Regional Diagnostic Center (RDC)

The Regional Diagnostic Center of the University of Illinois provides comprehensive diagnostic services and coordination of specialty care for children with developmental disabilities and developmental delays. The Center focuses primarily on young children 0 to 3 years of age, but school age children are considered on a case-by-case basis. The Center is actively involved in the Illinois Early Intervention System both for evaluations and for technical assistance to Child Family Connections in the region.

Physicians, health departments, community agencies, schools, and parents can make a referral, but a primary care physician must be identified and advised of the referral. Each referral to the Center is assigned to a Medical Diagnostic Coordinator who assists the family through the entire diagnostic process and with recommendations for interventions. A detailed neurodevelopmental evaluation is obtained on each child. Additional assessments of motor skills, language, feeding, and behavior are available as needed.

Comprehensive Cerebral Palsy Clinic  (CCPC)

The CCPC within the RDC provides comprehensive care for children with cerebral palsy. The multidisciplinary team includes a developmental pediatrician, a neurologist, a pediatric orthopedist, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. Motor, cognitive, and school performance is monitored regularly. Orthotics and adaptive equipment are available through the clinic. The CCPC provides multiple options for spasticity management including medications, Botox injections, and intrathecal baclofen. Hospital and school therapists are encouraged to attend with their clients and students. Each child is assigned to a Medical Diagnostic Coordinator who assists the family with referrals and recommendations.

Regional Developmental Follow-up Project  (RDFP)

The RDFP provides periodic follow-up for children who are discharged from the NICU and are at high risk for developmental disabilities due to neurological complications. Infants with birth weights less than 3 pounds 3 ounces, significant intraventricular hemorrhage, neonatal seizures, chronic lung disease, and hypoxic-ischemic injury are enrolled in the Project. The children are evaluated at 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 3 years of age by several specialists.  Recommendations for intervention and referral for services are provided as indicated. 

For more information, please call (309) 681-6960.