Highly trained clinicians at Riley Children’s Health care for infants and children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including those who may have co-occurring emotional or behavioral concerns. Our specialists develop personalized treatment plans to ensure each child receives the care they need. We work in teams comprised of board certified physicians, psychologists, pediatric nurse practitioners, speech pathologists, dietitians, genetic counselors, social workers and other professionals. DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE
The latest Down syndrome healthcare guidelines were written by Riley developmental medicine physicians in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics.
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Global health research Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) The Alama Project: Autism Outcomes and Neurobehavior Markers in Young Children Born to Mothers with HIV in Kenya ■ Five-year project to examine autism diagnostic outcomes and eye-tracking markers in young children with and without HIV exposure while building capacity for neuro-health research in western Kenya. Funded by the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute Child Neurodevelopment Beyond Borders ■ Project to build a collaborative U.S.-India partnership to deepen understanding of the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding autism detection and diagnosis in individuals of Indian origin. Mental health research study funded by the NIH Riley Developmental Medicine is part of a large multisite research study focused on harnessing advances in machine learning and novel clinical measures to improve prediction, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions in children and teens. Developmental Medicine has a registry and database that support a robust research program focused on improving care and increasing understanding of the patients we care for at Riley Children’s.
Specialized programs
Advanced technologies Riley Children’s offers the
TOP DISTINCTIONS
Virtual Autism Assessments We provide two-hour virtual autism assessments—a research-based method of evaluating young children for autism from the comfort of their own homes.
Angela M. Tomlin, PhD, HSPP, and Stephan A. Viehweg, ACSW, LCSW, published the second edition of Tackling the Tough Stuff: A Home Visitor’s Guide to Supporting Families at Risk. The book provides guidance and resources to the home visiting workforce on relationship-based and reflective practice approaches when working with families with high risk. Leadership in training and education ■ IU School of Medicine Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship Program ■ Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) ■ IU School of Medicine Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Residency Program latest genetic testing, including exome and genome sequencing. We have genetic counselors embedded within our division and collaborate with Riley Medical & Molecular Genetics .
■ Six physicians board certified in neurodevelopmental disabilities; one physician board certified in developmental-behavioral pediatrics ■ Home to the only psychologist in Indiana trained in the Early Start Denver Model behavioral therapy program for children with autism ■ Three psychologists certified in perinatal mental health; four psychologists trained in parent- child interaction therapy ■ Home to one of only eight neurodevelopmental disabilities residency training programs worldwide
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Our psychologists provide PCIT to empower parents through coaching as they interact with their children using PRIDE (Praise, Reflection, Imitation, Description and Enjoyment) skills.
CO-DIVISION CHIEF Celanie K. Christensen, MD, MS, FAAP Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Neurology, IU School of Medicine > Connect with Dr. Christensen on Doximity.
Complex Care Inpatient Service Multidisciplinary team
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
manages inpatient care for children with cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, feeding problems, Down syndrome and other chronic conditions. Spina Bifida Program Our multidisciplinary program now offers care coordination services to help families navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and ensure patients are meeting their goals.
JAMA Network Open: May 2024 Eye-tracking biomarkers and autism diagnosis in primary care Autism: April 2025
Developmental Medicine Outpatient Visits: 2022 – 2024
Nominated for the 2024 Summary of Advances by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee
Accuracy of the screening tool for autism in toddlers and young children in the primary care setting
11,622
10,514
9,562
CO-DIVISION CHIEF Angela M. Tomlin, PhD, HSPP Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, IU School of Medicine > Connect with Dr. Tomlin on Doximity.
Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics: November-December 2024 Training and sustaining: Training and learning collaborative outcomes across a statewide network for early autism diagnosis
20 board certified physicians
See full team member list >
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2024
Annual Report 2024 – 2025
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