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When Hearts and Minds Unite: Navigating Neurodevelopment in CHD

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Manage episode 474544883 series 2286909
Content provided by Anna Jaworski. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Anna Jaworski or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

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The journey of raising a child with a critical congenital heart defect (CCHD) involves navigating far more than just medical challenges. Behind every heart surgery and cardiology appointment lies a complex web of developmental considerations that can profoundly shape a child's future.
Dr. Dawn Ilardi, a clinical neuropsychologist with over 16 years of experience in cardiac neurodevelopment, brings clarity to this often-overlooked aspect of heart care. Unlike typical developmental patterns, children with CCHDs may present with scattered strengths and weaknesses that don't fit neatly into standard diagnostic categories. While some may develop recognizable conditions like ADHD, autism, or dyslexia, others show unique profiles that require specialized understanding.
The conversation explores the fascinating heart-brain connection, revealing how brain development begins simultaneously with heart formation during fetal development. Structural heart defects can affect blood flow patterns to the developing brain, while surgical interventions carry risks of small strokes or other brain injuries. For parents wondering why their child struggles with handwriting, speech delays, or learning difficulties despite excellent medical care, this discussion provides crucial insights.
Particularly compelling is the discussion about balancing protection with developmental progress. How do you navigate the tension between keeping a medically fragile child safe while ensuring they develop age-appropriate skills and independence? Dr. Ilardi offers practical strategies for finding this balance, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive "village" around both the child and parents.
Whether you're a parent, medical professional, or educator working with heart warriors, this profound conversation will transform your understanding of the developmental journey these remarkable children face. Most importantly, you'll discover pathways to help them reach their full potential through multisensory learning approaches, compensatory strategies, and family-centered support.

Helpful Links:

Christy Pace's CHD Connects Hearts: https://chdconnectshearts.com/home

Dawn Ilardi's other Heart to Heart with Anna Appearances:

Unlocking Neurodevelopmental Breakthroughs: Impact of CHDs and Parental Influence https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/episodes/15872291

What is Normal Child Development in Children with Complex Congenital Heart Defects? https://tinyurl.com/DawnIlardi2014
Dr. Ilardi's website: https://www.pedneurocenter.com
Dr. Ilardi's email: DawnIlardi@pedneurocenter.com

Gastrointestinal Issues and Feeding Tubes in the CHD Community: https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/episodes/1999819

Support the show

Anna's Buzzsprout Affiliate Link
Baby Blue Sound Collective
Social Media Pages:
Apple Podcasts
Facebook
Instagram
MeWe
Twitter
YouTube
Website

  continue reading

Chapters

1. H2HwAnna 2025 Dawn Ilardi (00:00:00)

2. Interview with Dr. Dawn Ilardi (00:00:24)

3. Segment 3 (00:22:00)

478 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 474544883 series 2286909
Content provided by Anna Jaworski. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Anna Jaworski or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

Send us a text

The journey of raising a child with a critical congenital heart defect (CCHD) involves navigating far more than just medical challenges. Behind every heart surgery and cardiology appointment lies a complex web of developmental considerations that can profoundly shape a child's future.
Dr. Dawn Ilardi, a clinical neuropsychologist with over 16 years of experience in cardiac neurodevelopment, brings clarity to this often-overlooked aspect of heart care. Unlike typical developmental patterns, children with CCHDs may present with scattered strengths and weaknesses that don't fit neatly into standard diagnostic categories. While some may develop recognizable conditions like ADHD, autism, or dyslexia, others show unique profiles that require specialized understanding.
The conversation explores the fascinating heart-brain connection, revealing how brain development begins simultaneously with heart formation during fetal development. Structural heart defects can affect blood flow patterns to the developing brain, while surgical interventions carry risks of small strokes or other brain injuries. For parents wondering why their child struggles with handwriting, speech delays, or learning difficulties despite excellent medical care, this discussion provides crucial insights.
Particularly compelling is the discussion about balancing protection with developmental progress. How do you navigate the tension between keeping a medically fragile child safe while ensuring they develop age-appropriate skills and independence? Dr. Ilardi offers practical strategies for finding this balance, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive "village" around both the child and parents.
Whether you're a parent, medical professional, or educator working with heart warriors, this profound conversation will transform your understanding of the developmental journey these remarkable children face. Most importantly, you'll discover pathways to help them reach their full potential through multisensory learning approaches, compensatory strategies, and family-centered support.

Helpful Links:

Christy Pace's CHD Connects Hearts: https://chdconnectshearts.com/home

Dawn Ilardi's other Heart to Heart with Anna Appearances:

Unlocking Neurodevelopmental Breakthroughs: Impact of CHDs and Parental Influence https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/episodes/15872291

What is Normal Child Development in Children with Complex Congenital Heart Defects? https://tinyurl.com/DawnIlardi2014
Dr. Ilardi's website: https://www.pedneurocenter.com
Dr. Ilardi's email: DawnIlardi@pedneurocenter.com

Gastrointestinal Issues and Feeding Tubes in the CHD Community: https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/episodes/1999819

Support the show

Anna's Buzzsprout Affiliate Link
Baby Blue Sound Collective
Social Media Pages:
Apple Podcasts
Facebook
Instagram
MeWe
Twitter
YouTube
Website

  continue reading

Chapters

1. H2HwAnna 2025 Dawn Ilardi (00:00:00)

2. Interview with Dr. Dawn Ilardi (00:00:24)

3. Segment 3 (00:22:00)

478 episodes

All episodes

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