Child Development Research

The Child Development Unit (CDU) at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh specializes in assessing children’s developmental delays, developmental disorders, genetic disorders and long-term consequences of certain medical conditions. CDU’s specialty unit includes the Fragile X Syndrome Center.

The CDU sponsors numerous research programs related to child development, disabilities and behavior. The wide range of topics in developmental and behavioral medicine includes problems faced by children with Fragile X syndrome, language development, and disorders and behavioral training for mothers of children with cancer to name a few. Many additional areas are supported by a variety of federal and philanthropic grants.

Examples of recent research endeavors include involvement in a National Institutes of Health multi-site study of treatment approaches for autism; research related to cardiovascular systems in individuals with Down syndrome; development of a research registry for children with Fragile X; sleep issues of children with Fragile X syndrome, research focused on emotions, depression, and anxiety, in adolescents with Asperger’s disorder, and Early Childhood Partnerships (ECP), a community-based consultation, training, technical assistance and research-based collaboration.

Enroll in a Clinical Study

The Pitt+Me Registry connects community members and patients of all ages with researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC. Parents who enroll their children in the Pitt+Me Registry will learn about research studies in areas of their choosing related to their child’s health.

Learn More About Clinical Studies

• Clinical Study FAQs
• How to Participate in a Clinical Study

Researchers

• Ira Bergman, MD, PhD
• Kristin Mary Hannibal, MD