In The Spotlight
Extremely Preterm Infants Might be at Increased Risk of Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of behavioral and communication disorders, normally affecting about 1 out of 150 children. These disorders, sometimes called "autism" or "pervasive developmental disorder" (PDD) usually are recognized beginning in the toddler years. Five previous studies have shown increased risk of ASD among infants born preterm or at low birth weight. In the April 2009 issue of the Journal of Pediatrics, a Boston researcher (Dr. Karl Kuban) and his colleagues reported a study of babies born before 28 weeks of gestation that showed a much higher than expected rate (21%) on a screening test for autism (M-CHAT) that is administered at age two that did not simply seem to reflect neurological problems. The M-CHAT is a screening test for autism, not a diagnostic one, so these babies will have to be further tested to determine whether they meet criteria for ASD. This is an important study, however, because it makes us aware that even though most infants born very premature won't have autism, they must be evaluated as they grow and develop with the possible increased risk of ASD in mind.
AAP information about autism »
Learn more about the President's plan for autism screening »
In the News
National Association of Neonatal Nurses Issues Statement on Human Milk and Breastfeeding
Mother's milk and breastfeeding are important aspects of optimal care of newborns, especially those who are born preterm or with other serious conditions. The unique nutritional and immunological benefits of human milk make it an integral component of care of infants in the newborn intensive care unit. NANN has issued a statement strongly supporting human milk and breastfeeding.
View the NANN statement»Experts: Parents Give Too Much Meaning to Birth Order
Pediatricians say parents often bring up birth order to explain a variety of developmental issues in their childrens - especially speech and language issues - but that overall it doesn't mean much. "Birth order doesn't cause anything. It's simply a proxy for the actual mechanisms that go on in family dynamics that shape character and personality," said Dr. Frank J. Sulloway, an author and visiting scholar at the University of California, Berkeley. The New York Times (10/27).
Neurofeedback Gains Attention as ADHD Treatment
Neurofeedback to retrain the brain to produce electrical patterns linked with calm and focus is being used to treat children with ADHD. Supporters claim the treatment may actually cure ADHD, while critics contend studies investigating the therapy so far have not met standards for rigorous design.
View the entire article in U.S. News & World Report »Program to Enhance the Health and Development of Infants and Children (PEHDIC)
The AAP was awarded the PEHDIC, a 5-year cooperative agreement with the CDC. Primarily housed with the AAP Division of Children with Special Needs, PEHDIC aims to translate critical research and guidelines, focused on preventive health care, continuity of care, and transition to adulthood, into practice as well as to expand provider and public education related to health promotion and disease prevention.
Details about PEHDIC »Pregnant Women Strongly Urged to Get Flu Shot
(09/21/09) A national coalition of health care and information providers for pregnant women and children have an urgent message for pregnant women concerning influenza. The normal changes of pregnancy place pregnant women at increased risk of the harmful effects of flu infection, and as such, they should take increased precautions.
The joint statement for pregnant women regarding influenza and immunization »AAP answers parents' questions about newborn care
Resources from March of Dimes
An initiator of and partner with the American Academy of Pediatrics in the campaign to prevent prematurity, the March of Dimes has developed an extensive library of online resources for parents of babies who require newborn intensive care.
In the NICU:
- Every Baby Has a Story »
- Parenting in the NICU »
- Coping with the NICU Experience »
- Family & Friends »
- Leaving the NICU »
At Home:
Special Topics:
Recommended Reading
Newborn Intensive Care
- Parenting Your Premature Baby and Child: The Emotional Journey by Deborah L Davis and Mara T Stein.
- Preemies: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies by Dana W Linden, Emma T Paroli and Mia W Doron.
- The Preemie Parents' Companion: The Essential Guide to Caring for Your Premature Baby in the Hospital, at Home, and Through the First Years by Susan Madden.
- Newborn Intensive Care: What Every Parent Needs to Know by Jeanette Zaichkin.
General Newborn & Infant Care
- Raising Twins: From Pregnancy to Preschool by Shelly Vaziri Flais, MD, FAAP.
- Mommy Calls: Dr. Tanya Answers Parents' Top 101 Questions About Babies and Toddlers by Tanya R Altman.
- Baby and Child Health by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, Revised Edition: Birth to Age 5, by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Guide to Common Childhood Infections: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia by Louis M Bell and Jane Brooks.
- The Children's Hospital Guide to Your Child's Health and Development by Children's Hospital Boston.
- Heading Home with Your Newborn - From Birth to Reality by Laura Jana and Jennifer Shu.
