Resources
Aspire's Medical Advisory Council Q&A
Each month, Aspire’s Medical Advisory Council members respond to a wide range of questions about developmental disabilities and related topics provide information about timely issues that you will find helpful and valuable.
Have a question for one of the doctors? Click here to submit your question and we will print the doctor's response in future Q&As.
Babies that are born premature are at risk of developing RSV. What exactly is RSV, and how can I minimize the risk for my child?
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a virus that causes respiratory infections in children. In the temperate areas like Illinois the virus is usually active between November and April. It comes back every year. We can have mild or severe RSV seasons. It varies every year. Read More
I have been told that my baby has flat feet, but that I should not be concerned at this point. Is this commom, and will his foot develop an arch?
Flat feet are very common in little children; as matter of fact, it would probably be abnormal for a very young child to have an arch when standing until they are able to stand well, perhaps at 6 to 9 months of age. Read More
I have noticed that my son walks on his toes. What can that mean?
Toe walking is a very common developmental difference in children. It can be a normal variant. One large study showed more than 50% of cases were idiopathic meaning no reasons were found. Read More
There seems to be some controversy regarding immunizations for children. How safe are they, and what is the current recommended schedule for young children?
All infants should receive their immunizations according to their age regardless of prematurity or birth weight. There are very few contraindications to the usual vaccines. Read More
How do children grow?
For children, getting weighed and measured is a routine part of a visit to the doctor. It’s painless so most children don’t even pay attention except for the occasional child who wants to know “how tall am I?” Read More
What are some signs that I should look for to know if my child has a developmental delay?
The wonder of normal child development unfolds in a predictable, orderly sequence at expected ages along the road to adulthood. In language, cooing comes before babbling, which comes before gestures and single words. Similarly, in motor development, rolling over comes before sitting, which comes before crawling, then pulling to stand and eventually walking. Read More
My child was born six weeks early. I have heard the term “catch up” development. What does that mean?
The term “catch up development” is not very correct. When a baby is born early (before 37 weeks), we should always consider him or her as a younger baby when we check his or her development during the first 2 years at least. Read More
What is sensory integration disorder and how it is treated?
Sensory integration is the organization and interpretation of sensory information by the brain, which helps to shape our interactions with our surroundings. When this process is abnormal, it can lead to inappropriate behavior and difficulties functioning in normal daily activities. Read More
I have heard that Botox is a drug used for children with cerebral palsy. What is Botox and is it helpful?
Botox is a medication that has been around for about 20 years. It has been used to help children with Cerebral Palsy for about 15 years. Read More
Vaccines and Autism
It is scary to think that the vaccines we give to our children to protect them might somehow be dangerous and it’s even scarier to think that a parent might actually contribute to harming their own child. Read More
My child was born premature and he is behind in his development. How do I know if he has a developmental delay or is it a developmental disability?
When a baby is born premature, the brain growth and development continues as if the baby was still inside the mother. During the first few years we should always subtract the weeks of prematurity in checking the baby's development. Read More
My child was just diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Will it get worse over time?
Sometimes children are diagnosed with probable or possible cerebral palsy. It is not an easy diagnosis to make for several reasons. Read More
My child has Down syndrome. I have heard about vitamin therapy, but I am unsure about it. What are your thoughts?
The use of vitamin therapy for children with Down Syndrome has been advocated since the 1930’s. Proponents of vitamin therapy have made claims that have ranged from improvement of intellectual ability, development, overall health, to a change of the physical features of children with Down Syndrome. Read More
"What is a Developmental Disability?"
Dr. Alan I. Rosenblatt responds: A developmental disability is a condition resulting in impairment performing daily life activities because of a disruption to the normal process of child development. Read More
Disability 101: A Dialogue About Developmental Disabilities
"How many people have even one friend who has a disability? Do you? Does your child? Have you ever made small talk with a person in a wheelchair or had coffee with someone who had an obvious impairment?" Dr. Lisa Thornton talks about these questions in this November 2008 article in Chicago Parent. Read More
