Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics - Little Spurs Autism Centers

Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics

We are happy to announce the opening of Little Spurs Developmental & Behavioral Pediatric Clinic!
  • November 22, 2022
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Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics - Little Spurs Autism Centers

Little Spurs Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics is excited to come into the community and offer developmental testing!  The goal is to provide developmental assessments to children ages 0-21, which are performed by a Developmental Behavioral Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Here is an overview of who we are and what to expect when bringing in your child.  

Meet our Associate Medical Director! 

Monica Tagle is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with over 16 years’ experience in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics before joining Little Spurs in 2022 as the Associate Medical Director of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics.   

Earning her Master of Science in Nursing and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from the University of Texas Health Science Center in 2002, Monica became and is still an active member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association. Monica is also certified as a clinical ASDS Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist – specializing in the area of Autism. 

Currently enrolled at the Ohio State University Child and Adolescent Mental Health Fellowship Program, Monica’s many professional interests and specialties include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delays and ADHD. Monica is bilingual and is trained in the administration of many developmental tests with an extensive history of assessing and diagnosing Autism.  In her free time Monica loves to travel and spend time with family and young daughter. 

What is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner? 

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNP’s) are certified, licensed advanced practice nurses who have obtained a master’s degree, postgraduate certificate and/or clinical practice doctorate from an accredited academic program who works under a Board-Certified Pediatrician or Developmental Pediatrician.  

Our PNP has received extensive training in neurodevelopmental issues such as Autism, ADHD and other developmental delays. Her career has included more than 28 years of Neonatal, Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. 

What to expect during Initial Evaluation: 

The evaluation process consists of an initial intake assessment in which a detailed medical and developmental history will be performed. This will take approximately 1 hour. During the second visit we will go over all the diagnostic testing which may include ADOS-2 testing if autism is a concern, or other standardized developmental testing. This will take approximately 2 hours. 

The final visit, which usually takes an hour, will provide parents with feedback, test results, diagnosis, and discussion of plan of care that can then be utilized by PCP, Developmental Pediatrician and shared with the school district. The Nurse Practitioner will provide a written report to parents and the PCP for continued management. 

What is the ADOS-2? 

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition (ADOS-2) at Little Spurs Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics is what is administered by our trained clinician to evaluate communication skills, social interactions, and imaginative use of materials in children who are suspected to have Autism.  

The ADOS-2 is designed for individuals as young as 12 months old and into adulthood. For individuals to adequately participate in this assessment, there is a minimum development of 12 months and no significant sensory or motor impairments such as blindness or inability to walk.  

Parents & Family Roles in Assessment:  

A parent’s primary role is to simply observe, although during the assessment our PNP may ask the parent to interact with the child in a specific way. During the final visit with us, the results of the assessment are reviewed with family in addition to spending time with our clinician to review the results of the evaluation and address any questions.  

Families are provided with a written report with detailed recommendations. Appropriate recommendations will be made at this time such as continuing developmental follow up with a Primary Care Provider, Developmental Pediatrician, Psychologist, or Neurologist.  

 

As always, our goal at Little Spurs is to come alongside families to offer support and education on developmental diagnosis, goals for your child, and to equip you to best support for your family.  

 

Little Spurs Autism Centers offers collaborative and compassionate ABA Therapy to children 0-21 years old. Offering both center-based and home-based care, LSAC is excited to empower families by providing them with the support they need. For more information, please email us at autism@littlespurs.com

Article By: Breanna Kolts, Reviewed by Monica Tagle RN, MSN, CPNP-PC, ASDCS

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