Pediatric Care

Our pediatricians evaluate children who are suspected of having autism spectrum disorder in accordance with guidelines established by The American Academy of Pediatrics. As part of the region's premier academic medical center, The University of Kansas Health System is the primary autism diagnostic facility in Kansas. Our specialists offer both initial screening and full autism diagnostic evaluation, and provide customized treatment plans based on proven strategies.

Our children's cleft and lip and palate program includes board-certified specialists who also serve as faculty members at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Together, our interdisciplinary team works with dedicated therapists, nurse specialists and other experts who have advanced training and experience in cleft and lip palate disorders. Their goal is to support you and your child in all aspects of care – from speech therapy to hearing impairment.

For children who struggle with feeding and eating, we also offer a feeding clinic. If left untreated, feeding problems can adversely affect your child's growth and development.

Some examples of feeding problems include (but are not limited to):

• Difficulty in tolerating textures
• Presence of tongue thrust or bite reflex
• Difficulty with positioning
• Disruptive, undesirable behaviors at mealtime

Because feeding problems can be caused by such a range of complex and interrelated reasons, we take a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Your treatment team may include a board-certified pediatric specialist as well as a:

• Registered dietitian
• Occupational therapist
• Behavioral psychologist

If you or your primary care physician are concerned about your child’s weight, this program may be for you.

Healthy Hawks is a positive, multidisciplinary approach to addressing a child’s weight or other nutrition-related health concerns (like cholesterol). We work with children from ages 2-18.

Our goal is to help you and your child learn about making healthy changes for lifelong healthier habits, particularly in terms of nutrition, exercise and behavior.

Healthy Hawks is a 12-week, family-based program that promotes a healthy lifestyle for everyone in your family. You will work with a specially trained team that includes a nurse practitioner, a psychologist and a dietitian/nutritionist. Our program includes assessment and treatment from multiple perspectives.

• Medical: To determine if medical issues are involved, we first evaluate your child’s lab work to determine if referral to a subspecialist is required. We also evaluate mental health issues or concerns.
• Behavioral: Our focus is on helping your child and your entire family make lifestyle changes by setting realistic goals. We also identify and provide appropriate incentives to reach your goals.
• Nutritional: We work with you to evaluate current eating habits and make recommendations for appropriate intake (calories, fat, fiber, protein, etc.).

The benefits to your child of your family participating in Healthy Hawks may include weight loss, healthier eating habits, increased exercise and improved self-esteem.

When you choose The University of Kansas Health System to care for your child, you can trust that we'll provide comprehensive care at every stage of life. From birth through young adulthood, your kids can continue their specialized care with us in the same familiar setting. It's a way to continue receiving advanced care in the same place – and from the same team – you and your child already know.

Our pediatricians are part of The University of Kansas Physicians – the largest multispecialty medical practice in Kansas. Here, you have immediate access to a team of experts covering more than 35 specialties and programs that can help your little one from birth through adolescence and beyond.

We offer weekend, evening and same-day appointments for your convenience. When you have a question about your child's health, a physician is on-call 24/7 to provide you with expert advice when you need it most. MyChart, our patient portal, also provides rapid access to your care team via direct message, as well as the ability to self-schedule your child's visits.

Our team also offers in-person visits, same-day sick visits and telehealth video visits. Scheduling is easy – online, on the phone or by text. If needed, urgent care, emergency care, hospital care and specialty referral and consultation are available within the health system.