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The Center for Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Health

by Glori Gayster

Bringing it all together

No matter the type of medicine or condition being treated, fragmented medical care can be one of the most detrimental hurdles to proper diagnosis and treatment, according to Mark Mintz, MD, founder and president of The Center for Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Health (CNNH) in Gibbsboro.

“For years, I have watched families struggle to navigate the complex health care system filled with insulated professionals who do not communicate with other providers,” Mintz says. “This inevitably results in misinformation, faulty diagnoses and unsuccessful or unnecessary treatments. The combination of redundant second, third and fourth opinions, rounds of illogical testing and poor outcomes severely reduce one’s quality of life.”

Knowing there had to be a better way, Mintz had a vision – one in which individuals and families coping with complex and chronic neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders are provided comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services in one place. “We have brought together a compassionate, multidisciplinary team of experts in neurological, neuropsychological and neurobehavioral care all under one roof, sharing a constant dedication to the highest standards of care,” says Mintz. “Our experts view problems and issues from many different angles, providing definitive diagnoses and optimal treatment strategies.”

At The Center for Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Health, or CNNH, skilled professionals provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment services for children, adolescents and adults with neurological conditions like Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Tourette and Tic Syndromes, Epilepsy and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. They also provide care for those with learning disabilities; academic underachievement; sports concussions; speech or language disorders; neuropsychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression and obsessive/compulsive disorder, along with other brain, spinal, nerve and muscle diseases.

In recognition of its highly skilled team and unique approach, CNNH has been designated one of six Autism Centers of Excellence for New Jersey by the Governor’s Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism. “Our Autism Center of Excellence was specially designed for the early identification, assessment and on-going treatment of children who may have an autism spectrum disorder,” explains Mintz. “We offer a full range of diagnostic and treatment services designed to suit the needs of every child.”

A Unique Model of Care
CNNH prides themselves on their three spheres of care – assessment, diagnostic testing and treatment.

According to CNNH director of operations, Brenda MacGhee, “We listen carefully to fully understand the issues, gathering information from patients, parents, schools and other professionals. We perform a complete clinical examination to uncover any neurological abnormalities and look to determine each child's strengths, talents and weaknesses.”

CNNH uses the latest and most-comprehensive diagnostic tools and technologies available for testing. Advanced testing instruments are used to administer computerized ADHD and neuropsychological testing, advanced technologies to measure electrical activity of the brain, and analytical behavioral analyses.

Using the results of CNNH’s comprehensive assessment and diagnostic testing, the professional team draws on a wide range of clinical expertise and treatment options to develop optimal management strategies. “The goal is to enable patients to enjoy life and reach their potential,” says MacGhee. “We work with families to reinforce treatment plans at home and help build supports for continued success.”

CNNH offers pragmatic treatment and therapy in a safe and nurturing environment focusing on kindness, patience and respect. Such programs include individual and family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, cognitive rehabilitation therapies, and treatment with medications. They also provide social development therapies based on kid-friendly Legos, creative arts, dance and movement.

A Well-Educated Community
CNNH does more than work with the patient. The most successful outcomes are those that engage families and the patient’s support team. Mintz adds that the CNNH team reaches into the home, school and communities to improve awareness and education of the conditions affecting children and adults. Through on-going workshops, parents, siblings and caregivers are able to gain a greater understanding and, therefore, improve the lives of everyone around them.

Mintz shares, “My biggest piece of advice is for others to treat children and adults with developmental disabilities as individuals, and not view them as someone with a disorder or illness. They shouldn’t be seen as fragile. Families and communities should embrace each member.”

At CNNH, the professional staff is compassionate in addressing the fears of all those affected when a child is diagnosed with a neurological condition. “It is a time filled with anxiety as parents want to know if this is a condition that will impact their child’s ability to share in the joys of a healthy and full adult life,” says Mintz. “We provide understanding and help focus on the child’s abilities not disabilities. We applaud all of those who overcome such daily adversities.”

The Center for Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Health
250 Haddonfield-Berlin Road, Gibbsboro
(856) 346-0005
thecnnh.org

Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Family Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 9 (November, 2011).
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