Community Newsletter  
Summer 2015  
Bobbi's Story: A young woman finally discovers the diagnosis she has been searching for...at CNNH
A Word From Our President, CEO & Founder, Dr. Mark Mintz

 

 

Bobbi D


 

I invite you to watch the inspiring story of Bobbi D., newly posted on our website (click here to see the video). She has persevered through years of trials and tribulations with grace, and has emerged a true champion. There are many lessons to be learned from Bobbi's story. 

 

The journey that led Bobbi to CNNH...

In this age of rapid changes in our health care system, with fragmentation of care and weakened physician-patient relationships, the fundamental rule of listening to patients can be neglected. Bobbi experienced this over the years, which led to missed opportunities, misdiagnosis, ineffective therapies, and poor clinical outcomes. 

 

 

After 10 years of frustration and disability, Bobbi learned about CNNH. Bobbi was initially evaluated by a CNNH neurologist (Dr. Chadehumbe, and subsequently Drs. Barabas and Mintz), who listened to Bobbi and trusted Bobbi's intrinsic sense that her issues were biological and not psychiatric. This spurred a quest to find a cause for Bobbi's condition, and a treatable metabolic-genetic disorder was found. Bobbi's long diagnostic journey came to an end, and her path towards recovery and redemption began.

 

Read More...

Join Us for the CNNH - Voorhees Open House
CNNH Moves to Voorhees Town Center
Open House: Thursday, July 16th 

Register Now and Receive a Gift at the Door!

 

Thursday, July 16th

12:30pm - Ribbon Cutting

12pm - 7pm - Tours, Demonstrations, Meet Clinicians

 

2050 Voorhees Town Center

Voorhees, NJ 08043

(Between Boscov's and Macy's on 2nd Floor, across from LensCrafters)

 

View the Invitation!

 

 

Top Ten Ways Art Therapy Can Improve Mood
Children Benefit from Art Therapy in So Many Ways!

Patients who receive an evaluation from one of CNNH's expert neurologists or neuropsychologists may receive a treatment recommendation for Creative Arts Therapy, including: music therapy, dance/movement therapy or art therapy. Some might think this a curious treatment option coming from a brain health expert, but, in fact, Art Therapy is internationally recognized as an intervention for a wide range of clinical diagnoses, including (but not limited to): 

  • ADHD
  • cognitive disorders and dementia
  • autism spectrum disorders
  • epilepsy
  • anxiety and mood disorders
  • trauma-related disorders
  • PTSD
  • traumatic brain injury

And, modalities for the therapeutic intervention are selected based on each individuals'  interests, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, writing, collage and much more! 

 

Consider these ways Art Therapy might improve the mood of someone you love...

 

 

 Patient Satisfaction 
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We Value and Appreciate Your Feedback

Patient care is at the core of our mission at CNNH...it's the foundation upon which our organization was built. Our focus is to improve clinical outcomes for our patients, provide family members with a deep understanding of how to address a disorder and support families through the evaluation and treatment process. We strive to meet the needs of patients in many ways, including:
  • Having extended appointment times
  • offering access to expert clinicians and comprehensive evaluations
Learn More and Take Our Survey...

We also encourage families to review the Patient/Parent Page on our website. It provides links to valuable community resources and offers answers to many frequently asked questions, such as:
  • Why is maintaining neurological health important?
  • What happens after an initial visit?

Learn More About Our Patient Page...

Behavior Tips for the Summer
Transitioning Out of School and Into Summer
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The CNNH Behavior Team works with families, school districts and community providers to evaluate and treat children with behavior concerns. They work closely with the Interdisciplinary Team of experts of CNNH to address a variety of neurological concerns.

 

They bring the following tips for families to welcome in the longer days, warmer weather and family outings!


 

Read the List of Tips...

 

The SPAN Difference at CNNH

A dedicated SPAN representative at CNNH Provides 'Value-Added' Service
 

 

The Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) in New Jersey is an organization dedicated to supporting families raising children with special needs. SPAN provides information and referrals about county, state and national resources; information on special education rights; access to health care resources; connection with other families with similar needs; outreach to medical and school professionals, and so much more! They are relied on by thousands of families each year for information, educational rights and general support. 

 

CNNH supports the difference that SPAN makes in the lives of parents by hosting a dedicated SPAN representative, Deepa Srinivasavaradan (everyone just calls her Deepa!), in the CNNH - Voorhees, New Jersey office two days a week. Deepa is available to meet with CNNH patients by appointment or connect via email or telephone.   

 

"Parents who have children with special needs typically have so much going on in their lives," comments Deepa. "CNNH has made accessing information and resources easier for their patients by contracting with SPAN. Typically one of the CNNH clinicians will refer a patient directly to me but I also hear from parents who heard about me in the newsletter or on the website. I know what parents are going through and I understand that time is precious. There are appointments to make, deadlines to meet and a lot of information to digest in order to be an effective advocate for your child."

 

Read About Dawn's Story...


Ongoing Research

The Clinical Research Center of New Jersey
 
Botox Spasticity Study
Does your child have cerebral palsy? Does your child have abnormal muscle stiffness (spasticity) in the leg?

Please consider this important medical research study evaluating BOTOX® for the treatment of lower limb spasticity in children between the ages of 2 and 17.

Does your child have cerebral palsy? Does your child have abnormal muscle stiffness (spasticity) in the arm and hand?

Please consider this important medical research study evaluating BOTOX® for the treatment of upper limb spasticity in children between the ages 2 and 17.


Epilepsy Study
Still searching for answers to your child's epilepsy?

Your child may be eligible to participate in the study if he or she has been diagnosed with epilepsy, is taking anti epileptic mediations but still experiencing seizures.







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NeurAbilities

Autism Study
NeurAbilities was awarded a two-year grant to investigate for genetic abnormalities in those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) associated with intellectual disabilities and/or epilepsy, and determine their clinical manifestations. Findings from this research project may discover new biological causes of ASD's and associated complications, as well as assist clinicians in determining treatments targeting mechanisms of disease rather than symptoms. The Center for Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Health (CNNH) will lead this project, with three collaborating institutions: Courtagen Life Sciences, Coriell Institute for Medical Research and the Mitochondrial Disease Laboratory of St. Christopher's Hospital for Children.

Click here to learn how to inquire about this grant study...
CNNH Happenings - Upcoming Events
 
Visit www.cnnh.org/events to keep up-to-date with all of our upcoming events and other community activities. 

OPEN HOUSE AT CNNH-VOORHEES
July 16th - 
CNNH at Voorhees Open House. Come celebrate the opening of our new South Jersey re-location anytime between 12pm and 7pm (Ribbon Cutting at 12:30pm)


LECTURES AND PRESENTATIONS
July 29th - 

September 17th - 

September 18th - 

November 19th - 


EVENTS/PRESENTATIONS HOSTED AT CNNH
July 28th - 
Epilepsy Support Group (Hosted by Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern PA at CNNH - KOP) 

July 29th - 

"Health Manual" SPAN Workshop Hosted at CNNH - Voorhees from10am to 12pm, Presented in English and in Spanish! (Register Now)

October 27th - 
Epilepsy Support Group (Hosted by Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern PA at CNNH - KOP) 

EXHIBITS
September 13th - 

October 18th - 

December 4th - 
 NJ Association of School Psychologists Conference


SPONSORSHIPS




TEAM CNNH PARTICIPATION
October 3rd - 

CNNH Happenings

PAST EVENTS
(with Webinar Links)
 
Visit www.cnnh.org/events to keep up-to-date with all of our upcoming events and other community activities. 

LECTURES AND PRESENTATIONS
Dr. Mark Mintz at conference in Eilat Israel
March 5th - 
"Apnea, Snoring and Insomnia! Ask a Sleep Doctor about Common Sleep Issues and Solutions" (Live Chat presented by Ralph Gallo, MD and hosted by Kennedy Hospital)

March 12th - 
(WEBINAR presented by Laura Henderson, BCBA and Nicole Pelliciari, BCBA and hosted by The Family Support Network of NJ)

March 23rd - 
"Unexpected Subclinical Spikes in ADHD, Learning, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Clinical and Neuropsychological Correlations" (Dr. Mark Mintz was an invited lecturer at the 6th Fred J. Epstein International Symposium on New Horizons in Pediatric Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Neurofibromatosis, in Eilat Israel).

April 14th -
"Autism and Anxiety" (WEBINAR presented by Rebecca Penna, Ph.D. and hosted by The Family Support Network of NJ)

May 13th - 
"Tourette Syndrome and Autism: Similarities and Differences" (WEBINAR presented by Mark Mintz, M.D. and hosted by NJCTS)

May 26th - 
"Strategies and Accommodations to Consider in Supporting A Child with Seizures at School" (presented by Rebecca Penna, Ph.D. for the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern PA Support Group at CNNH - KOP)

May 29th -  
"Behavioral Aspects of Epilepsy in Persons with I/DD" (presentation by Mark Mintz, MD at the ARC of NJ Conference, Princeton, NJ)

May 29th -  
"Autism Spectrum After Dark" (presentation by Ralph Gallo, MD at the Autism Society of Greater Philadelphia Conference, King of Prussia, PA) 

May 29th - 
"Autism and Genes: Practical Aspects, Problems and Utility of Genetic Testing" (presentation by Mark Mintz, MD at the Autism Society of Greater Philadelphia Conference, King of Prussia, PA)

June 11th - 
"The Autism-Epilepsy Connection" (WEBINAR presented by Mark Mintz, MD and hosted by The Family Support Network of NJ)

June 25th - 
"Art Therapy - The Healing Power of Art" (WEBINAR presented by Alexandra Back and hosted by The Family Support Network of NJ)


EVENTS/PRESENTATIONS HOSTED AT CNNH
March 24th - 
Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern PA Support Group at CNNH - KOP 

May 21st - 
"Dyslexia - Making it Personal" presented by Learning Ally and hosted by CNNH

May 26th -
Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern PA Support Group at CNNH - KOP


EXHIBITS 
April 18th - 
A-Team Family Fun Day, Exhibitor

April 18th - 
SPAN Parent Leadership & Advocacy Conference, Exhibitor

April 25th - 
Voorhees SPEAK 5K Run 
Voorhees SPEAK 5K, April 25, 2015

May 8th - 
New Jersey Association of School Psychologists, Exhibitor

May 13th - 
American Academy of Pediatrics in NJ, Exhibitor

May 16th - 
Autism Speaks Walk, Exhibitor
Autism Speaks Walk, May 16, 2015
 
May 27th - 
Virtua Early Intervention Fun Day, Exhibitor

May 29th -  
ARC of NJ, Exhibit or

May 29th - Autism Society of Greater Philadelphia, Exhibitor


SPONSORSHIPS
Autism NJ Ambassador Program
Voorhees SPEAK
Chabad Foundation
Larc School 
Durand Academy
Politz Day School
NJ Pediatric Patient's Charity Trust

June 13th - 
Art in Motion (NeurAbilities function hosted by CNNH)


INTERNSHIPS AT CNNH
Julia Frueh, a senior medical student from the University of Basel, Switzerland, performed a clinical elective at CNNH during April to June. 


TEAM CNNH PARTICIPATION
June 14th - 
American Cancer Society Bike-A-Thon

 

Community Corner
 
There are so many wonderful organizations in our community working to serve individuals with special needs and their families. For an update of what is happening at CNNH and in the community, please reference the community calendar on our website. Together we can make a difference!

Voorhees, NJ  
·  Rutherford, NJ

Wall Township, NJ 
·  King of Prussia, PA
 
P: 855.852.8150     F: 856.784.1799
"The staff members at CNNH are unparalleled in their professionalism and passion to see our children succeed. I searched a long time to find a place like this for my children. It's a rare organization that can boast of such dynamic clinicians and diverse services."
- Jacqui E., mother of two sons with autism