The Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Clinic (CNOC) provides evaluation of the growth and development of infants and young children with congenital heart disease. Following surgery early in life, these patients are at risk for problems in the areas of:
- Feeding & Sleeping
- Speech & language
- Fine motor skills
- Gross motor skills
- Social Emotional Development
- Social interaction
- Learning
Early identification and treatment of these problems is important for successful development and improved quality of life.
Evaluations
Evaluations are needed to ensure that your child grows and develops optimally. By monitoring your child’s health and development, and providing guidance and referrals as needed, we can help your child reach his or her full developmental potential. Early diagnosis and treatment of developmental delays and/or neurobehavioral challenges may prevent or lessen long-term problems associated with cardiac conditions and potentially improve both academic success and quality of life.
Special screenings and examinations are performed by a pediatric nurse practitioner to evaluate how your child is growing, changing, learning and developing.
We evaluate:
- Neuromotor function (muscle strength or weakness)
- Growth and nutrition (physical growth)
- Language development (ability to listen and talk)
- Social interaction (ability to interact with others)
- Developmental milestones (ability to achieve developmental stages)
- Referrals for further developmental and/or behavior testing may be made to Developmental Evaluation Clinic, Regional Center or other agencies as appropriate.
During your child’s first three years of life their development and growth will be tracked through the CNOC in the NICU Neurodevelopmental Clinic. At this time, they will receive three neurodevelopmental and physical screenings. They may also be seen by CNOC in the Developmental Evaluation Clinic depending on their diagnosis and specific needs.
Additional services such as the Cardiology Home Monitoring Program and Single Ventricle Program may also be provided if appropriate for your child.
While all of these services will be monitoring the neurodevelopmental outcomes of cardiac patients, the appointment structure and frequency are slightly different, as is the information gathered.
The complete evaluation takes about one hour, and the results are discussed with you. The evaluation process provides an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about your child’s development. A copy of the evaluation report is also sent to your child’s pediatrician and cardiologist.