Applications for the neurodevelopmental disability categorical and advanced positions are processed through the NRMP and ERAS. 1 year NDD fellowships are not currently offered through the match, rather if you are interested, you should reach out directly to the program directors.
NDD programs may have one or any combination of three different types of positions available through the Match, so pay close attention to which one(s) you would like to apply for.
To learn more about which programs are offering specific types of positions, check out the child neurology society website where it lists all of this in detail for the upcoming year.
As a reminder, below are the 3 types of programs available (more detail is provided in the training pathway section):
- Categorical: A combined 6 year training completed all in the same institution (for applications who have not completed an ACGME-accredited pediatric residency previously)
- Advanced: A 4 year NDD training available after completion of a two-year pediatric program, but applied for at that same time as you apply for a pediatric residency (for applications who have not completed an ACGME-accredited pediatric residency previously)
- Reserved: A 4 year NDD training available after completion of a two- OR three-year pediatric program, applied for during or after the completion of the pediatric training (for applicants who have completed at least 1 year of an ACGME-accredited pediatric residency)
- 1 Year Fellowship: The 1-year NDD fellowship was approved by the ACGME in order to offer a board-certified training pathway in NDD to child neurologists in 2022. A graduate of an ACGME accredited child neurology program is welcome to apply to NDD fellowship programs. The fellowship is an outpatient-focused program providing training in areas not commonly taught in child neurology: intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, communication disorders, interdisciplinary team-based care, advocacy and disability law. Training in NDD is beneficial for child neurologists going into general practice, those wishing to specialize in providing care of children with NDDs, or assess developmental outcomes for research and clinical trials, or those aspiring to develop comprehensive care programs for complex conditions.
The ABP Pediatrics boards used to be a pre-requisite for NDD boards but is no longer required. The NDD fellowship is outside the NRMP Match but all programs adhere to a universal calendar. Interviews for the 2026-2027 season will not be offered before the Pediatrics universal offer date. Fellowship position offers will be made on December 11, 2026 and the deadline for applicant responses for fellowship offers is December 18, 2026. Applications and offers can be made after this timeline based on position availability.
Application requirements are that the applicant must be a graduate of an ACGME accredited Child Neurology program. The applicant should provide the following: personal statement, at least 2 letters of recommendation from their child neurology program director and another child neurology attending, a copy of USMLE scores, and medical school transcript. Interviews will be virtual.
If you are interested in exploring NDD fellowships, you could consider an elective at one of the programs.