Search Results

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

Q&A: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Pediatric Epilepsy & Primary Dystonia By David Hersh, MD: If your child’s epilepsy or dystonia isn’t responding to medication or other treatments, what comes next? Connecticut Children’s, in partnership with UConn Health, offers deep brain stimulation (DBS) as an option for pediatric patients — and for many families, a reason for hope

Changing How We Talk to Kids About COVID-19 When Someone Tests Positive By Emily Wakefield, PsyD: Media Contacts: The COVID-19 pandemic seems to be a never-ending rollercoaster ride for kids and families. Lately, with the rise in infections due to Omicron, that’s included a sensitive subject: what to say to your child when they or someone they know tests positive. Connecticut

Raising a First-Time Voter? 9 Tips for Parents By Jane Baird: This is a major milestone for them. Talking about politics with your children is a great way to boost their critical thinking skills, teach them to appreciate different viewpoints, and help them figure out their own values. Plus, it gives them a chance to learn how to engage in

6 Tips to Help Kids Deal With Peer Pressure By Lauren K. Ayr-Volta, PhD: TikTok dares. Drug and alcohol abuse. Bullying. Peer pressure can lead to a lot of difficult and dangerous situations for kids and teens. It’s hard for your child to know how to handle that, especially in the moment. But you can help them understand what to watch out for, and

Is Caffeine Safe for Teens? A Doctor Explains By Andrew Carlson, MD: Coffee and other tasty caffeinated drinks are part of our culture. But pediatric health professionals are asking parents to be aware of new 2025 guidelines from Healthy Eating Research that clarify what kids should and shouldn’t be drinking, and that teenagers especially should

From the Sidelines: How Involved Should Parents Be in Sports? By Kelly Ann Maynes, PsyD: Whether your child is preparing for their first-ever game or for a high school championship, one thing is true—your support matters. As parents, the way we show up on the sidelines and in life shapes not just how our athletes play, but also how they grow. Connecticut Children’s

How to Prepare and Support Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders This School Year By Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a tough time adjusting to change – so they’ll need additional guidance and support to succeed in school during COVID-19. Connecticut Children’s autism specialist Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, MS, CCC-SLP shares tips. Create a visual

10 Apps to Help Young Kids Deal With Their Emotions By Melissa Santos, PhD: When your young child has big feelings in their little body, they may not know what to do about it. To help, you can work with them on a coping toolbox, mindfulness exercises or quick resets . Or, if you’re into wellness apps, you can turn to your phone: There are a growing

Minimally Invasive Craniosynostosis Surgery: A Game-Changer for Babies By Bethany Simonetti MSN, APRN, FNP-BC: Are you worried about your baby’s head shape and what it could mean? Flat spots, or plagiocephaly, tend to improve on their own, but if your doctor suspects craniosynostosis, which may require surgical repair, you naturally have lots of questions. Our pediatric neurosurgery team

Introducing the Youth Suicide Prevention Center at Connecticut Children’s By Steven C. Rogers, MD, MS: If you feel your child is in crisis, or a danger to themselves or others, call 911. In Connecticut, you can also call 211 or 988 for emergency or crisis intervention . For free, confidential support, call 1.800.273.8255 or text “HOME” to 741741. A New Chapter of Hope and Action

3 Things to Know About Treating Fetal Renal Failure By Timothy Crombleholme, MD: In the world of fetal care, fetal renal failure is one of the most misunderstood diagnoses. That’s because, for a long time, it was untreatable. But today, the nation’s top fetal care centers can and do offer options for treatment — a deeply personal decision for families. What

Medical Mystery: Could It Be POTS? By Irfan Warsy, MD: This article was published in March 2025 and was last updated on June 23, 2025 with a video. Does your child complain about dizziness all the time? What about fatigue, or strange symptoms that don't seem to fit any one diagnosis? If this is the case, you might wonder: could they