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Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic

The Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic cares for children who have certain genetic disorders that affect motor skills, learning, and behavior.

Dr. Brittany Simpson in white coat and clinical setting

The Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital treats children with certain genetic conditions called neurodevelopmental disorders. This clinical program is part of the Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics (CENT) Clinical Program.

Learn about neurological disorders care at St. Jude.

The Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic works to bring the most promising new treatments from the lab to patients.

We study the following genetic neurological disorders:

  • Kabuki syndrome
  • Menke-Hennekam syndrome
  • Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome
  • Smith-Magenis syndrome
  • Fragile X syndrome
  • X,Y chromosome disorders
  • Angelman syndrome
  • Rett syndrome

Children who visit the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic can take part in clinical research. This research helps scientists develop new treatments that improve the quality of life and outcomes for children living with these conditions.

Services we provide

Your child may see experts in:

The care team may also give your child the option to take part in clinical research. This research may include sharing medical information, skin or blood samples, or both to learn how these conditions affect people over time. It could also lead to the development of new, targeted therapies that directly address the genetic cause of these conditions.

St. Jude works with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital to provide care for some patients with neurological disorders. Your child may get some of their care at Le Bonheur.  

Your Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic team

The Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic is co-led by Andrea Gropman, MD, and Brittany Simpson, MD, along with a team of other experts in genetic neurological diseases.

The Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic team includes:

  • A patient coordinator: helps collect medical records and follow-up after your first visit
  • A genetic counselor: provides support and education about genetics
  • A neurologist: reviews your child’s medical history, performs a physical exam, and may recommend more tests
  • A physical therapist: checks strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination
  • A gait and mobility specialist: studies your child’s movement and their ability to do daily activities
  • Research nurses: help your child understand and take part in research
  • Study coordinators: help manage clinical research activities

Depending on your child’s needs, you may also see a nurse navigator, child life specialist, social worker, or rehabilitation specialists.

What to expect during your visit

In the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic, your child will:

  • Meet with experts in neurodevelopmental disorders, neurology, genetics, and physical therapy
  • Complete a developmental assessment if needed
  • Take tests to check mobility, balance, and motor skills 

If your child joins a specific clinical trial, there may be other activities they will do.

Your Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic team will discuss care options with you in detail. Please ask any questions you have at any time.

Learn more

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