The Acquired Autonomic Dysfunction Program (AADP) is a multidisciplinary program for adolescents ages 13 to 18 diagnosed with acquired autonomic dysfunction involving multisystem symptoms, without an underlying medical, structural or genetic explanation for autonomic nervous system involvement.

Before your child's first AADP visit

Initial evaluation through the diagnostic center

All initial evaluations for acquired autonomic dysfunction begin in the Patrick S. Pasquariello Jr. Diagnostic and Complex Care Center. This process helps our team understand your child’s symptoms, confirm the condition contributing to those symptoms, and match your child with the most appropriate CHOP program for ongoing care.

If the Diagnostic Center team identifies acquired autonomic dysfunction as the primary diagnosis, they will place a referral to the AADP for next steps.

To schedule this initial evaluation, please contact the Diagnostic and Complex Care Center at 215-590-4020.  You may also download a Diagnostic Center Patient Intake Form and return the completed form by fax at 215-590-3198 or by email at DCCCRecords@chop.edu.

Seeking a second opinion?

AADP works with families and physicians from all over the country and around the world to provide second opinions about treatment and follow-up care for children with acquired autonomic dysfunction.

If your child has been treated for acquired autonomic dysfunction or POTS by several outside specialists, please review our AADP Second Opinion Process.

Some children who come to us for second opinions may end up being treated here at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, but many will return home for treatment after CHOP clinicians have confirmed the child’s diagnosis and treatment options. 

Please note: Prior to scheduling a visit within AADP, all patients must have an active MyCHOP account. 

Scheduling your child’s first AADP patient evaluation

Whether your child is referred to AADP through the Diagnostic Center or the second opinion process, our clinical team will review your child’s information to determine the most appropriate AADP new patient consultation. 

AADP offers two types of new patient evaluations, and all new patients are required to meet with both our advanced practice provider and our psychologist to establish care within AADP. 

1. Comprehensive AADP evaluation

Most adolescents begin their AADP care with a two‑hour in‑person evaluation at the Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care with our AADP advanced practice provider and our psychologist. Families will also meet with our AADP education coordinator during this visit. 

This evaluation allows our team to understand your child’s symptoms, daily functioning and school‑related needs. You will be asked to complete a set of short questionnaires prior to this visit. 

Please note: All patients are required to meet with both our advanced practice provider and psychologist to establish care within AADP. 

2. Full-day multidisciplinary clinic evaluation

For adolescents whose symptoms are so significant that they cannot attend school regularly, we may recommend an initial evaluation in our Full‑Day Multidisciplinary Clinic. In this setting, your child meets with several specialists in one day for a coordinated, intensive assessment. This visit lasts approximately eight hours and takes place in person at the Buerger Center. Each evaluation is tailored to your child’s individual needs.

Please note: Full‑day appointments have limited availability.

After your child’s AADP visit: Follow-up care

Most follow‑up appointments with our advanced practice provider and our psychologist can be scheduled as combined telehealth visits for patients located in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This allows us to provide ongoing support while making visits more convenient for families. 

For patients in other states, as well as in certain situations within AADP, the following guidelines apply: 

• Patients outside PA and NJ: Due to licensing requirements, follow‑up visits for patients who live in other states must be completed in person. 
• Annual in‑person visit: All AADP patients must be seen in person at least once a year. 
• Symptom‑related visits: If symptoms begin significantly affecting school participation or daily functioning, your provider may recommend an in‑person visit. 
• Provider discretion: If your provider determines an in‑person visit is needed for any reason, our team will help you schedule the appointment promptly. 

For out‑of‑state families seeking a second opinion, the AADP new‑patient evaluation is generally provided as a one‑time consultation. After the visit, recommendations are shared with your local care providers, and our team participates in coordination as appropriate. Additional follow‑up within AADP may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis in accordance with clinical need and state licensing requirements.