Areas of expertise

The Center for Neurological Learning and Developmental Disorders at Kempenhaeghe, established in 2008, possesses unique expertise. Our specialists treat and support children with a neurological condition that may also be associated with a learning, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Each year, 200 to 300 children are examined, supported, and/or (short-term) treated at our center.

If there is a suspicion that a child’s learning or developmental disorder is related to their neurological condition, or if this has already been established, the Center for Neurological Learning and Developmental Disorders at Kempenhaeghe provides deeper insight into these issues. The center is unique in its field and offers highly specialized expertise in the brain, learning, and development.

We bring together expertise from pediatric neurology, clinical neuropsychology, and neurodidactics, and, if necessary, supplement it with expertise from other disciplines such as child and adolescent psychiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or social work.

We collaborate closely with our external partners in university hospitals specializing in the medical aspects of neurological conditions, and we involve the child’s treating physician. This allows us to gain a comprehensive perspective on what a child can do. Throughout the process, with parental consent, we can also coordinate with the child’s school.

At the Center for Neurological Learning and Developmental Disorders, a multidisciplinary team from various fields works together to provide care. The expertise of the (pediatric) neurologist and the clinical neuropsychologist/psychologist is central. A child and adolescent psychiatrist is involved and can be consulted if needed to provide input on behavioral issues related to the neurological condition.

The team may be expanded with a nurse specialist, social worker, and a pedagogical (home) guide. For referrals to schools, we can involve the Ambulatory Support Service of De Berkenschutse educational center from Kempenhaeghe. This provides additional perspectives and facilitates coordination with the child’s school, whether it is a regular school or a special education school. If necessary, the team collaborates with other institutions, such as mental health care (GGZ), Child Protection Services (Bureau Jeugdzorg), children’s rehabilitation centers, and/or schools and educational institutions.

The final responsibility for the diagnosis and treatment lies with the (pediatric) neurologist and the clinical neuropsychologist/psychologist. The medical responsibility rests with the (pediatric) neurologist.

The services of the Center for Neurological Learning and Developmental Disorders at Kempenhaeghe are provided under the medical responsibility of Dr. Klinkenberg, Dr. Debeij, and Mr. Lauwers, (pediatric) neurologists, with Drs. A.M. van Abeelen, clinical neuropsychologist, as the head.

The services of the Center for Neurological Learning and Developmental Disorders at Kempenhaeghe are aimed at providing customized diagnostics. The multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing the child’s issues, taking into account the underlying neurological cause, makes it possible to better address the specific needs of the child.

From past research, we know that seventy percent of the children referred to the center are given a new, previously undiagnosed working diagnosis after assessment.

With thorough diagnostics and guidance, we hope to positively influence the child’s learning and enjoyment of learning at school, and also improve the child’s overall well-being. Together with the parent(s) and the child, the team at the Center for Neurological Learning and Developmental Disorders works toward this goal.

The Center for Neurological Learning and Developmental Disorders is a diagnostic center. Once the diagnosis and related treatment recommendations are determined, the team will generally refer the child back to the referrer. This is done in consultation with the parents.

Additionally, we provide comprehensive information to the parents and/or the child, as well as any other involved parties, regarding the child’s specific learning and developmental issues. In this context, the psychologist – with the consent of the parents – may contact the child’s school.

Follow-up Assessment
Sometimes, after an initial assessment, a clear working diagnosis cannot be established. In this case, the CNL team will, if desired, continue to follow the child. After some time, the child will be called in for follow-up assessments and development evaluation.

• Professional development through training and continuing education.
• Collaboration with special education (for long-term sick children and mytyl schools) and mental health care (GGZ).
• Building and participating in networks with national centers in the fields of muscular diseases and Neurofibromatosis Type 1.
• Academization through scientific research and collaboration with university centers.