Neonatal Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Clinic

The Neonatal Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Clinic assesses babies who have been admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Cardiac Critical Care Unit (CCCU) and may be at risk for developmental issues due to reasons such as prematurity or serious medical problems during delivery or after birth. 

Certain other infants will be followed because they are involved in research studies. 

Vision

Start Together.  Build Possibilities.   

Mission

Our team of neurodevelopmental experts provides personalized care to optimize outcomes for medically complex neonates and their families through the integration of research, education and community collaborations. 

Goals

One of our goals is to provide continuity of care throughout the Follow-up course. To achieve this goal, a practitioner will be assigned from discharge to assess the child and support the family at each follow-up visit. Our practitioners have a Master’s degree with advanced preparation in developmental and neonatal issues. Other members of the team are available to see your child when needed. 

Infants can also be referred to the clinic by a family doctor or pediatrician if there are concerns about development. Learn more about how to refer a patient. 

 We are here to:

• Promote the emotional and physical development of child and family 
• Provide parents with information about early childhood development 
• Participate in the education of health care professionals 
• Increase knowledge of developmental outcomes through research 
• Improve the quality of care in the NICU 
• Share information with community partners 

What to bring: 

• Contact information for your family doctor or paediatrician. 
• Supplies needed to keep your child comfortable and occupied during the clinic visit (formula, nut-free snacks, lunch, diapers, etc.). 
• If you are coming for your child’s 18-month or 36-month appointment and have received a package in the mail, please complete it and bring it with you. 

The Ministry of Health requires that we check your child’s OHIP card every time you visit. If your child does not have a valid Ontario health card, you are required to pay for his or her care before your clinic visit. You can do this at the Business Office, located on the Main Floor near Shoppers Drug Mart. For more information on OHIP, please call 1-800-268-1154 (toll-free in Ontario). In Toronto, call 416-314-5518. The TTY line is 1-800-387-5559. 

Directions: 

Our clinic is located next to the NICU on the 3rd floor in the Atrium. Please come directly to the clinic to register. 

Our team includes Occupational Therapists, a Physiotherapist, Speech-Language Pathologists, Psychometrists, Psychologist, a Nurse Practitioner and Neonatologists. 

Clinic visits are scheduled at 4, 8, 12, 18 and 36 months of age. If your child was born early, they will be assessed at their corrected age (their age based on their due date). Below is some information about each visit. 

The 4-month visit 

At this visit we focus on: 

Gross and Fine Motor skills such as: 

• Head control
• Postural tone and reflexes
• Reaching and grasping toys 

Social skills such as: 

• Smiling, laughing, vocalizations 
• Interacting and showing interest in others 

The 8-month visit 

At this visit we focus on: 

Gross and Fine Motor skills such as: 

• Sitting, transitions and mobility skills
• Reach and grasp, and ability to explore toys 

Early Communication skills such as:

• Babbling
• Engaging in and enjoying simple games like peek-a- boo, pat-a-cake 

The 12-month visit 

The one-year mark is considered a milestone clinic visit. We continue to focus on gross motor, fine motor and communication skills. Your child’s development is now becoming increasingly complex and skills are becoming more integrated and refined. 

The 18- and 36-month visit 

A detailed assessment of the child’s adaptive, learning and early problem-solving abilities is completed. Our babies, now toddlers graduate at 36 months of age. 

We send a written report of the assessment results to the pediatrician or family doctor after every visit. We also provide information and support to the family and the child. 

For more information: 

Visit Division of Neonatology

AboutKidsHealth articles: 

For more Neonatology resources, visit AboutKidsHealth.