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improve a patient's development and daily function. To deal with mental and behavioral issues, the psychology and neuro- psychology team conducts thorough evaluations and offers counseling and evidence-based treatment. The center partners with families and caregivers to recommend intervent ions and referrals to programs such as the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. The Need for More Neurologists Northeast Ohio has the highest number Neuropsychologist, Lisa Stanford, PhD, conducts thorough evaluations and offers counseling and evidence-based treatment at Akron Children's NeuroDevelopmental Science Center. Akron Children's and is medical director of the Family Child Learning Center, a collaborative effort between Akron Children's and Kent State University with a nationally recognized research and training program. His team offers evaluation, counseling and treatment in partnership with families. His goal is to determine the root cause of a condition by addressing both medical and psychosocial aspects. His staff helps families advocate for community support in areas such as mental health, education and recreation services, respite care, estate planning and guardianship. "We are happy to see any children with developmental or learning delays," says Dr. Duby. "For children under age 3, I recommend a referral to Help Me Grow, a state-wide program offered through the Ohio Department of Health. If a child is over age 3, a referral to the local public school system's early childhood education program can be very helpful. Evaluations from these community part- ners help us streamline our processes." The center cooperates with the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Ohio Department of Health on the Autism Diagnosis Education Pilot Project. This program trains primary care providers, educators and others in early identification of children at risk for autism and other developmental disorders. Since 2008, Dr. Duby and his team have trained professionals across Ohio in the use of standardized tools and screenings. "Children with autism are socially aloof and don't respond to people in expected ways," says Dr. Duby. "Early identification is important and can make a big difference, especially since no medical treatments, diets or vitamin supplements have proven effective. Rather, what works best are techniques that improve social connectedness with the important people in their lives. Starting treatment early is best." Dr. Duby is also working with his staff to develop a School Success program to improve access to developmental- behavioral care for children who are struggling in school. This effort, still in the planning stages, will involve pediatric psychology and neuropsychology and provide a more comprehensive approach to treatment options, particularly for ADHD. Rounding out the NeuroDevelopmental Science Center are the divisions of Phys iat r y and Ps ycholog y and Neuropsychology, which address the physical, mental and behavioral issues affecting patients as a result of their diseases. Led by director Dr. Suneet Sahgal, the physiatry team focuses on managing the rehabilitative process for patients with physical impairments resulting from brain, spinal cord and nervous system disorders. Dr. Sahgal's team specializes in tone management, specialty equipment and orthotics to 26 | Cleveland-Akron-Canton MD NEWS MDNEWS.COM SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2011 of pediatric neurologists per capita in the United States. However, there are not enough to fully serve the area's needs. That's a concern to Dr. Hudgins and Dr. Cohen. "We have successful pediatric neurology programs at our hospital campuses in Akron and Boardman," Dr. Cohen says. "We also send neurologists to 14 locations in underserved areas in Ohio and western Pennsylvania. We're improving access for patients, but we need more physicians to take our outreach program to the next level." To attract neurologists, recruits are given the time and incentive to do clinical work and research, pursue educational and leadership opportunities, and develop programs and quality initiatives. Dr. Hudgins notes this is a radical shift. "We've created a framework that gives our providers the freedom to build a practice the way they want to, yet remains in line with the Center's direction," he says. "Akron Children's physicians can align personal goals with our goals to maximize their careers." He emphasizes there are many opportu- nities for pediatric neurologists to be part of this type of model. Akron Children's NeuroDevelopmental Science Center is expanding services as qualifi ed neurolo- gists continue to come on board. For more information about these opportu- nities, call 330-543-5055. To learn more about the Akron Children's NeuroDevelopmental Science Center, call 330-543-8050 or visit www.akronchildrens.org. n PHOTO © SMITHBERGER PHOTOGRAPHY, NORTH CANTON