Child development
Atlantic Health offers compassionate, specialized care for children with learning, behavioral and developmental challenges, supporting their growth and potential through expert care for autism, ADHD and related conditions in a family-centered setting.
Providing care for every need
Kids with learning, behavioral or developmental challenges need specialized care to be physically, cognitively, academically, socially and emotionally healthy. At the Child Development and Autism Center, we can help your child reach his or her maximum potential in all of these areas.
As part of Atlantic Health Children’s Health, we have medical specialists here who provide superior pediatric care that is specific to your child’s needs, while also respectful of every family’s values.
Some of the behavioral and developmental conditions evaluated and treated at the Child Development and Autism Center are:
- Autism
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Language disorders
- Learning disorders
Our team of health care professionals includes neurodevelopmental pediatricians, a nurse practitioner, social workers, learning consultants, a speech-language therapist and a psychologist. They are trained in treating developmental delays, autistic spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other related conditions.
Children with neurological disorders, such as epilepsy or neuromuscular disease, are treated at our Division of Child Neurology and Developmental Medicine. As part of Atlantic Health Children’s Health, physician services are provided through Atlantic Medical Group and are on staff at Goryeb Children’s Hospital.
Diagnostic tests & screenings
As a designated Child Evaluation Center by the New Jersey Department of Education, we can diagnose your child’s developmental condition using a series of comprehensive assessments, which may include:
A learning disabilities teacher consultant from our center will assess your child’s academic functioning and learning characteristics and make recommendations for the most appropriate educational approach. Testing is conducted with the child alone, but you are required to remain on site during this time. Additional appointments may be necessary to fully complete the evaluation. This service is not covered by any health insurance and requires full payment at time of evaluation.
Depending on your child's needs, our center provides additional assessments, such as:
- Speech and language evaluation
- Autism diagnostic interview-revised (ADIR) – assesses autism and pervasive development disorder (PDD) through a structured interview with the child’s caregiver
- Autism diagnostic observation scale (ADOS) testing – evaluates and diagnoses autism and PDD across ages, developmental levels and language skills
- High risk infant follow-up program – provides screening and referral services for children at risk for developmental delay, such as those with very low birth weight or those who experienced trauma during delivery
Our pediatric nurse practitioner or one of our developmental pediatricians will evaluate your child to determine if any medical, developmental, behavioral or neurological factors are impacting his or her normal functioning. All historical information will be reviewed and discussed and initial findings will be provided. Up to two subsequent visits may be necessary to complete the diagnostic process. This service may be covered through your health insurance. When contacting your carrier, provide them with codes 99241 through 99245 for the assessment, code 96111 for developmental testing and code 96110 for developmental screening.
Our pediatric nurse practitioner or one of our developmental pediatricians will evaluate your child to determine if any medical, developmental, behavioral or neurological factors are impacting his or her normal functioning. All historical information will be reviewed and discussed and initial findings will be provided. Up to two subsequent visits may be necessary to complete the diagnostic process. This service may be covered through your health insurance. When contacting your carrier, provide them with codes 99241 through 99245 for the assessment, code 96111 for developmental testing and code 96110 for developmental screening.
During this appointment, one of our clinicians will meet with you to discuss the full results of the evaluations and treatment recommendations. Please bring with you any pertinent information, such as recent evaluations, teacher reports and new behavioral questionnaires. This service is sometimes considered a follow-up visit and may be covered under the mental health section of your insurance. When contacting your carrier, please provide them with code #90887 to obtain a pre-certification number.
If you are scheduled for an intake appointment, you and one of our social workers will discuss historical information about your child’s development, temperament and behavior, as well as educational and family factors. This service is sometimes covered under the mental health section of your health insurance. When contacting your carrier, please provide them with code 90791 to obtain a pre-certification number.
Laboratory services
We also know that many patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder feel anxious about having blood drawn. That’s why we designed a sensory room at the Atlantic Health Children’s Specialty Center at Morristown.
While you are waiting for a neurodevelopmental evaluation
For every child under age 3 years with developmental or behavioral concerns, we suggest you call Early Intervention System for a free evaluation in your home. In New Jersey please call 1-888-653-4463.
- If you have concerns about speech or language skills, you can ask your pediatrician for a direct referral to speech therapy. For Atlantic Health services, please call 973-971-4452.
- If you have concerns about fine motor skills or sensory issues, you can ask your pediatrician for a direct referral to occupational therapy. For Atlantic Health services, please call 973-971-4452.
- If your child does not seem to respond to their name or follow directions you may ask your pediatrician for a referral for a hearing test (audiology).
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control for more information about tracking milestones and stimulating development in children >
- If your child is age 3 years or older, you may have them evaluated for special education services through your local school district. Contact the Child Study Team of your local school district. You do not need a diagnosis to be eligible.
- If your child is having significant behavioral problems, The NJ Children's System of Care may be available to your family. Parents may call 1-877-652-7624 to see if your child qualifies for any in home behavioral therapy through the state.
- For children who have anxiety or behavioral problems you may wish to access a therapist through your insurance. You should check your insurance card for the number to call for mental health services to gain information on referrals in your plan.
If you are concerned about your child showing signs of intentionally harming themselves or having suicidal thoughts, please seek immediate care and call Crisis Intervention at Morristown Medical Center at 973-540-0100.
If you are having a medical emergency, please call 911.