Children with Special Health Care Needs Program

The Neurodevelopmental Centers of Washington are a group of 15 community non-profit and hospital-based agencies who provide therapy and related services to young children with neuromuscular or developmental disorders. The centers are located across the state, each one meeting needs specific to its community.

What Services are Provided?

Fifteen Neurodevelopmental Centers provide speech, occupational and physical therapies. At the discretion of the child’s primary care provider, referral for additional medical specialty consultation is also available. Other services may include nursing, nutrition, social work, educational services, adaptive equipment, computer augmented communication therapy, hydro-therapy, and more. Three Consulting Tertiary Care Centers provide complex medical evaluations and training.

What is the Quality of Care?

The services delivered at the Neurodevelopmental Centers across Washington State are of the highest quality. All professional staff are pediatric specialists. Statewide networking enables the centers to share information and provides opportunities for training and education. On-line computer capabilities allow centers to keep abreast of the latest information. Children and families are assured of receiving state of the art services and information.

Is Case Management Provided?

Neuromuscular and developmental disorders create needs that may be great not only for a child but for a family as well. Service coordinators work with each family individually to help identify, anticipate, and meet the needs which the family may encounter. Teaching families how to find their way through the health care system and helping to coordinate care are critical components of the services provided by Neurodevelopmental Centers.

Are Families Included in their Child’s Care?

Families are an integral part of the health care team and are encouraged to work closely with their child’s therapists. Neurodevelopmental Center staff work with families to set and meet goals for each child and to teach families about therapies, so they can be incorporated into the child’s daily routine.

How is a child referred to a Neurodevelopmental Center?

Families can refer their child to a Neurodevelopmental Center, or the child may be referred by the primary care provider or other professional. Reasons for referral include concerns about muscle tone; inability to suck, swallow, or eat properly; or other concerns about development.

How are services funded?

Neurodevelopmental Centers assist families in integrating funds from multiple sources. The following are common funding sources:

Private Insurance
Government agencies

Medicaid
Division of Developmental Disabilities
School Districts
Department of Health, Children with Special Health Care Needs Program

Grants
Fund raising
United Way
Private funds

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Page last updated: 08/24/2009