Developmental Pediatrics

Inova Children's Developmental Pediatrics Specialists

The Developmental Pediatrics team is comprised of a board-certified neurodevelopmental pediatric specialist along with nurse practitioners and a clinical psychologist.

Medical Director

Shalinee Khurana, MD

Shalinee Khurana, MD, formerly of Pediatric Specialists of Virginia, is a board-certified physician in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics. She graduated from University College of Dublin, interned at University of Illinois College of Medicine, and completed a residency in Pediatrics at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore.

Dr. Khurana was fellowship trained in Developmental Pediatrics at the University Of Chicago with a training specialty in Developmental Pediatrics.

Developmental Pediatric Specialists

Margarita Brenton, NP

Jane Thompson, RN, MSN, FNP-BC

Emily Nichols, PhD

Mary Elizabeth Calabrese, DO

Akilah Murray, NP

Conditions evaluated and supported by our team include:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Communication disorders
• Developmental coordination disorders (dyspraxia)
• Developmental delays
• Developmental differences related to genetic and congenital conditions, such as Down syndrome and Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Problems at school
  
  • Learning disabilities
  • Behavioral problems
• Sleep difficulties

What to expect at your initial evaluation:

Over two visits, you and your child will meet with one of our specialists (physician, nurse practitioner, or psychologist). Initial history, skilled developmental observation, and examination will be completed. This will include a review of prior testing and current therapeutic and academic services.

Your provider will give a diagnosis if appropriate at that time, and/or determine whether further testing/assessment is needed to clarify the diagnosis. This may include any combination of the following:

• Testing through your local school system
• Caregiver and teacher rating scales
• In-house psychological diagnostic assessment
• Referral for private neuropsychological testing

What to expect in ongoing care for your child:

An important component of treating any developmental disorder is providing families with education and support for daily life. The team will work with you to develop a full care plan, including:

• Advice for communicating about your child’s needs with the school system and teachers, including assistance with creating and managing individual education plans (IEP) and Section 504 accommodations
• Referrals and coordinated care with your child’s primary care physician, additional specialists, and other needed support services
• Medication management – e.g. for ADHD; anxiety or depression associated with other developmental concerns managed in this clinic; behavior problems associated with Autism spectrum disorder
• If determined to be appropriate, medication management for ADHD, anxiety, or depression may be initiated in this clinic*
  
  • * Once the provider establishes that the patient is on a stable dose of medication, ongoing regular monitoring and prescription will then be transitioned back to the medical home.
  • We remain available for consultation with the medical home if concerns or questions arise.
  • We will continue to provide support around associated learning, behavioral, and social needs.
• For patients receiving any prescriptions in this office, they can expect to return monthly as doses are being titrated, and every 3 months thereafter.
• For patients who are not receiving medications from our clinic, the frequency of follow-up visits will vary. This is typically every 6 months, but at times of increased need or transition, visits may be more frequent.
• A nurse navigator to help coordinate your child’s care.