Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States, with 6,000 babies born in the U.S. with DS each year. Despite misconceptions about quality of life, people with Down syndrome span all ages, living on average at least 60 years. Some people with DS thrive into their 80s! Many adults… Continue reading Down Syndrome Overview: Causes, Characteristics and Capabilities

One late winter’s night, I found myself Googling “best dogs for kids with cerebral palsy.” As much as I wanted to adopt a rescue again, Charlie was now eleven and I needed a pet that was gentle and calm and loving...

New School Year, New Friends The start of the school year can breed anxiety for parents of anxious children, teens, and young adults. Although your child may want and seek and desire friendships, this may be an area that needs some coaching with the fresh start of a new school year. So, what are you, as the parent of… Continue reading Tools for Anxious Children: Children and Teen Relationship-Building

After learning that your child may need a feeding tube, you probably feel overwhelmed with questions about how life will change. You may be thinking of all the ways tube feeding may limit what you and your child can and cannot do inside and outside of the home. While in the hospital, the nutrition formula… Continue reading Tube Feeding on the Go

The school year just beginning, and if you’re anything like me, I am dreading the rush, rush, rush that happens in my house. I loved how summer nights were not driven by activities, homework, and the intensity that takes over once the school year begins. As I am gearing myself up for the new school… Continue reading New School Year, New Routine

One of the most common birth defects of the nervous system is spina bifida. Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that can occur anywhere along the spine if the neural tube does not close. This results in the backbone (that protects the nerves) not forming and causes damage to the spinal cord and nerves.… Continue reading Spina Bifida and Bone Health

Fall is coming. Can you feel it? Are the birds chirping a little later in the morning? Is the air frizzing your hair just a little less? Are pools emptying out? Does your Target look like it’s throwing a Halloween-themed birthday party? With all the joys of cooler weather and seasonal décor also comes the… Continue reading 5 Tips to Make Back-to-School Better

When we think about our child’s or teen’s behavior, we often see the superficial part  that we may not always fully understand. That is, we may see defiance or disrespect, but what is the underlying need behind the behavior? We may react with anger, yelling, doling out consequences or taking away privileges. It’s easy to… Continue reading Why is My Child So Difficult?

Cambrooke, a manufacturer of amino acid-based formulas, has recently discovered that their EquaCare Jr. and Essential Care Jr. formulas are less dense than indicated on the label. This has caused the prepared formula, if measured by scoop, to be lower in calories per ounce than stated on the label. The EquaCare Jr. and Essential Care Jr.… Continue reading EquaCare Jr. and Essential Care Jr. Corrected Mixing Instructions

Even though summer holds the connotation of ice cream, bare feet, swimming pools and a happy-go-lucky vibe, many of our children have a heightened level of anxiety with the transition from end-of-school into the summer season, and often throughout the summer. Although it is a transition that comes with less “work” such as homework and… Continue reading Summertime Anxiety is Real