UM Clinical Center for Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CCAND)

The University of Maryland Clinical Center for Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CCAND), offers clinical evaluation and care for teens and adults (ages 14 and up) with neurodevelopmental disorders including intellectual disability (ID) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in association with epilepsy. If your child has a neurodevelopmental disorder in association with seizures and is transitioning from pediatric to adult care, you can benefit from an expert team of specialists at the CCAND that includes a neurologist, psychiatrist, genetics counselor, nurse practitioner, and social worker.

The UM Clinical Center for Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CCAND) is located in a quiet part of Baltimore at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation Institute and is the ideal setting for treating adults with ASD and other neuro-developmental disorders.

Contact Information

• CCAND/TSC Center direct phone number: 410-448-2485
• The office is closed on Fridays
• We are not able to answer calls or messages on Fridays
• Please sign up for MyPortfolio as soon as you can for:
  • Prescription refills
  • Questions
  • Appointments
  • Access to your medical records

To make an appointment, call 410-328-6266.

What Are Neurodevelopmental Disorders?

Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders typically exhibit ID, neurobehavioral issues such as impaired verbal communication, motor or sensory deficits, ASD, sleep disorders, aggression, anxiety, OCD, attentional issues, and seizures. Neurodevelopmental disorders are most commonly linked to a number of genetic disorders resulting from defects in human chromosomes or genes. There are a number of neurodevelopmental syndromes such as Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Fragile X syndrome, and Phelan-McDermid syndrome that are highly associated with ID, ASD, and epilepsy. Regardless of the cause, each individual with a neurodevelopmental disorders is unique and the CCAND clinic approaches each patient in this manner.

Treating Symptoms in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

ID and ASD have no cures and treatments are limited to therapies that may relieve disabling symptoms including anxiety, aggression, and altered sleep patterns. Because no two individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders are alike, there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment.

Seizures/Epilepsy

Many individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders have epilepsy. Indeed, approximately 20-40% of individuals with autism may have epilepsy and current evidence suggests that genetic mutations linked to ID or ASD, may predispose individuals to seizures. Individuals with ID, ASD, and epilepsy require more intensive and careful clinical evaluation, diagnostic testing, and treatments. The CCAND Clinic was designed specifically with these special needs in mind. The multidisciplinary approach that we offer provides a high level of care to complex patients.

Approach to Care at CCAND

At or prior to your visit, we will review your medical records, if available, and determine what testing may be needed. There is currently no approved diagnostic test for ASD in adults but clinical criteria are used to assess behavior as part of the exam interview process. You may need brain imaging such as MRI, an electroencephalogram (EEG), and blood testing for seizure medication levels. We offer consultation with a certified medical genetics counselor to provide genetic testing. In the majority of individuals, genetic testing no longer requires a blood draw and a sample of cheek cells is obtain by a cheek swab done at home.

The goals of the CCAND are to:

• Ascertain and validate a clinical diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorder
• Define underlying abnormalities of brain structure that may contribute to epilepsy, ID, ASD, or neurobehavioral issues.
• Evaluate the clinical diagnosis of epilepsy
• Identify genetic causes for neurodevelopmental disorders
• Help with referrals for psychiatry services
• Our nursing and social work staff will help you with prescriptions, referrals, assistance with applications, patient advocacy and support.

We will work closely with your primary care or other physicians to ensure your entire care team is involved every step of the way.

Genetics Counseling

• Our genetics counselor will work with you to coordinate recommended genetic testing, gather family history, and discuss the results of genetic testing including positive, negative, and variants of unknown significance.
• If a healthcare provider needs a copy of completed genetic testing results please have them fax their request to 410-328-5484.

Hours and Parking

Patient appointments are available:

• Monday and Tuesdays: 8 am-12 pm
• Thursdays: 1 pm-4 pm
• The office is closed on Fridays

On-site parking is free.

If you need wheelchair assistance, this can be provided for you at the entrance.

Your Appointment

For appointments at the CCAND, please call 410-328-6266.

Cancellations

If you need to cancel your appointment more than 24 hours before your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible by calling 410-328-6266 or 410-328-4323.

Before Your Appointment

• Make sure to provide your ID, insurance card and any approval or other necessary paperwork when scheduling the appointment.
• Please complete the CCAND referral form on this page and submit for our pre-visit assessment. Some individuals will not be candidates for CCAND care.
• Please send existing medical records from your prior providers to the scheduling staff prior to your appointment for your CCAND provider to review.
• Submit requested previous testing / labs / notes / documentation
• Obtain proper approval from insurance as needed

On the Day of Your Visit

• Bring all relevant prior records (labs, test results, etc)
• Feel free bring tablets or iPADs for patient entertainment or communication
• Be certain to bring a list of all current medications
• Please have a list (with phone numbers) of current care providers