Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD, or Autism) is a disorder that begins in the child developmental period. Its hallmark is problems with of social communication, social interaction, repetitive behaviours, and restrictive interests. The disorder affects every child differently. Some children have mild difficulties in social interactions, which was formerly known as “Aspergers Disorder.” Other children may
Gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as “gastro” or “stomach flu” is a viral infection that may cause fever, stomach ache, vomiting and/or diarrhea. It occurs more commonly during fall and winter months. What can I expect from my child when they have the stomach flu? • Gastro infections can last 7 – 10 days! • Vomiting
Yes, it’s true. You really are off the hook for cleaning the cat litter box while you are pregnant! While the risk of acquiring a toxoplasmosis infection from a cat litter box is very low, it makes sense to avoid the task if possible while pregnant. What is Toxoplasmosis? Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the
Introducing solid foods to your baby’s diet is an exciting time for many parents. But with that also comes some worries about potential food allergies. Some foods are a higher risk for allergies than others. Peanuts, milk and eggs are some of the more common culprits. Before starting medical school, I remember being told by relatives that we
Sponsored by Mead Johnson Some babies have allergies to proteins that are found in cow’s milk. This is known as Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA). CMPA is the most common food allergy in infancy affecting 2-7.5% of infants. It can present during the first few months of life, often within days or weeks after introduction
Essential oils are widely used for a variety of reasons. Some people use them for everyday wellness, while others just enjoy their smell. Whatever your reason is for using essential oils, it is important to know about their proper use and safety. This is especially important when considering using essential oils in the pediatric population. What Are
The initial movements that newborn babies make are primitive reflexes and part of normal neurological development. Some of these movements may surprise new parents if they have never been around a newborn baby before. Reflexes are involuntary, which means they happen without trying. This is similar to when a doctor taps your knee with a hammer and your leg
When I was a child, our television was always on. My parents allowed my brother and I to watch television as much as we wanted. I remember wondering why some of my friends had restrictions on how much television they could watch. As a family physician, I advise parents to follow recommendations set out by the Canadian Paediatric
Croup can be a very scary experience for parents. Your child may have a cold and suddenly develop a hoarse voice, noisy breathing, and a telltale barky cough. It often sounds worse than it really is but can be distressing for both parents and children. What is Croup? Croup is an infection most commonly caused by respiratory viruses. These viruses
While it is commonly known that many medications cannot be taken while pregnant, mothers are often left wondering what is safe to take while they are breastfeeding their baby. The good news is that most medications are compatible with breastfeeding. Unfortunately, many mothers are given inaccurate advice with regard to medications and breastfeeding or avoid taking essential medications