Living with Spina Bifida: Infants

Having a new baby is an exciting and challenging time. New parents often feel many different emotions―such as love, joy, happiness, worry, and exhaustion. The same is true for parents who have a child affected by spina bifida. However, in addition to adjusting to life with a new baby, parents of a child with spina bifida also need to learn as much as possible about the condition to prepare for the needs of their child. […]

Children with Autism, Developmental Delays More than Twice as Likely to Have Sleep Problems

By Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter Young children with autism are more than twice as likely to have sleep problems than typical kids or those with other developmental delays, a new study reports.Several factors profoundly affect the sleep of 2- to 5-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), said lead researcher Dr. Ann Reynolds. They are more likely to resist their bedtime, have trouble getting to sleep, suffer from anxiety regarding sleep, wake up in the middle […]

12 Autism Symptoms to Bring Up with Your Pediatrician

By Markham Heid The sooner a health professional can intervene, the better off your child will be. The first years of a child’s life are a time of tremendous physical, cognitive, and social development. While those years are a joyful time for parents, it’s important that moms and dads keep an eye out for early symptoms or signs of developmental issues, including autism spectrum disorder, a cluster of disorders that affect brain development and can […]

Spina bifida – Types, Diagnosis, Treatments, Causes and Prevention

Spina bifida is a condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at birth. It is a type of neural tube defect (NTD). Spina bifida can happen anywhere along the spine if the neural tube does not close all the way. When the neural tube doesn’t close all the way, the backbone that protects the spinal cord doesn’t form and close as it should. This often results in damage to the spinal cord and […]

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Communication Problems in Children

What is autism spectrum disorder? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment that people with ASD can have. ASD affects people in different ways and can range from mild to severe. People with ASD share some symptoms, such as difficulties with social interaction, but there are differences in when the […]