"Sometimes, real superheroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles"- Autism Spectrum Disorder, Through My Eyes.
A specific subset of neurological conditions is known as developmental disorders. These are increasingly prevalent, yet inadequately understood behavioural, psychological and psychiatric disorders that present in childhood.
Due to the very early age of onset and the increasing links between developmental disorders with maternal transfer, genetics, nutrition and lifestyle choices, the MinddFoundation regards many of these disorders as preventable and manageable through the practice of integrative health and the functional medicine approach.
First smiles, visual fixing and following, crawling, walking, pincer-grasping, pointing, waving, responding to affection and self-feeding are some of the hundreds of milestones families enjoy observing in their babies and children. It is a massive concern for many parents when the simple joys of childhood may not be progressing as expected.
If concerns are apparent after screening, then children will undergo a full developmental evaluation. This is often performed by developmental paediatricians, developmental psychologists or a paediatric neurologist.
"Parents who have children with special needs- also have special needs. They need to know more than the average parent. They need to do more than the average parent. They need more patience than the average parent... and so much more". – S.Zajicek, Parents Supporting Parents.
The MINDD Foundation offers information and support to help achieve optimal outcomes for an individual dealing with a developmental condition. It begins with a strong team of Integrative practitioners who can guide the patient on an individualised path best suited to their unique combination of genetic and environmental factors. Whether you are a parent, practitioner or carer, you are not alone in your quest for information and support.
References
Centres for Disease Control (CDC) (2016). Act Early Checklist. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/checklists/all_checklists.pdf
Centres for Disease Control (CDC) (2016). Developmental Milestones: Learn the Signs. Act Early. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
Grandjean, P. and Landrigan, P. (2006). Developmental neurotoxicity of industrial chemicals: A Review. The Lancet. 368, (9553): 2167-2178.
Kerstjens, J. M., Bocca-Tjeertes, I. F., de Winter, A. F., Reijneveld, S. A., & Bos, A. F. (2012). Neonatal morbidities and developmental delay in moderately preterm-born children. Pediatrics, 130(2), e265-e272.
Shevell, M. I., Ashwal, S., Donley, D., Flint, J., Gingold, M., Hirtz, D., ... & Sheth, R. D. (2003). Practice parameter: Evaluation of the child with global developmental delay Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and The Practice Committee of the Child Neurology Society. Neurology, 60(3), 367-380.