Autism screening and diagnosis overview Diagnosing autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) can be difficult, since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorders. Doctors look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis. ASDs can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by...
Facts you should know about seizures Seizures occur because the brain becomes irritated and an "electrical storm" occurs. This "electrical storm" occurs because the normal connections between the cells in the brain do not function properly. This causes the brain to try to shut down because of the electrical surge. The muscle shaking occurs because...
Adenoidectomy surgery facts Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the adenoids. Adenoids are a mass of lymphoid tissue located behind the nasal passages. All surgical procedures have risks and potential complications. Understanding what is involved before, during, and after adenoidectomy can help your child (and you) recover from the surgery as easily as...
Cloth or disposable? The diaper woes plague new and old parents alike. The diaper woes plague new and old parents alike. Which is safer? Cloth or disposable? A few main criteria that need to be considered when it comes to choosing the best diaper for the baby are How it fits the baby Its absorbency...
Most parents are worried about keeping their toddler or preschooler occupied in a way that will have a positive effect on their development. To choose a developmentally appropriate toy for your child choose open-ended toys, steer clear of electronics, stay away from educational toys and pick toys that will grow with your child and encourage...
What is child development? A child’s growth is more than just physical. Children grow, develop, and learn throughout their lives, starting at birth. A child’s development can be followed by how they play, learn, speak, and behave. What is a developmental delay? Will my child just grow out of it? Skills such as taking a...
What is newborn infant hearing screening? Newborn infant hearing screening can detect hearing loss in newborns before discharge from the hospital. Newborn infant hearing screening programs are designed to identify hearing loss in infants shortly after birth. All states have implemented these screening protocols within hospitals and birthing clinics. Most hearing screening tests are done...
Cystic hygroma facts Cystic hygroma (CH) is a cluster of cysts in the lymph drainage system that usually affects the head and neck of children (fetuses and newborns to age 2 years). Cystic hygromas are congenital malformations in the lymph system. The cause is unknown but may be related to genetic changes in the fetus....
What should you know about cold agglutinin disease? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Cold agglutinin hemolytic anemia symptoms and signs include fatigue, cold hands, and leg pain. What is cold agglutinin disease? Cold agglutinin disease is a rare form of acquired autoimmune hemolytic anemia in which exposure to cold temperatures can trigger the body's...
Anencephaly facts* *Anencephaly facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Anencephaly is an example of a neural tube defect, a condition that results from an error in the first weeks of embryonic development. In anencephaly, the bones of the skull and brain do not develop properly. Babies with anencephaly are missing large areas of the...