Neonatal Development Follow-Up Clinic

The Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic is for premature babies or babies with medical complications. It is recommended that babies who have experienced a NICU stay be seen at prescribed intervals during their first three years of life. We provide consistent neonatal follow-up and early intervention to reduce the risk of future challenges.

Services for Premature Babies or Babies with Medical Complications

This program provides comprehensive assessment for high risk infants in DuPage and surrounding communities. Our assessment team is made up of highly experienced physical, occupational and speech-language therapists with advanced pediatric training and credentialed by the Early Intervention system.

The goal of the assessment is to identify your infant's current level of development and provide home program instruction. The specialized therapists will provide direction and suggestions for ways to integrate techniques that promote optimum development in your daily care and play with your child. If additional services are recommended, referral information will be provided.

Why Begin Here?

Our clinic is conducted in a comfortable environment where families meet with a physician from DuPage Neonatology Associates and a team of therapists from Easter Seals DuPage & Fox Valley.  At the first visit, our team provides a thorough physical and feeding evaluation using specialized infant assessments and clinical observation, as well as a medical screening by the physician.  

During the second visit, the child will be assessed by a physical therapist, speech-language therapist and an occupational therapist.  Subsequent visits will be similar but change as the baby develops and grows.

Children are typically scheduled for a visit when they are 4-6 weeks old after they have been discharged from the hospital.

Schedule of Visits

Visits are then scheduled at their adjusted age of:

  • 5-6 months (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Therapy)

  • 12 months (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy)

  • 18 months (Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Therapy)

  • 24 months (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy)

  • 30 months (Speech-Language Therapy)

  • Additional visits may be scheduled if the clinical team or child's family deems it necessary.

What Are Typical Clinic Sessions Like?

Our clinic is conducted in a comfortable environment with everyone meeting together at one time. You and your child will meet with a physician from DuPage Neonatology Associates and a team of therapists from Easter Seals DuPage & Fox Valley.

At your first visit the team provides a thorough developmental and feeding evaluation using specialized infant assessments and clinical observation as well as a medical screening by the physician. Subsequent visits will be similar but change as your baby develops and grows.

  • The physician reviews your child’s medical history and completes a medical evaluation.
  • The physical therapist evaluates your child's muscle tone and movement patterns which support the development of motoring skills.
  • The speech and language pathologist evaluates respiration, oral motor control and coordination for feeding and sound production, and your child's ability to effectively communicate.
  • The occupational therapist evaluates your child’s use of arms and hands for play activities, sensory motor processing and activities of daily living which are vital to purposeful play.
  • The parent liaison offers support to families as well as helping families find services and other resources needed.

How Do I Get Started?

Contact our Intake Coordinator at 630.261.6287 to ask questions or schedule an appointment.

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