Our Mission
Our mission is straightforward. We strive to:
- Provide interdisciplinary, comprehensive diagnostic services for children with developmental delays and disorders using a family-centered approach that prioritizes respect, collaboration, and compassion.
- Train and mentor future healthcare providers and promote awareness and understanding of developmental conditions among families, schools, and healthcare systems.
- Foster innovation in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches through scholarly collaboration and program development.
Our History
Our history is rooted in a rich tradition as the only source for developmental behavioral pediatric expertise in Arkansas.
James L. Dennis Developmental Center
Established in 1978 and named after James L. Dennis, the first chancellor of UAMS who championed a “university without walls” that stretched health information and education beyond the campus. His tenure was marked by growth of educational and clinical facilities, including the James L. Dennis Developmental Center.
Learn MoreSchmieding Developmental Center
Established by a gift from the Schmieding Foundation in 1993 and named in honor of Lawrence H. Schmieding, a philanthropist and advocate for children and seniors in Northwest Arkansas.
Learn MoreWhat Makes Us Unique
Our two developmental centers offer unique, robust learning experiences in education and training, patient care and research.
Expertise. Experience. Children and Families First
- Diagnostic centers for behavioral developmental concerns
- Interdisciplinary team/collaborative approach to assessing and diagnosing children
- Multi-disciplinary staff – MDs, APNs, PhD, PsyD, LPE-I, LCSW, SLP
- Faculty at these centers to assist with training in clinical experience
- Strong family collaboration
- Family navigation
- FIAB
- Well supported by the state and the institution
- Offers an interdisciplinary setting for clinical research
Section of DBP Education and Training
The Section of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics is focused on teaching and developing the next generation of DB pediatricians, researchers and educators.
- Fellowship
- Residency Rotation
- CoBALT Program
Patient Care
The DDC and SDC provide specialized developmental and behavioral services while building strong family collaborations across the state.