Archive for ADHD
Could ADHD be diagnosed genetically?
Despite it being very common, ADHD is often missed until a child reaches age 7 or older. By that time, they have likely been struggling socially and in school. Could early genetic testing be part of the solution? Anne Arnett, PhD, in partnership with Ryan Doan, PhD, at Boston Children’s Hospital, set out to see ... Read More
Unraveling the secret to attention, one brain cell at a time: Brielle Ferguson, PhD
In college, Dr. Brielle Ferguson was initially drawn to psychology. Witnessing the impact of schizophrenia on a family member, she was surprised how little was known about the condition. She majored in cognitive science, but she wanted to go deeper and understand what happens in the brain. Taking a required course in neuroscience, she thought, ... Read More
MIS-C’s long-term effects on mental and neurologic health
Children and adolescents who have had multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) after exposure to COVID-19 are recommended to have follow-up heart function testing. A new study from Boston Children’s Hospital suggests they should also be monitored for long-term neurologic and psychosocial complications. “If parents are noticing changes in their child’s behavior or functioning, it ... Read More
Summertime Sadness: Helping children manage summer depression
Summer’s here, which means school is out and the sun is in. It’s everyone’s favorite season. Unless it’s not. Summer can bring with it feelings of depression or anxiety, which can be especially frustrating for young people who may think they’re supposed to unequivocally love this time of year. We spoke with Dr. Deepika Shaligram, ... Read More
Answers for Isaac: A family’s journey to treat vascular anomalies
Early on, Jinah and her husband knew their son Isaac was battling something complex, but they couldn’t figure out what it was, even after seeing numerous specialists. Their search for answers spanned the globe and eventually brought them to the Vascular Anomalies Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. It was in Boston that they not only ... Read More
When your child is the bully: Tips for parents
It’s bad for children’s health, makes headlines, and defies most attempts to prevent it. Bullying has become the “big tobacco” of the 21st century. What can a parent do when their child is engaging in behavior that’s condemned by nearly everyone? We talked with Dr. Peter Raffalli, a neurologist and director of the Bullying and ... Read More
Growth and Nutrition Program works with schools to support kids with feeding challenges
Returning to school doesn’t just mean stocking up on pencils, paper, and new clothes. For some children, going back to school also involves special nutritional needs. Kids with feeding difficulties — as well as those who rely on a feeding tube for nourishment — require care that doesn’t end when the school day begins. The ... Read More
ADHD drug class leads to fewer side effects in preschool children
About 2.4 percent of preschool-age children have an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis. For these children, behavioral interventions intended to redirect a child or otherwise replace negative behaviors with positive ones are the first line of treatment. But what if symptoms linger, or are so severe that they interfere with a child’s social, emotional, and educational ... Read More
Zooming in on screen time for children with special education needs
In 2013, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended no more than two hours of screen time per day for school-aged children. This includes time on television, computers, tablets, and cell phones. However, during the current COVID-19 pandemic, many children are doing some, if not all, of their schooling remotely via a screen. So, how do you ... Read More
Caring for pediatric ADHD patients through telehealth
Key takeaways· In the current health crisis, online visits should be used to monitor current patients and make new diagnoses.· Providers should guide families to resources for at-home behavioral modification techniques.· Telehealth office visits are likely to remain after the current crisis subsides. It comes as no surprise to the pediatric neurology community at Boston ... Read More