Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program
Leaders in Helping Kids Grow Up Strong
Children born with serious heart and vascular conditions have unique needs as they grow — especially those who’ve had heart surgery in their first year of life or long hospitalizations.
Nemours Children’s cardiac neurodevelopmental team helps kids live healthier lives. We identify and address developmental, learning, emotional and behavioral problems early so kids can grow up strong and happy.
We know how cardiovascular conditions affect a child, and family. As part of a renowned, award-winning pediatric heart center in Delaware, we work side by side, every day, with cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, electrophysiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiovascular genetics specialists, and more who treat the rarest, most complex conditions.
Our psychology team is awarded and recognized around the world as leaders and researchers who shape the model of neurodevelopmental care for kids with congenital heart defects. We empower children and families to build their healthiest lives, physically and emotionally.
Our Services
The Nemours cardiac neurodevelopmental team includes experts in cardiac psychology, neuropsychology, rehabilitation therapy, social work, Child Life and others who tailor care to your child.
Our services start even before a baby is born to help support families and prepare for birth. We’re here during hospitalization and throughout your child’s life up to age 40. We offer a variety of assessments, therapies and resources to help improve:
- Anxiety and depression
- Attention
- Behavior
- Daily living activities
- Family stress
- Feeding and swallowing
- Learning and academics
- Memory
- Motor skills
- Sensory processing
- Sleep
- Social and interpersonal skills
- Speech and language
- Transition to adulthood
Two Leading Pediatric Heart Centers
Our heart centers offer highly advanced, integrated care just for kids and young adults with congenital heart disease. Learn about our focused programs, innovative research and exceptional outcomes.
Some kids with heart disease may need accommodations to succeed in school. Find out how individual education plans (IEPs) work from the experts at Nemours KidsHealth®.
What happens during therapy? Find out more here.
Dealing with a serious illness can be hard for kids. Learn how to help your child manage stress and anxiety with focused breathing, guided imagery and creative therapy.
When your child has special health care needs, you may feel overwhelmed at times. Find support and resources that can give you room to rest and rejuvenate.
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Conditions & Treatments
We see many conditions — far too many to list here. The conditions we treat vary depending on the location and providers selected. Don’t see a condition listed? Call us.
Related Specialties & Programs
Supporting Your Child’s Neurodevelopmental Health From the Start
We’re here for your family as your child grows, from infancy and early childhood to adolescence and adulthood. We check in regularly to help your child develop along with their peers.
600+
Number of kids we’ve helped after heart surgery
40
Maximum age, in years, we can see patients with congenital heart disease
2012
Year Nemours began offering cardiac-specific neurodevelopmental care
Our program, called the Cardiac Learning and Early Development (LEAD) Program, is well established. We were among the earliest to offer this care to kids with heart disease.
Our team includes the first psychologist to earn a prestigious award for outstanding commitment to improving neurodevelopmental outcomes of children with heart disease.
We’re researching how congenital heart defects affect families and creating programs that improve neurodevelopment health in children, even before birth.
Your child sees the same team, who knows them and their unique condition, for a whole lifetime of care.
Meet the Team
The Nemours cardiac neurodevelopmental team is experienced and focused on your child's healthiest future. Meet them now.
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Erica Dolores Sood, PhD
Psychology Director, Cardiac Learning and Development (LEAD) Associate Professor of Pediatric Psychology, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE
Convenient Follow-Up Appointments by Video
We offer follow-up appointments through scheduled, live video visits. You can avoid waiting rooms and save travel time. Ask your doctor if this is an option for your family.