Sometimes known as a “PKU test,” a genetic screening for newborns actually checks for a wide range of genetic disorders. PKU, an abbreviation for phenylketonuria, is a rare inherited disorder that causes the phenylalanine amino acid to build up in the body and can lead to brain damage. It’s caused by a genetic defect that…
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…
It’s not always easy to practice social distancing with kids. Kids love to explore and play together — so asking them to keep their distance can be tough. But there are ways that parents can teach social distancing — “keeping our hands to ourselves” — that can help families stay healthy together. Norton Children’s wants…
Children, especially younger ones, process grief in different ways. Grief is not a feeling that we reserve solely for our loved ones; we also experience grief at the passing of people with whom we feel a strong connection, such as sports stars, actors, musicians and authors. Think about recent celebrity deaths, such as that of…
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects up to 11% of American children, and Kentucky has the highest rate in the country — more than 18% — according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. Despite the prevalence of ADHD, it is one of the most misunderstood chronic neurodevelopmental disorders. By debunking the myths and…
Autumn anxiety is just as much a part of fall for some as pumpkin spice, apple cider and (hopefully) cooler weather. Autumn anxiety is the tendency for people to suffer from anxiety and low mood during the autumn months. It’s similar to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or the “winter blues.” Unlike SAD, there often isn’t an…
About 1 in 59 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. Signs of autism spectrum disorder begin before age 3. Do you know the signs, and what you should do if you suspect your child may have…
In January 2019, 79 individual cases of measles were confirmed in 10 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The states that have reported cases to CDC are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. In a given year, the CDC says, more measles cases can occur…
A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an overwhelming reality for as many as one in every 68 families. According to the National Autism Association, it’s the fastest growing developmental disorder, with rates steadily growing over the past 20 years. Autism spectrum disorder affects normal development of the brain in the areas of social…