Patient Resources |Overview
The Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program is committed to educating families and the broader community about the neurodevelopmental needs of children with congenital heart disease. We offer programs throughout the year to communities affected by congenital heart disease. Our goal is to increase knowledge about cardiac neurodevelopment, and to develop skills in treating and managing neurodevelopmental challenges.
Parenting with Heart
Parenting with Heart is a six-week group for parents of preschool-age children with congenital heart defects. In the group, parents learn to understand and anticipate their child’s behavior and develop strategies for successfully managing the behaviors.
Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Family Symposium
The Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Family Symposium is an annual meeting for people who care for children with congenital heart disease. It brings together parents and professionals for a full-day program of lectures, panel presentations, and interactive workshops. Participants learn from leading experts in the field of cardiac neurodevelopment, and have the opportunity to meet other families who have similar life experiences. The symposium covers topics relevant in the lives of many families with congenital heart disease, such as managing anxiety, navigating special education, solving sleeping and feeding problems, and accessing early intervention services.
Topics discussed during our last Family Symposium
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Hearts in the Classroom
Hearts in the Classroom is a professional development program offered free-of-charge to educators who are teaching children with congenital heart disease. Through this program, experts from the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program travel to schools to lead an engaging, interactive two-hour training for teachers, principals, school nurses and other school personnel. Educators learn about the neurodevelopmental challenges associated with congenital heart disease, and the educational services and accommodations that can help many children with congenital heart defects become more successful at school.
Parent Workshop Series
The Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program offers a series of workshops for parents of children with congenital heart disease. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of cardiac neurodevelopment and learn real-life skills and strategies. Topics include an overview of cardiac neurodevelopment, special education, supporting executive functioning and managing anxiety.