Child Development

This specialty care is provided by University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria.

Developmental pediatric specialists in developmental delays, developmental coordination disorder, cerebral palsy, hypotonia, hypertonia, pediatric feeding disorder, autism spectrum disorder and children with medical complexity.

You and your child are at the center of everything we do. Our team takes the time to understand your child’s unique strengths and challenges and partners with you to develop a care plan that supports growth at home, in school and in the community.

Developmental pediatric services are provided by University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP). These specialists work in close collaboration with OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois to support coordinated care when developmental pediatric expertise is part of your child’s overall treatment plan.

What is Developmental Pediatrics?

Developmental pediatrics is a specialty of medicine that focuses on how children grow, learn and behave. Doctors in this field help identify and treat delays in speech, movement, learning and social skills. They work with families to understand what a child needs to reach their full potential.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

The first appointment is unique, but most appointments last 1.5 hours. You’ll meet with your team and be asked to share information beforehand about previous services and evaluations, such as early interventions. After the initial interview, you and your care team will discuss the types of testing or studies needed. If nutritional deficiencies are a contributing factor, your child might also see a dietitian.

Meet Your Care Team

Your child’s specialty care is led by UICOMP developmental pediatrics specialists. The care team may include developmental pediatricians, psychologists, dietitians, social workers and child development specialists. These providers work collaboratively to understand your child’s needs and provide comprehensive, coordinated recommendations and support.

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Conditions We Treat

Developmental pediatrics encompasses a broad range of issues, including:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Delays related to premature birth
Developmental delays (speech, motor or cognitive)
Pediatric feeding disorder
Cerebral palsy
Genetic or neurological conditions affecting development
Global developmental delay
Hypotonia
Hypertonia
Children with medical complexity

Clinics and Care for Kids

At our health specialty clinics, your child receives the expert care and support they deserve. You’ll have access to teams of specialists who work together to help your child overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

The Down Syndrome Clinic at OSF Children’s Hospital provides specialized care tailored to your child’s unique health, learning and developmental needs. Our team works closely with you to develop lifelong strategies for every stage of your child’s growth.

At the Cerebral Palsy Clinic, you and your child can find solutions for issues related to balance, muscle development, posture and movement. We will be with you every step of the way, answering questions and providing skills to meet daily challenges.

The OSF Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Program supports children with heart conditions as they grow, learn and thrive. We evaluate your child's thinking, movement and behavior to provide care and guidance that will support their development at every stage.

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Our team collaborates with the Spina Bifida Clinic to provide a multidisciplinary approach to care, bringing together specialists from different fields to deliver comprehensive treatment for individuals with spina bifida.

We will work with you and your family through the OSF Autism Pathways to determine the level of support and guidance you need.

Ask for a Referral

Developmental pediatrics services are provided by University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP). To schedule care for children from infancy through the teenage years, please ask your primary care provider to submit a referral to UICOMP Developmental Pediatrics. Need a primary care provider? Browse our directory.

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