Impact of Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Evaluation for Children with Congenital Heart Disease

• Published in: Developmental neuropsychology Vol. 47; no. 1; pp. 32 - 41
• Main Authors: Alam, Sabikha, Ilardi, Dawn, Cadiz, Emilia, Kelleman, Michael, Oster, Matthew E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Routledge 2022; Psychology Press
• Subjects: Cardiovascular disease; Child; Children; Congenital diseases; Coronary artery disease; Heart Defects, Congenital - complications; Heart Defects, Congenital - diagnosis; Heart diseases; Humans; Schools; Ventricle; Ventricles (cerebral)
• ISSN: 8756-5641; 1532-6942
• DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2021.2009482

Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental delays. This study of school-aged children with single ventricle CHD compared access to services for those who did and did not complete an evaluation. Children completing an evaluation had more academic services, including an Individualized Education Plan (66% vs 34%,P = .017), small group academic instruction (54% vs 20%,P = .01), any instructional supports (77% vs 44%,P = .008). A barrier to not completing the evaluation was lack of knowledge about the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program (82%). The neurodevelopmental evaluation is an impactful tool that can increase access to school services in vulnerable CHD patients.