Child Development Clinic

The Child Development Clinic, an integral program of Child Health Services since 1982, provides comprehensive diagnostic assessments for children from birth to age 7 who are at risk for or are showing developmental irregularities. More than 160 children from Southern New Hampshire are referred each year by their primary care providers, school and childcare staff, or by parents themselves. The evaluation includes a home visit by our social worker, a cognitive and/or behavioral assessment by our child psychologist, and a physical exam and medical record review by or developmental pediatrician. Once an assessment is completed, the team meets with parents to review the diagnostic findings and discuss recommendations. Team members often attend subsequent school or community agent conferences to support parents and to ensure appropriate services are in place. Developmental monitoring, consultation and care coordination are also available.

Autism, A-D/HD, and behavioral concerns are some common referral questions. Children with medical conditions that can compromise development such as lead poisoning, prematurity, prenatal maternal drug/alcohol use, and failure to thrive often require monitoring over time. Children with complex medical conditions and genetic disorders are also evaluated in our program.

The diagnostic process is time-intensive and often only partially covered by insurance providers, if at all. We are fortunate to have long-standing financial and program support from Special Medical Services (State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Community Based Care Services) assuring access for all children.

For more information, please call (603) 606-5456