An expanded nursing role in interdisciplinary team evaluations of students with special health needs includes systematically and sensitively seeking family perspectives. This article reviews family nursing assessment categories, reframing them for use in assessing family perspective regarding child health and educational needs and presenting a…

There are three statutes that may regulate a school's obligation to the asthmatic child. Analyzes school policies in interaction with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reviews school policies from the most restricted no-medication policies to schools…

This study assessed differences in oromotor development between 10 verbal and 10 nonverbal young children (ages 30 to 48 months), all with autism. A variety of oromotor difficulties were found in both groups, similar to those seen in children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. (DB)

Explored relation of biological and psychosocial risk factors to infant development among pregnant women who had pregestational diabetes, gestational diabetes, or were nondiabetic. Found that infants of diabetic mothers scored lower on the Bayley Scales at 1 year and revealed fewer positive and more negative behaviors than infants of nondiabetic…

Discusses the role of the Child Life Specialist in helping to meet the special needs of medically fragile children. Argues that since many child care professionals may come into contact with medically fragile children at some point in their careers, it is important to examine child life as a specialization in the health care profession. (SD)

The primary objective of this study was to improve the educational success of children with sickle-cell disease (SCD) and cerebral infarcts. A prospective intervention trial was conducted; a multidisciplinary team was created to maximize educational resources for children with SCD and cerebral infarcts. Students were evaluated systematically…

This booklet explains characteristics of Marfan Syndrome, an inherited disorder of connective tissue which can be life-threatening if untreated. Medical problems affecting various parts of the body such as the heart, the skeleton, the eyes and the skin associated with Marfan Syndrome are discussed. Possible medical emergencies are identified.…

Marfan's syndrome is an autosomal dominant chromosomal disorder of connective tissue which may cause major abnormalities in the musculoskeletal, ocular (pertaining to the eye), and cardiovascular systems of the body. A description of this disorder is presented in this paper. It affects approximately .03 to .05% of the population; approximately…

This fact sheet uses a question-and-answer format to summarize what is known about phenylketonuria (PKU), an inherited metabolic disease that leads to mental retardation and other developmental disabilities if untreated in infancy. Questions and answers address the following topics: what PKU is; how PKU is inherited; the diagnosis of PKU; the…

This fact sheet uses a question-and-answer format to summarize what is known about Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), a complex genetic disorder resulting in short stature, mental retardation or learning disabilities, incomplete sexual development, characteristic behavior problems, low muscle tone, and an involuntary urge to eat constantly, which…

One of the most common pediatric health problems is childhood lead poisoning. This report examines the preventable problem of lead poisoning. The report describes childhood lead poisoning as both a health problem to which infants and young children are most susceptible, and as a housing problem. More than half the housing units in Rhode Island…

This report discusses the effects of lead exposure and toxicity on children's cognitive development and school performance and addresses the role of schools in prevention of lead poisoning. Sources of lead exposure include mining, smelting and refining activities, lead paint, leaded gasoline, and industrial emissions. The results of lead poisoning…

A therapeutic play program in New Zealand aims to provide an environment that helps children cope with the stress of being in a hospital. A relatively new aspect of child health care in New Zealand, the therapeutic play program is a preventive mental health program that differs from play therapy, which is intervention for children who have an…

The paper reports on studies involving children having the rare chronic skin diseases of hemangiomas and epidermolysis bullosa (characterized by easy blistering). One study compared the self-concept and psychosocial development of young (mean age 46 months) children (N=19) with hemangiomas with 19 children without hemangiomas. Findings indicated…