Early Detection Program

Babies born prematurely or with complex medical needs may face a higher risk for developmental delays or neurological conditions, like cerebral palsy. That doesn’t mean your baby will have these challenges — but it does mean early support can make a big difference.

That’s where the Early Detection Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) comes in. Our specialized team follows babies in the CHOP Neonatal Follow-up Program (NFP) clinic after they leave the hospital. Sometimes our doctors will ask us to visit babies in the hospital at CHOP. We check in on how your baby is growing, learning and developing — and offer support when it’s needed.

What we do

In the hospital: If your care team sees any differences, they may consult us to assess your baby. We work with your baby’s care team, including physical and occupational therapists, to track early progress. We then use what we find on our assessment, along with the information we gather from your baby’s team, to customize support for your baby’s unique needs and strengths.

After you go home: Once your baby is discharged, we continue care in our Neonatal Follow-up Program clinic, where we:

Monitor growth, movement and development
Watch how your baby plays, learns and interacts
Share tools and strategies to support your baby’s development at home

What to expect during a visit

We'll do a short developmental check-up.

A visit may include:

A Hammersmith Infant Neurological Exam (HINE)
Observing your baby’s movement, vision, communication and interaction
A focus on gentle, safe care, especially for babies with medical devices

Each visit is adapted for your baby’s comfort and needs.

Why early detection matters

The earlier we understand your baby’s needs, the better we can support their development.

Early assessments help us:

Recognize strengths and areas needing support
Begin therapies early — when they can have the biggest impact
Give you peace of mind and helpful next steps

What happens next?

After your baby’s evaluation, we’ll:

Celebrate your baby’s progress
Share any concerns or red flags we observe
Recommend therapies or enrichment activities
Connect you with specialists if needed (e.g., neurology, ophthalmology, orthopedics)
Offer supportive therapies like massage, music or water therapy when appropriate

If we have concerns about your baby’s development or cerebral palsy, Dr. Andrea Duncan or another specialist will guide you through the next steps. CHOP is proud to be part of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation’s Early Detection and Intervention Network, ensuring families get the right care as early as possible.