What is Asperger’s Syndrome?

CME WebsitesChild Development, Special Needs Diagnoses

Asperger’s Syndrome is a neurological disorder that is marked by difficulties in communication and social interaction. Children with this condition find it difficult to identify and express their feelings, similar to those diagnosed with autism. Asperger’s Syndrome Symptoms Find it challenging to connect with others Average to high I.Q. Doesn’t hold eye contact and has trouble reading facial and body …

What is Apraxia of Speech?

CME WebsitesChild Development, Special Needs Diagnoses

Apraxia of speech, also known as verbal apraxia or dyspraxia, is a speech disorder in which a child has trouble saying what he or she wants to say correctly and consistently. Childhood Apraxia of Speech is not due to weakness or paralysis of the speech muscles (the muscles of the face, tongue, and lips). The severity of apraxia of speech …

What is Angelman Syndrome?

CME WebsitesChild Development, Special Needs Diagnoses

Angelman Syndrome is a chromosomal disease that causes neurological problems. What are Angelman Syndrome Symptoms? Common symptoms of Angelman Syndrome include: Flat heads Feeding problems (infants between 1 and 2 months old) Speech impairment Hyperactivity Epilepsy Protruding tongues Unexplained bouts of laughter How is Angelmans Syndrome diagnosed? This syndrome is usually diagnosed between the ages of three and seven when …

What is Aicardi Syndrome?

CME WebsitesChild Development, Special Needs Diagnoses

Aicardi Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the partial or complete absence of the structure that links the two hemispheres of the brain, the corpus callosum. The disorder affects only girls. Onset of Aicardi Syndrome generally begins between the ages of 3 and 5 months with infantile spasms, a type of childhood seizure. What are the symptoms of …

Torticollis and Its Associated Problems

CME WebsitesChild Development, Special Needs Diagnoses

Torticollis is not simply a diagnosis, but a sign of an underlying disorder. Torticollis means “twisted neck” and describes an abnormal neck posture with persistent rotation of the head to one side and lateral flexion to the opposite side. There are over 80 differential diagnoses which may cause a torticollis posture. The incidence of torticollis has increased dramatically since the …

How Yoga Can Help Children with ADD/ADHD

CME WebsitesChild Development, Resources, Special Needs Diagnoses, Therapy Options

Yoga has been practiced for centuries and Web MD states that currently as many as 11 million Americans are taking advantage of yoga to help them with increased flexibility, strength, balance and improved posture. But, how can yoga be beneficial to children with a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder? Aside from the above mentioned skills, which are wonderful for any …

torticollis and plagiocephaly

Torticollis and Plagiocephaly: Prevention and Getting Help

Tamara GuoChild Development, Special Needs Diagnoses

What is Torticollis? Torticollis means ‘twisted neck’ and is caused by damage to or a shortening of the Sterno-cleido-mastoid muscle (SCM muscle) in a baby’s neck. Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) can be caused by in-utero positioning, lack of space in the uterus, a traumatic birth, a multiple birth or low amniotic fluid. Some babies have an actual tumor in the …

How Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy May Help Children with Cerebral Palsy

CME WebsitesChild Development, Resources, Special Needs Diagnoses, Therapy Options

Selective dorsal rhizotomy is a neurosurgical procedure which can permanently reduce spasticity and improve motor functions in children with cerebral palsy. If preformed at an early age it can reduce the number of orthopedic surgeries a child might need in the future. What is Muscle Stiffness /Spasticity in Children with CP? In a child with cerebral palsy, damage to the …

Guidelines for Choosing Quality Care for Your Child with Special Needs

Tamara GuoChild Development, Parenting a Child with Special Needs, Special Needs Diagnoses

Including children with special needs into regular child care settings is becoming a trend in today’s society. The benefits of inclusion (defined as having children of varying skills and abilities in the same class) far outweigh the negatives, as long as the director and staff are committed to making inclusion successful. It is beneficial to have at least one adult …

Why Weighted Sensory Pressure Vests Have a Calming Effect for Children

CME WebsitesChild Development, Resources, Special Needs Diagnoses, Therapy Options

Sensory pressure vests provide constant, even deep pressure to children when their body is craving this important calming and organizing proprioceptive input. Pressure vests promote self-calming, balance, and increased body awareness by enhancing proprioceptive feedback.  Children with proprioceptive and tactile integration dysfunction benefit from the sensory feedback they receive when wearing the vest, because it gives the child the input …