In 2025, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Pediatrics Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, in collaboration with the Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, expanded care, training and research for children with developmental and behavioral challenges.
The division built on federally and state-supported programs, including Alabama’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities, Regional Autism Network and Partners in Policymaking Alabama, to increase clinical access, strengthen partnerships and expand education across the state.
New programs expand access to care
The division launched two specialty programs, the Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Program and the Lifespan Down Syndrome Program.
The Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Program, housed within the Behavioral Intervention Clinic, provides family-focused behavioral interventions for children ages two to six with disruptive or oppositional behaviors. The clinic operates one day per week and serves as a training site for psychology and behavioral health trainees. To date, the program has completed 167 patient encounters.
Sarah Olivas, Psy.D., and Brandi Ellis, Ph.D., both certified through Patient-Child Interaction therapy (PCIT) International, are completing Within-Agency Trainer certifications to expand local training capacity.
Led by Snehal Khatri, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, the Lifespan Down Syndrome Program at UAB provides coordinated care for individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan. The program integrates medical, developmental and social support and partners with community physicians to support continuity of care.
The pediatric clinic has recorded 104 pediatric visits and 438 interdisciplinary encounters and is expanding due to demand.
Autism services and statewide outreach
The division’s partnership with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services strengthened early identification and diagnostic services for children with autism spectrum disorder. More than 500 children have been screened through Early Intervention programs and expanded diagnostic clinics within Children’s Rehabilitation Services.
The UAB Regional Autism Network provided direct assistance to 1,044 individuals and families and technical support to 328 professionals. The network delivered 22 professional trainings reaching 292 participants and hosted 80 public events engaging more than 4,700 individuals.
The network expanded access through hybrid programming, bilingual resources and a caregiver survey to better understand gaps in childcare and respite services. Its listserv now includes more than 1,300 subscribers.
Within the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Clinic, Sarah O’Kelley, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Psychology and Gwendolyn Brown, UAB Regional Autism Network, expanded family support efforts, reaching more than 40 families in 2025.
Interdisciplinary care through Sparks Clinics
Across the Sparks Clinics, the division provided interdisciplinary services to 1,170 patients across Audiology, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Nutrition, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Social Work and Speech-Language Pathology.
The Sparks Pediatrics Clinic provided coordinated primary care for 873 patients, while the Sparks Dental Clinic served 1,222 individuals.
Statewide partnerships support continued impact
Faculty and staff continue to serve on state and community organizations, including the Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council, Jefferson County Child Developmental Council and Alabama Autism Provider’s Network, supporting efforts to improve early screening and access to care.
These efforts reflect the division’s focus on expanding access to care and supporting children and families across Alabama.