One Little Miracle At A Time, No Matter How Small
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first 2 years of life. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association that health care providers use to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD often have:
Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
Symptoms that affect their ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life
Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. People of all genders, races, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds can be diagnosed with ASD. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and daily functioning. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children receive screening for autism. Caregivers should talk to their child’s health care provider about ASD screening or evaluation.
What is ADHD? - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder marked by persistent symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.
Symptoms begin in childhood and can affect daily life, including social relationships and school or work performance. ADHD is well-known among children and teens, but many adults also have the disorder.
People with ADHD experience an ongoing pattern of:
Inattention: Having problems staying on task, paying attention, or being organized, which are not due to defiance or a lack of comprehension.
Hyperactivity: Being extremely restless or constantly moving, including in situations when it is not appropriate; excessively fidgeting or tapping; or talking too much.
Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, or having difficulty with self-control. Impulsivity can also involve a desire for immediate rewards or an inability to delay gratification or consider long-term consequences.
How to Take Care of Your Premature Baby at Home
Most premature babies can reach developmental milestones at a similar pace to full-term babies, though they may require extra care in the process. With time and the right support, they can thrive just like their full-term peers. Follow the tips in this video for caring for your premature baby at home, and continue consulting your doctor for guidance to support your baby's growth and development.
Nutrition and feeding
Premature babies often face high nutritional risks due to their increased growth needs, limited nutrient stores, feeding challenges, and underlying medical conditions. A Speech Therapist and Dietitian can assess your baby's feeding skills and nutritional needs, providing tailored advice. Nurses are available to offer guidance and support throughout your breastfeeding journey. Your baby will remain on a milk-only diet until they reach 4-6 months of corrected age, at which point they may be ready to begin weaning.
Impact of Premature Birth on Brain Development
Terrie Inder, MD, MBChB, Chair of the Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, explains the impact of premature birth on neonatal brain development. Preterm infants are at risk for learning difficulties later in life, with approximately 50 to 60 percent of them needing to repeat a grade by middle school. Dr. Inder highlights how brain imaging can help predict the likelihood of learning challenges, allowing for early intervention through therapy and support services to mitigate future difficulties. The environment also plays a crucial role in the brain development of preterm infants. Dr. Inder’s research explores the effects of auditory stimulation on neonatal brain growth. Her team found that infants exposed to environments rich in speech experienced greater language development compared to those in quieter settings. A follow-up study two years later revealed that children with more language exposure had nearly ten additional IQ points in language development compared to those from quieter environments.
Music Helps to Build the Brains of Very Preterm Infants
Researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG) have demonstrated that music specially composed for premature infants can strengthen the development of their brain networks and potentially reduce the neurodevelopmental delays that often affect these children.
Music Time with Your Baby
A music therapist from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia shares some ideas for singing and reading with your preterm infant.
Innovative Music Therapy for the Brain Development of Premature Babies
Premature Babies Benefit From Music, Parents' Voices in NICU