Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature infants. ROP affects babies weighing about 2-3/4 pounds (1250 grams) or less at birth and that are born before 31 weeks of gestation (a full-term pregnancy has a gestation of 38-42 weeks). The smaller a baby is at birth, the more likely that baby is to …
Does Your Child Have a Pragmatic Language Disorder?
Example of a Pragmatic Language Disorder Mrs. Smith always greets her students as they enter her classroom each morning. Most of the children wave and say “hi” back to her. Alex, however, does not. He walks right past her, never waving, greeting, or even looking at her. This is an example of a child who may have a pragmatic language …
What are the Symptoms and Treatments for Prader-Willi Syndrome?
rader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), is a complex genetic disorder that typically causes low muscle tone, short stature, incomplete sexual development, cognitive disabilities, problem behaviors, and a chronic feeling of hunger that can lead to excessive eating and life-threatening obesity. Symptoms of Prader-Willi Syndrome Here’s a breakdown of the symptoms by a child’s age: At Birth: Often breech or caesarean births Lethargy …
A Story of Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified
Trevor is a 5 year old boy who was diagnosed at age 2 with Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Trevor had a typical first two years, although his speech was delayed and his parents noticed the onset of some self stimulating behaviors. Their pediatrician was extremely supportive and suggested his parents contact state and local agencies to …
What are the Symptoms, Types and Treatments of Pervasive Developmental Disorders?
What are Pervasive Developmental Disorders? The diagnostic category of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. Symptoms of Pervasive Developmental Disorder Parents may note symptoms as early as infancy, although the typical age of onset is before 3 years of age. Symptoms may include: Problems with …
Is My Baby At Risk for Developing Periventricular Leukomalacadia (PVL)?
What is Periventricular Leukomalacadia Periventricular Leukomalacadia (PVL) is one of the most important causes of cerebral palsy and other long-term handicaps. PVL is primarily seen in premature infants with the most prematurely born being the most likely to have this problem. PVL is caused by insufficient blood flow to parts of an infants brain before birth, at delivery, or after …
What is Optic Nerve Hypoplasia?
The optic nerve serves as a connector, carrying visual information from the eye to the brain. Those that have optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) have an underdeveloped optic nerve in one or both eyes. Typically each optic nerve has about 1 million connections. However, those with optic nerve hypoplasia have far fewer connections. Optic nerve hypoplasia is one of the three …
What are the Symptoms and Causes of Nystagmus?
Nystagmus is a complex eye condition where the eyes make involuntary movements all the time. Nystagmus Symptoms Nystagmus is an involuntary movement of the eyes. If a person has this condition from birth, its called congenital nystagmus (CN). Usually those with congenital nystagmus are partially sighted. A child’s depth of field vision is not reduced by nystagmus. If your child …
What is Noonan Syndrome (NS) and How is it Diagnosed?
Noonan Syndrome (NS) is a relatively common congenital genetic condition which affects both boys and girls. How is Noonan Syndrome Diagnosed? The diagnosis of Noonan Syndrome is based on clinical features. In other words, it is made when a physician feels that a patient has enough of the features to warrant the label indicating association. The most common symptom is …
What is the Cause and Treatment of Mitochondrial Disease in Children?
Inside body cells are tiny little parts called mitochondria (as many as 1,000 per cell). The mitochondria make the energy the cells need to grow and do their work in the body. If the mitochondria are damaged or malfunctioning, the cells cannot carry out their functions. Causes of Mitochondrial Disease in Children Mitochondrial disease is usually a genetic condition that runs …