171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
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Vince Moseley Developmental Evaluation Center
Guidelines for Concern | Special Programs |
Community Outreach | Research
The highly specialized, caring staff at the division of Developmental Pediatrics and Genetics is dedicated to providing a complete network of resources for children with developmental, behavioral, learning problems and genetic disorders. Since its inception in 1966, the division has functioned as a diagnostic, evaluation, and treatment facility involved in extending the limits and boundaries that frequently surround children with disabilities.
Because the center is part of MUSC Children’s Hospital, children have access to the level of care found only through an academic medical center. Amazing advances in the fields of genetics, diagnostics, developmental pediatrics, pediatric psychology, child psychiatry, physical therapy and assistive technology are taking place every day.
Services are available to all children, from birth through age 21.
New patients should have their primary care physician call (843) 876-0444 to make the referral. A packet will be mailed to the family within 48 hours, however, an appointment will not be scheduled until the packet is returned, scored, and reviewed. Genetics referrals will be scheduled at the time of the call. Established patients can call our scheduling office at (843) 876-0444 or toll free at (800) 424-6872 to schedule follow-up appointments.
Guidelines for Concern
All children develop at different rates. It’s natural for parents to feel concerned when their child seems different from those of the same age. The following guidelines are available to help parents understand when to speak with your child’s physician or a member of our team.
Areas of concern may include a child who is:
- On a slower time table to meet milestones such as tooth eruption, walking and talking.
- Unable to balance, change positions or move efficiently.
- Over-active, easily distracted, unable to follow directions.
- Impulsive, quick-tempered.
- Smaller than same age peers and not thriving despite adequate nutrition.
- Having school failures.
- Born with problems affecting structure or function of internal organs or physical appearance.
- Experiencing academic difficulties or behavior problems secondary to brain injury or other pediatric condition that affects cognitive functioning (e.g., cancer, sickle cell disease, seizure disorder, etc.).
- Showing signs of autism, such as not babbling or gesturing (pointing, waving bye-bye) by 12 months of age; not using single words by 16 months of age; not using 2-word phrases by 24 months of age; or losing language or social skills at any age.
Special Programs
Genetics Clinic - Incorporates a review of medical/family history, diagnostic physical examination, appropriate genetic laboratory services, genetic counseling, and referrals for sub-specialty evaluations when indicated. For clinic hours and additional information, visit our Genetics page.
Developmental and Behavioral Evaluation Clinic - assesses children between the ages of 4 to 18 years old who have a combination of severe developmental, learning, emotional or behavioral difficulties. Our team includes a psychiatrist, developmental pediatrician, school psychologist, and clinical social worker.
Down Syndrome Clinic - consists of a multi-disciplinary team whose goal is to provide quality care in order to help each individual with Down Syndrome reach his or her full potential and function as independently in all aspects of family, school, and community life. We provide comprehensive medical management and clinical services to patients with Down Syndrome and their families.
Pediatric Psychology Service - provides a variety of comprehensive psychological services for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities, emotional or behavioral problems, and learning difficulties in an effort to provide accurate differential diagnosis and specific recommendations for educational and/or treatment planning. A number of specialty clinics address the specific needs of children with various medical and psychological conditions. The Autism Spectrum Disorders Evaluation Clinic provides state-of-the-art evaluation of children suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder (e.g., Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, Pervasive Development Disorder). The Behavioral Consultation Clinic provides skills training for children in the context of consultation focused on behavior management to families. The Neuropsychology Assessment Clinic provides in-depth evaluation of the range of thinking abilities for children with complex developmental or medical conditions. Finally, the Preschool Evaluation Clinic provides evaluation of children under the age of six with suspected learning or behavioral difficulties. The MUSC Pediatric Psychology Service is staffed by licensed psychologists and a licensed psychoeducational specialist.
Research
Ongoing free research programs are available to families who meet the appropriate participation criteria. Current programs include:
Health-Related Outcomes in Epilepsy - is a collaborative effort between the MUSC Department of Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, and Epidemiology, that is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study examines health-related outcomes, including quality of life, social support, stigma, and depressive symptoms, in children and adults with epilepsy.
Autism Spectrum Disorders Research Program - several projects are in progress related to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). MUSC has partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since 2000 to track the prevalence of ASD in the Coastal and Pee Dee regions of South Carolina. In addition, we have several studies going on examining disorders associated with ASD (e.g. fragile X, intellectual disability), and various treatment options for symptoms associated with ASD.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders - MUSC has a range of studies in progress to further understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders, including clinical, treatment, and epidemiological research. We have collaborated with the CDC and other agencies to estimate the prevalence of ASD’s in South Carolina and across the country. Our treatment research focuses both on traditional medication interventions, as well as complementary approaches. Finally, our clinical research focuses on pragmatic language and diagnosis.
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