Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)Even the best-behaved children can be difficult and challenging at times. Teens are often moody and argumentative. But if your child or teen has a persistent pattern of tantrums, arguing and angry or disruptive behaviors toward you and other authority figures, he or she may have oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Emotionally draining for the parents [...] |
DyslexiaDyslexia is an impairment in your brain’s ability to translate written images received from your eyes into meaningful language. Also called specific reading disability, dyslexia is the most common learning disability in children. |
Down SyndromeDown syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes mental retardation and other problems. The condition varies in severity, so developmental problems may range from mild to serious. It’s named after John Langdon Down, the doctor who first identified the syndrome. |
AutismAutism is a complex brain disorder that causes a range of developmental problems, most notably in the ability to communicate and socialize with other people. The first signs of this disorder typically appear by age 3 and continue through life. |
Ambiguous GenitaliaBoy or girl? It’s one of the most common questions asked of brand-new parents in addition to the baby’s weight and length. But what if the answer isn’t so obvious? Such is the case for newborns with ambiguous genitalia, the medical term for a rare condition in which a newborn’s external genitals don’t appear to [...] |
Diaper RashesYou start to change your baby’s diaper, and there it is, a patchwork of bright red skin on your baby’s bottom. Don’t panic. What you’re seeing is most likely diaper rash, a common form of inflamed skin (dermatitis). |
Baby ColicsAll babies cry, it’s one of the main ways they communicate. But some babies cry more than others do. And some, although they’re healthy, well-fed and well cared for, seem to cry inconsolably. If your baby cries about the same time each day and nothing you do seems to comfort him or her, your baby [...] |
Sore ThroatsThe dry scratchiness and painful swallowing that are the hallmarks of a sore throat known medically as pharyngitis can be miserable. Yet a sore throat isn’t a disease. Most often, it’s a symptom of another illness usually a viral infection such as a cold or the flu (influenza). In many cases, a sore throat is [...] |
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. It’s so common that most children have been infected with the virus by age 2. Respiratory syncytial virus can also infect adults. |
RoseolaRoseola is a generally mild viral illness that usually affects babies and young children. The condition typically causes several days of fever, followed by a rash. |