Autism Demystified by: Dr. Edith McCarthy, Care
Intensive Pediatrics
Autism is often a huge developmental concern for parents.
Typically, autism presents in one or more of the following ways: No
babbling or cooing by 12 months; no single words by 16 months; no
spontaneous 2-word phrases by 24 months; no use of social gestures
by 12 months (point, wave, grasp); no response to name; loss of any
language/words or social skills at any age.
Autism is a chronic developmental disorder, often first identified in toddlers from age 18 months to 30 months, although early indicators can be seen as early as 12 months of age. The timing of the MMR vaccine, which is also given at 18 months, leads some parents to assume a causal relationship. Extensive reports from both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Institute of Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conclude that there is no proven association between Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. If parents are still anxious despite this knowledge, they should ask their pediatrician to administer the shot a bit later at their 2 year check-up, after a reassuring screening for autism.
Unfortunately, delays in diagnosis are still common and early intervention is important. The AAP recommends a formal screening for autism at your child’s 18- and 24- month well visits. If you have concerns about your child, please ask your pediatrician to screen your baby and possibly refer you to a specialist, with knowledge about autism, such as a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, or speech pathologist.
The more specialized instruction and applied behavioral analysis
(ABA) and therapy the child receives, the more likely it is that
the condition will improve. Parents should be educated in
behavioral techniques so they can also participate in all aspects
of the child’s care and treatment.
Art Excursions with Baby by: Molly Snyder, Metropolitan
Moms
With summer officially here, the time is right to explore some of
NYC’s best family-friendly cultural activities both indoors and
out.
New York’s West Chelsea is home to over 300 contemporary art galleries. You and your baby can stroll the tree-lined streets and visit the galleries which are all in close proximity. Most galleries are also located on the ground level so there’s no need to haul the stroller up a flight of stairs. The galleries are full of fun and colorful works of art shown through various mediums such as video, sculpture and collage that provide fun stimulation for your child. And best of all, admission is free!
Battery Park City is home to a spectacular public art collection in a breathtaking setting along the Hudson River. Your child can CLIMB on the character sculptures and PLAY in the water-filled moat in Tom Otterness’s Real World piece. They can SLIDE down the sand slide, climb on the rocks, and JUMP in the fountains in Tear Drop Park. Picnic in the lush green areas and play in one of the city’s largest and most well-equipped playgrounds.
The Museum of the City of New York’s Toy Collection contains over 10,000 toys used by New Yorkers from the Colonial Period to the present day. Children can IMAGINE what childhood was like nearly a century ago looking at antique dollhouses, games, puzzles; soldiers, trains and boats.
And if these activities don’t entertain and enrich your child, then try one of Metropolitan Moms’ myriad cultural adventures.
Visit us at www.citibabes.com
