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…
A specialized ultrasound, known as a fetal echocardiogram, can detect a myriad of fetal heart abnormalities well before your baby is born. This type of scan is available at Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. A fetal heart condition may be detected as early as a 20-week anatomy scan. If…
Norton Children’s has treated more patients for strep throat so far in 2023 than all of last year, and there also has been an increase in a potentially life-threatening form of invasive strep. Pediatricians with Norton Children’s Medical Group, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, diagnosed 7,100 cases of strep through March 2023, a…
When a new parent thinks of their child’s first trip by air, thoughts probably go to Disney World or the beach. They never think it will be for lifesaving medical care. But thank goodness a service exists that can quickly get a child, even a premature baby, to pediatric specialists when they need it most….
Dulce Alvarez Batres of Louisville, Kentucky, was diagnosed with neonatal diabetes when she was just 1 week old. Dulce’s mom, Wendy Batres, was not prepared at all. “She is a girl that is teaching us a lot,” Wendy said. “From the get-go we have been learning with her.” Although Dulce was born full term at…
Callahan Burke is an active toddler who loves playing outside, riding on her scooter, jumping on the trampoline and trying her best to keep up with her big brother and sister. When she was 3, she fell off her scooter and fractured her elbow. Although it’s never good timing for a child to sustain an…
If your child has broken a bone, they will likely have to remain in a cast for some time, and you may be wondering when it is time to remove their cast after a fracture. This can depend on several factors, including the child’s age, the bone that was fractured, the location of the fracture…
As Liam Atherton crossed the finish line at the Bluegrass BMX championship last fall, the 11-year-old couldn’t help but smile. Not only had Liam won the race in the sport he loves, but just hours earlier, he finished chemotherapy to conquer a spine tumor that threatened his mobility. Liam has participated in BMX since he…
Three-year-old Zoey Keipp is all smiles during her visits with Brian J. Holland, M.D., pediatric cardiologist with Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. Zoey, whose family lives in the Paducah, Kentucky, area, doesn’t have to take long car rides to Louisville for her cardiology appointments. Dr. Holland sees patients at…
Savannah Garner is a trouper. That is the biggest takeaway from the people closest to her. The fifth-grade girl from Louisville has been living with a medical condition for most of her life. Savannah was diagnosed at age 2 1/2, and for eight years, she has undergone treatment at Norton Children’s Hospital and Norton Children’s…
Expressive art therapy can help patients with eating disorders make sense of their condition, as well as give providers a glimpse into where their patients are along their paths to recovery. Sculpting “creatures” can help patients separate themselves from the harm caused by their eating disorders, and it can help unburden them of any guilt,…
Cancer patients at Norton Children’s now have a furry companion to help them through treatment. Thanks to a gift from Aiden’s Legacy and with support from raiseRED, Luna is the newest employee of Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. The 2-year-old black Labrador works in the cancer unit in Norton…