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The 22q Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides children and their families with access to a multidisciplinary team of expert clinicians who understand these special needs. Under the joint directorship of Richard E. Kirschner, MD, FACS, FAAP, chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, clinical geneticist Joan F. Atkin, MD, FACMG, and speech scientist Adriane Baylis, PhD, CCC-SLP, the 22q Center team provides comprehensive individualized diagnostic and management services in Genetics, Cardiology, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Speech and Language Pathology, Developmental Pediatrics, Immunology, Neuropsychology, Behavioral Health, Audiology, Otolaryngology, Endocrinology, Hematology, Neurology, Orthopedics and Urology to patients with 22q Deletion Syndrome.

Our Philosophy of Care

The 22q Center's multidisciplinary team works together with families of children diagnosed with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome to provide diagnosis and early intervention services in order to optimize care and provide the best outcomes for every child.

Our multidisciplinary team consists of individuals who are nationally recognized as leaders in their specialties. We work with closely with each family to develop individualized care plans that allow each child to reach his or her full potential.

Clinical Care of 22q Deletion Syndrome

Each child with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome faces unique challenges. Given the wide spectrum of medical, developmental, and psychological needs of affected patients, optimal treatment requires an individualized and comprehensive approach to evaluation and treatment by a team of experts who understand the unique needs of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome patients.

All new patients evaluated by the 22q Center team undergo thorough pre-visit screening in order to prepare a comprehensive evaluation plan to address their individual needs. The Center’s staff coordinates each child’s appointments, allowing families to see all necessary specialists in just a few days. Our Welcome Center supports the unique needs of patients and families arriving from out-of-town, including housing, transportation, financial information and other resources. Once all clinical evaluations have been completed, our 22q Center team meets face-to-face in order to develop a coordinated plan of care for each patient.