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8 Tips to Help Kids With Special Needs Adjust to a New School Year By Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP: Kids with autism and other special needs can have a tough time getting used to new routines, people and places. And of course, a new school year includes all of the above. This year, your child may need extra help with transitions. After all, they aren’t just adjusting to school

Is Your Baby on Track for Motor Milestones? If They’re Under 6 Months Old, Here’s How to Help By Kim Hrapchak, PT, MSPT: Babies are changing by the day, and every new “motor milestone” is a thrill – like the first time they hold a toy, roll, sit up alone, and crawl. These milestones depend on lots of factors, including some that aren’t under anyone’s control. But there are a few ways to help your

Grow Unique: Youssef’s Story There is no one else quite like Youssef Shahine. Sure, when he’s blasting music on his headphones or glued to a video game, he’s a typical 14-year-old. But ask him a question about life, and he’s wise beyond his years. “I like to look at the good stuff,” says Youssef. “Yes, there

Beyond Wrist Surgery: Arianna’s Story When she fell hard after whiffing on a ball during club soccer practice, 14-year-old Arianna P. nearly laughed out loud through the pain. “Here we go again,” she said to her mother in the hospital room. She’d managed to break her wrist for the second time. Deep down, she knew

Beyond Imagination: This NICU Grad Is Defying Expectations When 7-year-old Kendrick Saylor runs, he does what his parents call “the Superman lean.” He puts his head down, squares his shoulders, and takes off. Due to a complication at birth, his vision is impaired. Bending forward helps him avoid objects on the ground. But he’s also

Keeping Kids Safe from Ticks in Connecticut: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents By Andrew Carlson, MD: This article was last updated in April 2025 for accuracy. Getting kids outdoors is one of the best things you can do for their health. But time outside comes with risks—including ticks, which are more active than ever and spreading across Connecticut in new ways. Ticks can carry

Does My Child Need a Back to School Exam? By Abraham J. Khorasani, MD: This article was originally published in August of 2022 and has been updated August 11, 2025 to reflect current times. From the early pre-K years to senior year, school is about so much more than pens, books and friendships. Your child should also have a clean bill of health

My Child Has a Hemangioma. What Should I Know? By Emily Vistica Sampino, MD: You’ve likely seen them before on infants: bright, red or purple birthmarks that look a little lumpy like a strawberry. These are called hemangiomas, common growths that happen when blood cells don’t form properly—or get tangled. This sounds scarier than it usually is

Help Me Grow: From Singular Focus To “Triple Threat” By Paul Dworkin, MD: The momentous occasion of the 10th annual Help Me Grow National Forum, held in Buffalo, New York, is a time for reflection and celebration. While I am grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and emotions, I am admittedly challenged to do justice to this noteworthy event