Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Residency

Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NDD) is a pediatric subspecialty focused on the assessment and longitudinal care of children and adolescents with developmental and neurologic differences. Clinicians trained in NDD provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary care for individuals with a wide range of neurodevelopmental profiles, often in the context of complex medical, genetic or neurologic conditions.

Patients cared for within this field may include children with developmental delays, autism, genetic and metabolic conditions, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, learning differences, and complex behavioral or school related needs. Care is grounded in close collaboration with psychology, social work, therapists, educators, psychiatry, genetics and community based services.

The Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Training Program at Children’s National prepares physicians for thoughtful, evidence based practice in this multidisciplinary field. Fellows are trained to evaluate and apply current medical knowledge, coordinate primary and consultative care, and develop longitudinal partnerships with patients and families. Training incorporates pediatric and adult neurology experiences and emphasizes a lifespan oriented, team based approach to neurodevelopmental care, along with mentorship in research, teaching, advocacy and community engagement.

How to Apply

Application processes for the Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Training Program vary by training pathway. Interested applicants should contact the program director directly to discuss eligibility, timing, and application procedures.

Prospective applicants are welcome to reach out to the program director at any stage of training to ask questions, explore potential fit or inquire about future fellowship availability. Elective opportunities may be available for medical students, pediatric residents, child neurology residents or other eligible trainees interested in gaining exposure to NDD clinical care and interdisciplinary practice.

Contact Us

For more information or additional questions please email Sinan Turnacioglu, MD, program director or Kiara Aviles, program coordinator.

Email Sinan Turnacioglu, MD Email Kiara Aviles

Sinan Turnacioglu, MD

Director, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Residency

Rebecca Lane, MD

Associate Director, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Residency

Explore Our Program

The Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Training Program at Children’s National offers multiple post residency training pathways, depending on prior training background. Current and historical pathways are outlined below to help applicants identify the option that best fits their experience and goals.

Four year Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Fellowship (Reserved Position)

This ACGME approved fellowship pathway is designed for physicians who have completed a full general pediatrics residency and are seeking comprehensive subspecialty training in neurodevelopmental disabilities. The fellowship provides four years of advanced training with progressive focus on child neurology, interdisciplinary neurodevelopmental evaluation and longitudinal NDD care.

Interested applicants should contact the program director directly to inquire about current or future availability and application instructions.

One year NDD CN Fellowship

This one year advanced fellowship pathway is designed for physicians who have completed an accredited child neurology residency and wish to pursue additional, focused training in neurodevelopmental disabilities. The NDD CN fellowship emphasizes advanced clinical experience in NDD, interdisciplinary care and subspecialty skill development.

This fellowship is offered outside of the NRMP match. Interested applicants should contact the program director for application information.

Integrated Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Residency Pathway (Categorical Position; not currently recruiting)

Historically, our program has also offered a categorical training pathway combining two years of pediatrics training followed by four years of neurodevelopmental disabilities training at Children’s National.

At this time, we are not actively recruiting for categorical positions. Interested applicants are encouraged to check back for future updates or to contact the program director with questions about potential future availability.

Board Certification Eligibility

Training pathways within the Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Training Program are structured to support eligibility for specialty board certification, depending on prior training and pathway completed.

four year

Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Fellowship

Physicians who complete the four year NDD Fellowship following general pediatrics training are eligible for board certification in Pediatrics, Child Neurology and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, in accordance with requirements of the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).

one year

NDD CN Fellowship

Physicians who complete the one year NDD CN Fellowship following an accredited child neurology residency are eligible for board certification in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities through the ABPN. These fellows are already eligible for board certification in Pediatrics and Child Neurology through completion of prior training.

Full NDD Fellowship

Fellows in the four-year pathway receive broad-based training across adult neurology, child neurology and neurodevelopmental disabilities, consistent with ACGME requirements. The curriculum includes inpatient and outpatient rotations in adult and child neurology, dedicated NDD clinics, and required experiences in psychiatry, neurosurgery, neurorehabilitation and transitions of care. Elective time allows fellows to pursue interests in areas such as neurogenetics, neuroradiology, neuropsychology and community-based care. Fellows also engage in scholarly activity and progressively take on leadership roles within interdisciplinary teams.

Post-Child Neurology NDD Fellowship (CN-NDD)

The one-year CN-NDD fellowship is designed for physicians who have completed child neurology residency and wish to gain additional, focused expertise in neurodevelopmental disabilities. Training is individualized based on the fellow’s background and interests, with an emphasis on advanced NDD clinical care, interdisciplinary evaluation and leadership in complex care settings. Fellows participate in core NDD clinics, interdisciplinary team meetings, and have opportunities for elective experiences and scholarly projects.

Plan Well, Live Healthy

Children's National is proud to offer quality healthcare options that are affordable and accessible. We also offer additional benefits that are designed to support many aspects of your life, from health and wellness services to income protection and retirement.

To learn more about fellowship applications, view a sample contract and explore next steps, visit the Candidates for Residency or Fellowship page below. For general benefits information, please visit our Employee Benefits page.

Explore contract details View employee benefits