Dedicated to Helping Improve the Lives of Children Born Prematurely

Darrell Armstrong knows from his own experience that children born prematurely face a host of medical problems and developmental problems. Newborns often have many problems such as respiratory challenges, bleeding in the brain, and not having a sucking reflex. After becoming stronger and bigger, these babies go home to grow and develop. During their childhood, premature babies have an increased risk for other problems. Up to 61% of children born prematurely have learning problems. They are four to six times more likely to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and are at a higher risk for autism. Clearly, children who were born prematurely need assistance beyond the neonatal hospital units.

Darrell’s dream of a Child Development Center for premature children became a reality with the opening of the Darrell Armstrong Child Development Center in 2003 at Florida Hospital East Orlando. Children are also served at our Celebration Health location.

A Unique Treatment Plan for Your Child
At the Darrell Armstrong Child Development Center, each child is provided with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation by a team of child development specialists. This team is made up of a developmental pediatrician, neuropsychologist, physical therapist, speech therapist and an occupational therapist. When the evaluations are complete, the team meets to identify the child’s strengths, weaknesses, and underlying disorders. They create a treatment plan that best fits each child and present it to the family.

Eligibility for the Darrell Armstrong Child Development Center
This program is for children who were born prematurely (< 36 weeks gestation).  If your child does not meet the eligibility criteria, other rehabilitation services are still available through our Adolescent/Pediatric Rehabilitation Program.  Please call 407-303-6733 for additional information.