Clinical Services

Early Steps (Birth to 3 years old)

Early Steps offers early intervention services to infants and toddlers (birth to thirty-six months) with significant delays or a condition that places them at risk for developmental delay or for established conditions such as: Down syndrome or other chromosomal disorders, autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy/motor disorders, extreme prematurity, vision or hearing impairment.  This program also serves children found eligible due to other significant delays such as language or motor delays.

Children can be referred for an Early Steps evaluation by calling 813-974-0602 or 1-866-549-1740 (toll free).  A service coordinator will work with your family throughout the eligibility process. A thorough assessment will be made of your child's skills and abilities. In addition, an Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) will be designed just for your family with expected outcomes and goals based on your child's development.

More information on the Early Steps Program can be found at http://www.cms-kids.com.

*This information was adapted from the Early Steps Intervention Services-A handbook for parents (2005).

NICU/Neuro-Development Clinic (Birth to 2 years old)

In this clinic we provide developmental and medical assessments of high-risk infants. A multidisciplinary team will evaluate the neurological status and developmental milestones of the infant and determine whether intervention services are necessary.Anticipatory guidance is given to care givers.

School Age Clinic (3 to 12 years old)

This clinic combines our medical and pediatric psychology teams to provide multidisciplinary, comprehensive evluation, intervention planning and medical management of children with a wide variety of developmental disorders.  Specific areas of focus include:  attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, behavioral disorders, learning disorders and global developmental disorders.  Services include medical diagnosis and treatment, and behavioral diagnostic assessment and management as well as neuropsychological evaluation.   

Pediatic Psychology Service (3 to 12 years old)

• Group Counseling Programs: Group counseling is offered for children ages 8-12 years with autism, anxiety, ADHD or other emotional disorders which would benefit from a supportive group format. The Coping Cats curriculum is used to treat childhood anxiety disorders and social skills training is offered to children who would benefit from this instruction.

HOTDOCS (Helping Our Toddlers, Developing Our Children's Skills): click here to read about this special program.

Baby Behavior Bootcamp (BBB)

Baby Behavior Bootcamp (BBB) is an online training course which provides early intervention practitioners with skills and knowledge to change challenging behaviors in children from 0-5 years old. The course is composed of 10 classes that cover topics such as screening for developmental delays, designing interventions, and evaluating their effectiveness. To learn more and view a sample of the BBB course, click here.

Neurology Clinics (0 to 18 years old)

The neurology clinics are directed by Dr. Maria Gieron-Korthals, who provides comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment for children and adolescents with neurological disorders.  Dr. Gieron-Korthals is a recognized expert in pediatric epilepsy, headaches and movement disorders. Diagnostic services and re-evaluation for children with seizure disorders is completed through the Tampa General Epilepsy Program for children, which is directed by Dr. Gieron-Korthals. Dr. Gieron-Korthals also provides inpatient diagnostic evaluation for infants and children with seizure disorders.

Please click here for a listing neurology clinics and to make an appointment

Multidisciplinary Programs

Faculty members in the Division of Child Development and Neurology collaborate with Children’s Medical Services, Department of Health and Shriner’s Hospital on several multidisciplinary programs to address the needs of children with complex medical disorders that benefit from a team of professionals. Each of these teams includes physicians, nurse case managers, nutritionists, and speech, occupational/physical therapy - where needed. Faculty members in the Division of Child Development participate in these clinics providing expertise to families and training to pediatricians and medical students related to the team approach.

Program                                                                                                     Medical Director

Cleft lip, cleft palate, craniofacioal program                                                  Mary Pavan, MD

Growth clinic (CMS)                                                                                      Carol Lilly, MD, MPH

Shriner's Hospital Neurological Clinic                                                           Maria Gieron-Korthals, MD