Norton Children’s Autism Center , affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, now has an outdoor playground especially designed to help kids with autism overcome anxieties and sensitivities . It was made possible by donations to the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation. “This playground provides so much. The obvious thing is play, which for many of our…
Some children referred to Norton Children’s Development Center, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, for evaluation of possible autism may be eligible for genetic testing at no cost as part of a research study. About 200 genes are known to be associated with autism spectrum disorder. Genetic testing can give your health care provider…
Arguing with your child isn’t something that excites most parents, but that’s not the case for David Williams. David’s 7-year-old son, Oaks, is on the autism spectrum and nonverbal. Thanks to Norton Children’s Autism Center, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, Oaks now has a specialized electronic tablet that has given him a voice…
When Mary Vaughn thinks back to when she realized her son needed help, one moment stands out. When he was young, she took James to jump on bounce houses with friends. It was busy and loud. He quickly became overwhelmed and upset, but he couldn’t form words to explain why. “I knew the words were…
Being a facility dog requires patience, a calm demeanor and adaptability. These qualities are even more important for dogs supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD often experience anxiety, stress induced by new environments, difficulty with social engagement and a need for sensory support. The Norton Children’s Autism Center, affiliated with the…
Autism in girls can present differently than in boys, and research shows girls can be better at hiding symptoms of autism for a variety of reasons. For decades, boys have been four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism. Today, according to researchers, certain signs of autism in girls can look different or be…
Around 1 in 44 children are identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and researchers are studying a possible link between autism and screen time. Excessive screen time can impact a child’s speech, physical and emotional development. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no…
Norton Children’s celebrated the opening of its new campus in Hikes Point. The facility represents a $16 million investment with the goal of enhancing pediatric care in the community. The 45,000-square-foot facility, located in the former Kmart building off Breckenridge Lane and Taylorsville Road, is the new home to Norton Children’s Autism Center. It also…
About 1 in 54 children in the U.S. has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite how common the disorder is, autism myths continue to persist. These myths spread through word of mouth, the internet and social media. They also can make it more difficult for children…
For the past 25 years, Gregory N. Barnes, M.D., PhD. has worked with thousands of families to help diagnose, adapt to and overcome autism. Autism is personal to Dr. Barnes, whose son, Joshua, was diagnosed with the condition as a young child. It was clear to Dr. Barnes, a pediatric neurologist with the Norton Children’s…
Diagnosing a child with autism typically is a monthslong process involving multiple assessments, but for Black children the delay was found to average more than three years in a recent study. From the parents’ first concerns to a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the average length of time was 3.5 years with the children…
Grace Hatfield seemed to be developing like a normal toddler. She was walking, talking and interacting with family. But as she approached 15 months, her development seemed to start going in reverse. “Grace began losing words,” said Kim Hatfield, Grace’s mom. “Then, while talking to her, she’d start to zone out — just staring at…