What is the Robert Warner Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation?
The Variety Tent #7 Robert Warner Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo provides coordinated evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for children with known or suspected developmental differences and disabilities. Care is delivered by interdisciplinary pediatric specialists who work together to support each child’s development, function and quality of life.
The Center is part of UBMD Pediatrics and affiliated with the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. Services are family-centered and provided in collaboration with pediatricians, schools and community resources.
Who Was Robert Warner, MD?
Robert Warner, MD, was the founding medical director of the Robert Warner Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation. He served as medical director for 27 years, guiding the Center’s growth from a facility serving children with physical disabilities into a comprehensive center for children with cerebral palsy, intellectual disability and other developmental disabilities.
Dr. Warner played a key role in the development of the newborn screening test for Phenylketonuria (PKU) in collaboration with Robert Guthrie, MD, in 1961—a breakthrough that has helped prevent intellectual disability in countless children worldwide.
A Buffalo native, Dr. Warner was also known throughout Western New York for his advocacy for children with disabilities and his long-standing involvement in the Variety Club Telethon. Since opening its doors, the Robert Warner Center has served hundreds of thousands of children and families through expanded services and comprehensive care.
Who can benefit from this care?
The Robert Warner Center serves infants, children, adolescents and young adults who may need:
- Developmental or neurodevelopmental evaluations
- Ongoing management of developmental disabilities or complex conditions
- Rehabilitation services to support movement, communication or daily function
- Feeding and nutrition support
- Multispecialty pediatric coordination
- Long-term planning and family support
Most services are provided by referral.
Services
The Care We Provide
Developmental pediatrics and specialty programs
Children’s Guild Foundation Autism Spectrum Disorder Center
Comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and care coordination for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Comprehensive Developmental Program
Multidisciplinary evaluations and follow-up care for children with complex developmental concerns.
Early Developmental Program
Assessment and support for infants and young children with developmental delays or concerns.
Down Syndrome Program
Lifespan-focused care addressing the medical, developmental and behavioral needs of children with Down syndrome.
Leukodystrophy Care Network Certified Center
Specialized, coordinated care for children diagnosed with leukodystrophies and related disorders.
Neuropsychological Evaluation Clinic
In-depth cognitive and behavioral assessments to support diagnosis, treatment planning and school recommendations.
Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) Follow-Up Program
Ongoing monitoring and support for infants following discharge from the NICU.
Spina Bifida Program
Coordinated, multidisciplinary care supporting children with spina bifida from infancy through adolescence.
Rehabilitation and therapy services
Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMandR)
Physician-led care focused on improving mobility, managing spasticity and supporting functional outcomes.
Physical therapy
Therapy to improve strength, balance, coordination and movement skills.
Occupational therapy
Support for fine motor skills, sensory processing and daily living activities.
Speech and language therapy
Services addressing communication, language development and swallowing concerns.
Aquatic therapy
Water-based therapy designed to improve strength, flexibility, and movement in a supportive environment.
Feeding and nutrition programs
Feeding Program
Multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment for children with complex feeding difficulties.
Behavioral Feeding Therapy
Therapy focused on addressing feeding behaviors and improving mealtime success.
What to expect from your child’s care
Evaluation and diagnosis
Your child’s care team will review medical history, developmental milestones and current concerns. Evaluations may include clinical exams, standardized testing, imaging or therapy assessments.
Care planning
Families partner with the care team to develop a coordinated plan that reflects the child’s needs, goals and stage of development.
Ongoing care and follow-up
Treatment may include therapy, medical management, referrals to other specialists and coordination with schools or community services. Follow-up visits help track progress and adjust care over time.
Why families choose the Robert Warner Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation
- Interdisciplinary pediatric specialists working as one coordinated team
- Family-centered, developmentally appropriate care
- Access to advanced pediatric subspecialties
- Connection to the region’s Level IV NICU and Regional Perinatal Center
- Longstanding commitment to children and families in Western New York
Where you can receive care
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo – Outpatient Center (Conventus)
2nd floor
1001 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
New intake: (716) 323-6402
Front desk: (716) 323-6410
Fax: (716) 323-6677
Getting started
How do I make an appointment?
Most services require a referral from your child’s primary care provider. Providers can submit referrals using the following forms:
Getting Started
What should families bring?
Families may be asked to provide previous records, including:
- Core early intervention evaluation report
- IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan)
- CPSE (Committee on Preschool Special Education) Evaluations
- CSE (Committee on Special Education) Evaluations
- IEP (Individualized Education Plan)
Additional forms may be requested before your visit.
Family and community resources
Educational materials and community organizations that support children with developmental disabilities and their families.
Down syndrome achievement centers
• GiGi’s Playhouse Buffalo
• Down Syndrome Achievement Center
• GiGi’s Playhouse National
Recreation
• Fantastic Friends of WNY
• Sensational Fun
• Danceability, Inc.
• Moving Miracles
• Buffalo Equestrian Center
• SABAH
• Cradle Beach Camp
Down syndrome associations (local and regional)
• 21_Connect
• Down Syndrome Parent Group of WNY
National associations
• GiGi’s Playhouse National
• National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
• National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC)
• Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN)
• Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Educational resources
• GiGi’s At Home
• Down Syndrome Education International
• See and Learn
• Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress
• Down Syndrome Center Podcast (Kishore Vellody, MD)
• Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County – The Learning Program