Introduction to Developmental Disabilities

● Understand the normal milestones of development and how these are used clinically

● Learn how the different types of developmental disabilities are diagnosed and managed, including the role of healthcare professionals, speech therapists, and social workers

● Develop an understanding of the challenges of living with a developmental disability,

● Gain a better understanding of how to best serve the needs of patients with developmental disabilities in future medical careers

• Elective and Site Director: Jennifer Heithaus, MD

  • Jennifer.heithaus@health.slu.edu, 314-577-5609

• Second year student lead (SY 21-22): Shruthi Boggarapu (class of 2024) M2 elective lead

  • Winnie.chang@health.slu.edu & jooyoung.kang@health.slu.edu

• Up to 8 first or second year students.

• Explore our Pediatric Student Education website including the Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics site overview

• Make sure to BRING YOUR SCHEDULE (most important step!) for the first in-person meeting. Some course activities will fall outside of the slotted elective time

• Initial meeting location and time will be emailed to you

• Experiences will include the following: presentations with multiple different specialists and staff members, PEERS class, Volunteering with St. Louis Arc, active observation of Developmental Pediatricians at Knights of Columbus, and a final presentation

• You will receive informal feedback from physicians you actively observe and staff you work with as well as formal feedback on your final presentation

• Dr. Heithaus will assign a final grade (P/F) based on attendance, participation, and end-of-the course presentation.

• Your final presentation will consist of a 10-15 minute presentation on a topic of your choice. This will be explained more in detail on the first day.