Description:
Many children with drug-resistant epilepsy also have learning, behavior, or attention challenges, but families are often left wondering what’s going on or how to get help. These challenges are sometimes part of something called a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD).
In this Power Hour, pediatric neurologist Dr. Shafali Jeste explains NDDs in clear, simple language.
She covers:
What neurodevelopmental disorders are
How they’re diagnosed
How they can overlap with epilepsy, autism, ADHD, and learning delays
How the correct diagnosis can help unlock proper supports and services for your child
This talk is perfect for parents who are dealing with:
Behavior or attention issues
Learning delays
Trouble getting school services or knowing what to ask for
Presented by the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance in collaboration with
TSC Alliance
LGS Foundation
CHADD’s National Resource Center on ADHD
About our speaker
Dr. Shafali Jeste is a behavioral child neurologist who specializes in autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders in children with epilepsy and genetic conditions. She is Division Chief of Neurology at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at the USC Keck School of Medicine.
Her research focuses on early diagnosis and treatment of NDDs, especially in children with conditions like Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). She has led groundbreaking studies using brain-based tools to better understand autism, ADHD, and developmental delays in children with epilepsy. Dr. Jeste also helped develop clinical programs that provide specialized care for kids with complex neurodevelopmental needs. She is recognized for translating research into practical, family-centered care and is a national leader in the fields of epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
Dr. Jeste has published over 150 research articles and holds leadership roles with organizations such as the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the TSC Alliance, and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Her work has been recognized with awards such as the Presidential Early Career Award and the Child Neurology Society’s Martha Bridge Denckla Award. She founded two specialized clinics for children with neurogenetic and developmental disabilities—CARING at UCLA and KiNDD at CHLA—and recently launched one of only three neurodevelopmental disorder fellowships in the country.