• Global health initiatives in medical education and child development
• Medical education

Research

Education & Training

Dr. Ben Gibbard (Section Chief)
Dr. Sarah MacEachern
Dr. Kathryn MacLellan
Dr. Scott McLeod
Dr. Kara Murias
Dr. Kim Smyth
Dr. Pamela Veale