Division of Developmental Paediatrics

We partner to build system capacity, drive innovation and change, and inspire hope for children and youth with disabilities and developmental differences

Established in 2005, the Division of Developmental Paediatrics, University of Toronto, is situated at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Our division members are developmental paediatricians, paediatricians, and child neurologists who work in academic centres and community-based practices across the Greater Toronto Area.

Partnering with clients, families, teams, and organizations

Division members provide clinical care for a range of neurodevelopmental conditions and developmental disabilities. The children and youth we care for present with delays or differences in their language, social, learning or motor development, and often have complex developmental needs. We work in interprofessional teams alongside therapists, social workers, psychologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other members of the health care team. We partner with children, youth, and families to provide personalized care, co-create new pathways and interventions through research, and advocate for a brighter future that recognizes clients’ needs, diverse backgrounds, and identities. 

Leaders and Innovators in Child Development

Our division has had much impact on the world of childhood disability and continues to strive for excellence.
Division members:

• Hold Canada Research Chairs, Endowed Chairs in Developmental Paediatrics, and scientific leadership positions in the Ontario Brain Institute Translational Neuroscience Networks
• Hold leadership positions at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Developmental Paediatrics Specialty Committee and Exam Committee
• Provide leadership at the Canadian Paediatric Society, American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Physicians of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Advocacy, and International Society for Autism Research
• Advocate for child health equity through outreach, community capacity building, and innovative programs such as OurKidsHealth
• Lead evidence-based practice through developing new clinical pathways for cerebral palsy (CP), improving early diagnosis and intervention for CP or establishing care guidelines for Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy 
• Build capacity to care for children with disabilities through new clinical models such as partnerships with Family Health Teams or the Ability Program, and continuing professional development such as ECHO Autism and the handbook on paediatric feeding and swallowing