Is there a connection between vaccines and autism? – Parris No, there is no connection between vaccines and autism. Autism is a condition that affects the brain and makes communicating and interacting with other people more difficult. The cause(s) of autism — also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or …
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Lead Poisoning
About Lead Poisoning If you have young kids, it’s important to find out whether there’s any risk that they might be exposed to lead, especially if you live in an older home. Many toys and other products from outside the United States have also been found to contain lead. Long-term …
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is often associated with heavily wooded or grassy areas where mice and deer live. It’s most common in the Northeast, the Pacific Northwest, and the northern Midwest states. About Lyme Disease Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is found in small animals like mice …
Neurocutaneous Syndromes
About Neurocutaneous Syndromes Neurocutaneous syndromes are disorders that lead to growth of tumors in various parts of the body. They’re caused by the abnormal development of cells in an embryo and characterized by the tumors in various parts of the body (including the nervous system) and by certain differences in …
Neurofibromatosis
About Neurofibromatosis Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a neurocutaneous syndrome that can affect many parts of the body, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, skin, and other body systems. NF can cause growth of non-cancerous (benign) tumors involving the nerves and brain. NF can range from mild to severe. Some children live …
Raising a Child With Autism: Paige and Iain’s Story
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental conditions that involve delayed or impaired communication and social skills, behaviors, and cognitive skills. Symptoms of ASDs range from mild to severe. As a result, each child — and family — coping with autism has a unique set of challenges. Below, …
Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is a birth defect that happens when a baby’s backbone (spine) does not form normally. As a result, the spinal cord and the nerves that branch out of it may be damaged. The term spina bifida comes from Latin and literally means “split” or “open” spine. This defect …
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
Spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA, is an inherited condition that causes nerve cells in the lower part of the brain and spinal cord to break down and die. When this happens, the brain stops sending signals to the body’s muscles. Babies with SMA can have difficulty crawling, walking, or even …
Strokes
Like most people, you probably think that strokes only happen in adults — especially older adults. But kids can have strokes, too. Although they’re less common in kids, strokes occur in children of all ages, even those who haven’t been born yet. About Strokes A stroke is a biological event …
Tourette Syndrome
Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes uncontrolled sudden, repetitive muscle movements and sounds known as tics. Tourette symptoms typically appear in childhood, usually when kids are between 5–9 years old. It’s not very common, and boys are more likely to be affected than girls. The tics associated with Tourette syndrome …