Neonatal Developmental Follow-Up Program

What is the Neonatal Developmental Follow-Up Program?

The Neonatal Developmental Follow-Up Program follows the progress and development of Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) children, from Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital, until age three. The children recommended for this program may be at risk for developmental and learning problems. At four years of age, there is a School Age Clinic available for any behavior or learning concerns.

What is the Purpose of the Neonatal Developmental Follow-Up Program?

The purpose of our follow-up program is to gather information about the child's progress and development. It is not intended to replace regular visits to a pediatrician. Information obtained at follow-up visits is often reassuring to parents and pediatricians. When testing reveals possible developmental concerns, parents are assisted in locating early intervention services. By having the opportunity to evaluate each child over a period of years, we can help assure that each youngster will receive any special care that may be needed to reach his or her potential.

• team physician
• nurse
• audiologist
• occupational therapist
• speech therapist
• social worker

Amy Sun, M.D., is the Director of the Neonatal
Developmental Follow-Up Program.

What Happens at a Follow-Up Visit?

• The program's nurse weighs and measures the child, and asks developmental screening questions.
• The audiologist performs a hearing test in a sound chamber, with specially designed equipment. Tympanometry may also be performed.
• Our occupational therapist checks fine motor skills, such as how a child uses his or her hands, and gross motor skills, including, rolling, sitting and walking. Adaptive, and daily living skills, such as dressing, self-feeding and playing, are also evaluated.
• The speech/language therapist evaluates the child's oral-motor skills, including how a child uses his/her mouth in eating or babbling, articulation, language, and communication.
• The program's social worker helps parents locate services in their community and offers support and other resources as needed.
• The team physician evaluates the child's complete medical and developmental history and performs a physical examination. After the assessment, the physician discusses the team's impressions and recommendations with the parents.

A report is sent to the child's primary physician and the parents. Parents are encouraged to share the reports with the child's other therapists, as needed.

Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital
Neonatal Developmental Follow-Up Program
1675 West Dempster Street, 3rd Floor
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
Phone: 847.318.9067
Fax: 847.723.9441