The Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics provides compassionate and state-of-the-art clinical care for children with a variety of challenges and difficulties.

We also provide leadership for the Autism Center, which is a collaborative program of the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Psychiatry.

Education

The Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD) is the home of Iowa’s LEND program (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities), and has provided outstanding interdisciplinary training in neurodevelopmental disabilities for over two decades. In addition, the CDD is recognized as Iowa’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), which works to ensure that all Iowans with disabilities have the opportunities, services, and supports they need to be independent and productive members of their home communities.

Fellowship Program

Our ACGME-accredited Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship educates the next generation of developmental-behavioral pediatricians. Started in 1948, program fellows learn through clinical, research, and community-based experiences.

A Faculty-focused Academic Medical Center

UI Health Care faculty enjoy defined academic time, plus benefits like doubling your retirement contribution. With a short commute and low cost of home ownership, it's no surprise we attract the best academically trained providers.

Research

Our research includes a focus on prevention of developmental and behavioral problems in early childhood by examining early parent-child attachment patterns and how a parent's brain responds to seeing and hearing their infant during functional brain scanning. Another goal is to better understand how genetics and social environments intersect to predict developmental outcomes in childhood. 

The division is a national leader in research using applied behavior analysis to treat severely challenging behavior, and recent studies have developed practical strategies for using telehealth to expand access to behavioral treatment for children in rural and underserved areas.

The center also participates in the Fragile X Clinical and Research Consortium.

Recent Division Publications

Our research supports the rapid translation of laboratory discoveries into new treatments.

Clinical Care

Services are provided through the Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD), which is a highly respected stand-alone facility on the campus of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. 

As an interdisciplinary center of excellence, it integrates a broad range of clinical services in one location, including developmental and behavioral pediatrics, psychology and neuropsychology, speech-language pathology, occupational and physical therapy, social work, education, audiology, and nursing, and thus provides an environment for exceptional patient care, education, and research. 

Learn about the Center for Disabilities and Development Clinic and request an appointment. 

Conditions we see include, but are not limited to:

  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Behavioral concerns
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Developmental concerns
  • Feeding disorders
  • Learning disorders
  • Movement difficulties
Lane Strathearn, MBBS, PhD, FRACP

Lane Strathearn, MBBS, PhD, FRACP

Division Director

Division Contact Information

University of Iowa Stead Family Department of Pediatrics
Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
200 Hawkins Drive
2857 John Pappajohn Pavilion (JPP)
Iowa City, IA 52242

Support the Department

Your contribution is more than a donation, it can change the future of pediatrics.