Children with complex congenital cardiac disease are at increased risk for
neurodevelopmental delays and disabilities. In 2012, the American Heart
Association identified those infants at highest risk and recommended early
screening and intervention in order to provide these children with the necessary
resources to help them achieve their highest neurodevelopmental potential.
Inova Children’s Heart Center partners with our pediatric rehabilitation specialists
to provide this service to our “at risk” population. The Follow-Along Clinic provides
developmental evaluation for infants and children who have experienced:
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Cardiac arrest
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Extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support
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Regional cerebral perfusion techniques, utilized for certain complex neonatal
surgical procedures
The Pediatric Rehabilitation specialists consist of physical, occupational, speech
and language therapists who utilize a standardized developmental assessment
tool to determine:
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Mental abilities
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Motor skills
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Speech skills
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Problems of weakness or tone (via neurologic screening)
Recommendations are provided for:
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Home activities to promote infants’ developmental potential
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Referral to community-based resource centers as appropriate
The Follow-Along Clinic team works with the patient, family and primary
medical team to ensure that patients receive support in managing any
neurodevelopmental concerns, even after they leave the hospital.