FamilieSCN2A opens third multidisciplinary care center at Boston Children’s

FamilieSCN2A Foundation has opened its third SCN2A Multidisciplinary Care Center, this time at Boston Children’s Hospital, expanding specialized care for people with SCN2A-related disorders. The center is designed to connect families with coordinated treatment, research opportunities and future clinical trials as the gene-specific therapy pipeline advances.

Why it matters: - The new Boston Children’s Hospital center gives families with SCN2A-related disorders access to specialized care closer to home. - The model links clinical expertise with research, which matters for a rare disorder with complex neurological and developmental needs. - The network is also being built to support future trials and emerging treatments.

What happened: - FamilieSCN2A Foundation announced the official opening of its third SCN2A Multidisciplinary Care Center at Boston Children’s Hospital on Sept. 17, 2026. - The Boston center joins existing SCN2A MDCs at UTHealth Houston and Children’s Hospital Colorado. - The center is led by Heather Olson, MD; Kimberly Wiltrout, MD; and genetic counselor Lacey Smith, MS, CGC.

The details: - SCN2A-related disorders are caused by changes in the SCN2A gene. - The conditions can involve epilepsy, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, movement disorders, sleep disturbances and gastrointestinal challenges. - The FamiliaSCN2A MDC model brings care around the patient and family, with coordinated and proactive management across specialties. - Patients seen through the Boston center will have opportunities to join SCN2A research studies. - Eligible patients may also participate in clinical trials testing potential new treatments. - Boston Children’s has longstanding experience in epilepsy genetics and neurogenetic disorders, including care for people with SCN2A. - The center will support coordination of multi-specialty care and parallel clinic-based research. - The Boston center is part of a connected network meant to share knowledge and best practices across SCN2A experts. - The Foundation said it plans to continue expanding the network in the U.S. and internationally.

Between the lines: - The opening reflects a shift from isolated specialty care toward a more organized rare-disease care model. - The timing also suggests the field is moving from basic research toward treatment readiness, making clinical infrastructure more important. - Heather Olson said the center will expand clinical care and research in SCN2A-related disorders through collaboration with FamilieSCN2A. - Leah Myers said the goal is to ensure an SCN2A diagnosis comes with clinicians who understand the disorder and can communicate across specialties. - Carla Forbes, co-founder of the Foundation and mother of a child with SCN2A-related disorder, said the Boston center makes specialized care available locally and is deeply meaningful for families.

What's next: - Patients at the Boston center will begin accessing coordinated care, research participation and, when available, trial enrollment. - The Foundation will keep building the MDC network to widen access to expertise and new therapies. - As SCN2A treatments progress, the centers are expected to play a larger role in trial readiness and outcome tracking.

The bottom line: - Boston Children’s becomes a key new node in a growing SCN2A care network that aims to improve everyday treatment now and prepare families for therapies ahead. - Disclosure: Heather Olson, MD serves on the scientific and medical advisory board for the FamilieSCN2A Foundation. - More information is available through the Foundation’s social channels, including LinkedIn, Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and X.