For families who have had a prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defect the program offers consultation to promote best outcome for the baby. This consultation prepares the family for the delivery, perinatal care, and ongoing management. Management is Key Team members approach care with a realistic appraisal of deficits and an optimistic view about functional outcome. Optimal function results from careful management. Close coordination with the family, the primary care physician, and other community providers is essential.
Care is family centered and comprehensive, with commitment to collaborate with other providers.
The program consists of a team of professionals, all of whom have special expertise with the population of children with neural tube defects. The team includes a developmental pediatrician, pediatric nurse practitioner, nurse, physical therapist, social worker, neurosurgeon , orthopedic surgeon, urologist, audiologist, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, psychologist, educational consultant, nutritionist, and genetic counselor. The program holds fully staffed clinics on Wednesdays. The clinics are conducted in an interdisciplinary manner that coordinates the findings and recommendations of all the professionals. Families thus enjoy the opportunity to have all of their issues addressed in a comprehensive and cohesive fashion in one visit.