ParentDish

New Blood Test for Autism Seems to be On the Way From Dr. Manny

the editors at FoxNews.com — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: In The News, Health & Safety: Big Kids

Credit: Alex Livesey, Getty Images

On June 9, we commented on a scientific study that proved that autism in children can be caused by a random genetic mutation that could occur at any one of hundreds of different sites in the human genome. As I told you in that story, I believe the science because of the significant role that genetics often play in our everyday lives.

I have also previously written about my strong support for early intervention - essentially, how important it is that early diagnosis be made and how early intervention can make a difference in altering the maturity in some of the children with autism spectrum disorders.

Despite the countless studies that have been done on autism and it's dramatically growing numbers, there are still many people who don't believe in the reality of the autism spectrum. Nevertheless, for those parents like me that are seeking answers, there is a need to always keep an eye out for new studies and solutions.

And that brings me to this latest report, which is the product of ongoing research being conducted in Rhode Island at Bradley Hospital. Scientists are doing research based on the idea that autism has genetic origins. Their ultimate goal is to develop a blood test that could diagnose both autism and what the disorder would mean for the specific child it affects in terms of symptoms and treatment.

In order to achieve that goal, they have been mapping out the genetic changes of families with autism. For an earlier study, published in the scientific journal Neuron, the researchers enrolled 1,100 families with autism and drew blood from them in order to sequence their genes. They focused on the families where only one member had symptoms of autism.

The researchers found proof that some of the genetic changes associated with autism are new, which means that they occurred spontaneously in the parent's sperm or egg. In other words, the gene for autism isn't inherited - it's a new genetic event that only happens in one person.

To me, that theory makes sense. During fetal development, certain genes are either duplicated or deleted, but the changes can vary from person to person. So, it does seem that in some families there is a variant gene, which may or may not be duplicated or deleted, that could explain some of the symptoms of autism.

Because the genetic changes seem to be spontaneous, that also explains why family history plays such a small role in linking the autism spectrum to any inherited pattern of genetic defect.

While the unpredictability of autism as suggested by this study may seem daunting, I am actually encouraged by the ongoing research at this hospital as they continue to enroll patients and their families so that they are able to create a better genetic map of these unique changes.

I also agree with their resolution to have a test that would help not only identify where the child falls on the autism spectrum, but more importantly, help to create specific therapies that will help these children continue to thrive in a beautiful way.

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Save Your Kids From Summertime Dangers

the editors at FoxNews.com — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Expert Advice: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Expert Advice: Big Kids

Relaxing in the backyard, enjoying the pool and exploring the great outdoors. See what potential dangers lurk around some of our favorite summertime activities, and learn how to prevent a trip to the emergency room.

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Rare Form of Dwarfism Sets Girl Apart From Twin Sister

the editors at FoxNews.com — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: In The News

Sienna "Sinny" Bernal, left, and her twin sister, Sierra, pose for the camera. Courtesy of Chrissy Bernal

By Jessica Doyle

Meet Sierra and Sienna Bernal -- 12-year-old twins from Texas. They both have blonde hair, enjoy shopping and like acting and singing.

But that's where the similarities end.

Sierra is just over 5-feet tall and weighs 78 pounds; Sienna -- or Sinny as she likes to be called -- is just under 4 feet tall and weighs just 28 pounds.

The girls are the only twins in the world where one -- Sinny -- is a primordial dwarf.

In fact, Sinny was so small during her mother Chrissy's pregnancy, doctors didn't even know she was pregnant with twins until her sixth month -- and she delivered them one month later.

Sinny weighed only a little more than a pound when she was born, and she had a host of other health problems: a hole in her heart, part of her brain was missing (this is known as Dandy Walker syndrome) and chronic lung disease.

Sierra weighed a little more than 4 pounds and, for all intents and purposes, was born healthy.

Still, Sinny's health problems offered no clues to primordial dwarfism, and it wasn't until she was 6 years old that the family was given a diagnosis.

"We went to a geneticist, and at that point ... what was one more doctor," said Chrissy, who writes children's books, including "Sienna's Locket" and "Living Life Sinny-Sized." (She keeps a blog of the same name).

"He looked at her, and he said, 'we have someone who could help.' It was a visiting doctor from Belgium, who said he had seen two (children) just like her. He ran some tests, and verified she was a primordial dwarf."

It is believed there are fewer than 200 primordial dwarfs worldwide, according to the Potentials Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families with PD. Individuals who have PD usually reach their maximum height around the age of 12 - so Sinny is likely not going to grow any taller. And PDs often have skeletal, dental, vision and/or hearing issues.

There are currently five different sub-types of primordial dwarfism, but doctors believe Sinny may have a type that has yet to be identified. Geneticists at the Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, Texas, are studying Sinny's genes and are hoping to find where the mutation happened and what type of primordial dwarfism she has.

Sinny, whose heart was fixed when she was just a few months old, wears glasses, unlike her sister, and has hearing aids, because the bones in her ears are so small.

But she has a smile -- and a sense of humor -- that is 10 times bigger than her tiny frame.

When asked what it's like to be a twin, she replied, "It's awesome. You can look at your twin and see if an outfit is going to look good on you." (Laughing). "Also, it gives you an automatic buddy. If you have no one to talk to, you can talk to your twin."

Sierra, always the "big" sister, is protective of her sister, Chrissy said, especially if someone dares to make a comment about Sinny.

But she knows the situation has impacted Sierra in ways that are challenging; forcing her to grow up quicker than she should have.

"Being Sienna's twin is pretty cool," Sierra said. "It makes me even more special. Being Sienna's twin has made me a strong person. Plus, I can pretty easily see who my real friends are because Sienna and I are a packaged deal. If you don't like her because she's different, then you don't get me."

Sierra worries though -- they are at an age when boys and dating are becoming increasingly important -- and she doesn't want her sister to get left behind.

"She's pretty popular," Chrissy said of Sinny, who is going through puberty like any other pre-teenager. "But it's getting to the harder age where she feels more comfortable with younger children. Younger children aren't as judgmental. They have separate friends."

The girls' father, Joey, and their brother, Austin, who is 16, round out the Bernal family, and they all keep a positive outlook on life.

They use each new challenge as a teaching tool for their children, and while they are unsure what the future holds -- they said they just take things "day by day."

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'What's Eating Your Child' Author Talks Misdiagnosed Mood Disorders

the editors at FoxNews.com — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Expert Advice: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Nutrition: Big Kids, Expert Advice: Big Kids, Nutrition: Tweens, Expert Advice: Tweens, Nutrition: Teens

Depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety might not be mood problems after all. As nutritionist Kelly Dorfman tells Dr. Marc Siegel, these conditions could actually be food disorders. Find out which foods could negatively affect your child's mood.

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Healthy Eyes for Baby: Why an Exam During Baby's First Year Is Important

the editors at FoxNews.com — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Health & Safety: Babies, Expert Advice: Babies

A new program is making sure infants in the U.S. have a comprehensive vision exam before their first birthday. See why it's important to get your baby an exam.

More videos from FoxNews.

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Is Predicting Kids' Athletic Future With At-Home Genetic Testing Possible?

the editors at FoxNews.com — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Opinions, Expert Advice: Tweens, Expert Advice: Teens

Credit: Getty Images

By Dr. Robert Tozzi

Parents, trainers, coaches and athletes emulate many of our high-profile professional athletes. Unfortunately, more harm than good can come from most of these attempts.

In my last column, I reviewed some of the dangers associated with stimulants and products that contain too little water and too much caffeine, salt, sugar and potassium.

Now I am turning my sights on companies that are misleading the public into believing that there is value in obtaining genetic testing to see what sports may be best for their child. The parent simply swabs the inside of the child's mouth and sends the cotton swab off to the company for analysis.

The following is an excerpt from the website of one of the companies offering the genetic testing:

o. Gives parents and coach's early information on their child's genetic predisposition for success in team or individual speed/power or endurance sports.
o. Genetic predisposition determination can be valuable in outlining training and conditioning programs necessary for athletic and sport development
o. Applies a simple, safe and non-invasive sampling method
o. Safe to use on the youngest of athletes

*Test results may be used later in development with other athletic performance

Are these claims fact or fiction? In my opinion, they are pure fantasy. What makes an athlete is a combination of physical, mental and social attributes.

When evaluating athletes, scholastic as well as professional, there is the occasional individual who must be restricted from sports participation. As you can imagine, this evokes extreme responses.

"I would rather die on the playing field than be restricted," was a response from a Division I athlete I treated. And unfortunately, similar responses can be heard from parents.

The "must-win-at-all-cost" mentality makes for a great story or movie line, but there are many more losers than winners when it comes to these extremes - and even the winners may eventually lose.

For example, aging with life-long back, knee and hip injuries is often the end result of extreme forms of exercise.

Obesity and the probability of heart disease is often an unfortunate outcome of the misguided concept of "bulking up." Rapid weight gain at any age is associated with dramatic increases in abdominal fat, which is linked to diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

Additionally, the damaging effects of steroids and growth hormones, as well as compounds added to supplements, may all result in damage to the body and cardiovascular system.

We share 96 percent of the same genes with chimps and other animals - yet the abilities of a human are magnitudes greater.

We were misguided to think that once we discovered the human genome sequence that we would be able understand how the human body works, and we would be even crazier to think that knowing a few genes will help shape the future of a child.

Dr. Robert J. Tozzi is the chief of pediatric cardiology and founder of the Pediatric Center for Heart Disease at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey. He is also the director of the Gregory M. Hirsch Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center and a Fox News contributor.

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Pesticides on Playing Fields

the editors at FoxNews.com — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Health & Safety: Big Kids, Health & Safety: Tweens

Chemical lawn treatments can linger for many days before the weather and sun begin to dilute their potency. Credit: Corbis

By Deirdre Imus

For millions of kids, the warmer weather means only one thing...the start of spring and summer sport programs. Soon baseball diamonds, golf courses, and soccer fields across the country will be filled with energetic, competitive kids.

Keeping those playing fields in good condition and free of pests, however, requires regular maintenance that includes spraying the grass with a toxic cocktail of chemical fungicides, herbicides and insecticides. Although we have become accustomed to their use, make no mistake these chemicals are poisons and are meant to kill living organisms; weeds, fungus and a variety of insects.

If you think your children are somehow escaping exposure to these harmful chemicals because they are applied outdoors, think again. Chemical lawn treatments can linger for many days before the weather and sun begin to dilute their potency.

As youth sports programs expand, the time between chemical lawn applications and use of playing fields has been shortened. With regular lawn maintenance followed by a packed schedule of practices and games, kids are repeatedly breathing in and picking up pesticide residue on their skin, clothes and shoes.

According to Beyond Pesticides, of the 30 commonly used lawn pesticides, 19 are linked with cancer or carcinogenicity, 13 are linked with birth defects, 21 with reproductive effects, 26 with liver or kidney damage, 15 with neurotoxicity and 11 with disruption of the endocrine (hormonal system).

Children are particularly vulnerable to pesticides. Many lawn care product labels specifically warn that the product can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions.

Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found the residue of numerous pesticides in the bodies of 15 percent of children tested, ages 3 to 7. What's worse, the broken-down products used in organophosphate pesticides was detected in 98.7 percent of children studied.

Some of the chemicals used in lawn "weed and feed" products, such as the herbicide 2, 4-D, can be very toxic even at low doses and may increase the risk of cancer, neurological and reproductive problems. When brought indoors on clothing, 2, 4-D can remain in carpets for up to a year.

Safe alternatives to commonly used chemical lawn care products are available and are often cost effective. Thanks to concerned parents across the country, many states and school systems have already implemented policies mandating integrated pest management (IPM), a toxin-free, pest-control method. Just last month a new state law that would ban the use of pesticides on school playgrounds and sports fields went into effect in New York. Over 400 school districts in 33 states have switched to integrative pest management policies.

What parents can do to reduce playing field pesticide exposures:

1. Following practice or a game, make sure your children remove their shoes before entering the house.

2. Promptly remove practice clothes or game uniforms, and wash them separately.

3. Wash hands immediately and entire body as soon as possible.

4. Parents of children participating in outdoor sport activities should familiarize themselves with the pesticide laws in your area. State and local school pesticide policies are available at http://www.beyondpesticides.org/schools/schoolpolicies/index.htm

5. Join with other parents and bring your concerns to your local officials and petition them to adopt a pesticide-free sports fields program. Municipalities and school districts have the ability to implement their own policies on pesticide use.

Deirdre Imus is the Founder and President of The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health CenterTM at Hackensack University Medical Center and Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Imus Cattle Ranch for Kids with Cancer. Deirdre is the author of four books, including three national bestsellers. She is a frequent speaker on green living and children's health issues, and is a contributor to FoxNewsHealth.com. For more information go to www.dienviro.com.

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The Most Dangerous Game: Young Athletes Taking Energy Boosters

the editors at FoxNews.com — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Behavior: Teens, Expert Advice: Teens

Boost or bust? Credit: Getty Images

When an 11-year-old patient developed an irregular heartbeat after eating what he told me was "candy" before a soccer game, it occurred to me that there might be something else at play here.

This intelligent and astute patient said his soccer coach had distributed "candy" to the team to give them a boost of energy and help them play better.

Considering that this particular patient had undergone open-heart surgery just months before coming to my office with an arrhythmia, I knew I had to investigate further.

It turns out the "candy" my patient was referring to are Black Cherry CLIF SHOT BLOKS, made by CLIF Bar & Company, and marketed as a nutritional supplement to replace carbohydrates and electrolytes during activity.

One serving contains 50 mg of caffeine, which is about the equivalent of half a cup of coffee or one shot of espresso.

Yes, it is true that this patient was at increased risk because of his heart surgery to close a hole in the wall of the lower heart chamber -- a common heart defect that only occasionally requires surgical repair.

But children with a history of heart disease are not the only ones at risk for the occurrence of a cardiac event while taking stimulants. Some children have undiagnosed heart conditions, making them more vulnerable to the effects of exercise and stimulants.

CLIF SHOT BLOKS are targeted towards endurance athletes, like cyclists and marathon runners that need to replace nutrients lost during physical activity and get a little boost of energy to keep them going. The small amount of caffeine they contain may seem safe, but in the wrong hands, these chewy treats can be confused with candy -- as evident with my young patient.

What concerns me most about this kind of confusion is the potential for children to unknowingly consume multiple servings. Exposure to excessive amounts of caffeine can be toxic, and can result in arrhythmias, seizures and even death.

CLIF SHOT BLOKS not only deliver the stimulant, they also contain undiluted sugar, salt and potassium, so the manufacturer suggests taking them with enough water to prevent dehydration.

A healthier alternative for kids, such as Gatorade or Powerade, contains salt, sugar and potassium in safe concentrations. But these drinks should be consumed only to replenish fluid lost during physical activity.

Sports drinks contain large amounts of sugar, so using them in place of daily water consumption can increase the risk of dental problems and help fuel the obesity epidemic.

According to a recent report published in the journal Pediatrics, experts are urging kids and teens to avoid energy drinks and only consume sports drinks in limited amounts.

The researchers from the American Academy of Pediatrics say that children should never drink energy drinks because they contain caffeine and other stimulants that put stress on the body.

Most energy drinks and supplements also contain vitamins and herbal extracts that are not well researched or regulated, and we just don't know enough about the potential side effects.

From soda to energy drinks to caffeine-laced chews, our children are being exposed to exceptionally high levels of stimulants, all in an attempt to improve performance.

The reality is, when these products are consumed during physical activity, they can be extremely dangerous. The combination of a stimulant in the face of dehydration is a recipe for disaster.

I thought I was asking all the right questions when a child presents with palpitations: Are you on any prescription stimulants, any weight-loss medications, protein or supplement drinks? Do you drink coffee, soda or energy drinks?

It never occurred to me that my interview must now include seemingly innocent "candy."

This article was originally published by FoxNews.com by Dr. Robert J. Tozzi. Dr. Robert J. Tozzi is the chief of pediatric cardiology and founder of the Pediatric Center for Heart Disease at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey. He is also the director of the Gregory M. Hirsch Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center and a Fox News contributor.

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Saving Precious Skin: Summer Skin Safety

the editors at FoxNews.com — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Health & Safety: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Health & Safety: Big Kids, Health & Safety: Tweens, Health & Safety: Teens

Author Jill Kargman, mother of three and skin cancer survivor, talks to Dr. Manny about how she protects her kid's skin.

Click here for more health tips from Dr. Manny on Foxnews.com.

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Pregnancy Weight Loss Can Be Safe for Obese Women

the editors at FoxNews.com — Tue, 24 May 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: In The News, Pregnancy Health

Severely obese women who lost weight, rather than gaining the recommended amount, had less need for C-sections and were less likely to deliver large newborns. Credit: Getty Images

According to a new study that seems to buck traditional medical logic, obese women may actually be able to lose weight during pregnancy without harming themselves or their babies.

In fact, the weight loss -- if done the right way -- could possibly reduce the women's risk of needing a cesarean section.

Previously, many doctors followed the recommendations from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), an advisory panel to the U.S. government, which say that obese women should gain 11 to 20 pounds during pregnancy.

This is less than the 25 to 35 pound weight gain recommended for normal-weight women, but some researchers say it isn't that simple. These researchers have criticized the IOM for not considering different levels of obesity.

Dr. Marie Blomberg, the author of the new study, found that severely obese women (those with a BMI of 40 or higher) could actually benefit from losing weight.

The study findings indicated that severely obese women who lost weight, rather than gaining the recommended amount, had less need for C-sections and were less likely to deliver large newborns.

Personally, I totally agree with the study. I think the findings are important for practicing obstetricians who are facing these types of issues to consider.

Severely obese women with BMIs greater than 40 should have minimal or no weight gain during pregnancy, providing that they continue to eat a balanced diet that incorporates the nutrients necessary to maintain a healthy baby and a healthy mother.

The whole mythology of pregnancy weight gain fixed on just a number has been turned around completely, and now obstetricians must focus on the initial weight of an expecting mom and decide the best course of action from there.

A balanced diet and exercise -- especially in these women -- as long as there are no other risk factors present, is essential in reducing or even eliminating problems during pregnancy.

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Autism Questions Answered by Doctor

the editors at FoxNews.com — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Medical Conditions, Expert Advice: Babies, Expert Advice: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Expert Advice: Big Kids, Expert Advice: Tweens, Expert Advice: Teens

Watch a video on detecting signs and symptoms of autism.

Parenting a child with autism raises many questions. Credit: Corbis

As a doctor and a parent of a child with autism, I get a lot of questions in my practice (and in my email inbox) from other parents of children who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. I wanted to take this opportunity to let you all know that I have been reading and giving careful thought to each of your concerns. Here are a few of the latest questions that have been sent to me.

Q: I have twins and one is standing on his own and the other one stands, but not on his own. How would I know if that's the first sign of autism? You said on the news you saw your son was acting different. What did he do or not do? When do these signs start? What should I look for? -Amber

A: Amber, I understand your concern. However, just on the basis of your description that one of your twins is having some delay in standing, it does not appear he meets the criteria for autistic disorders. Many infants at the age of 8 months have variable delays in walking, and that work up should be followed with your pediatrician in regards to his motor strength.

Autism, on the other hand, relates more in delay of speech, attention to surroundings and interaction within the family. I welcome you to check out the rest of the Fox News Health section for more information. I am glad that you're asking questions so early on in your child's life because I do believe that parents are the first ones to sense that there may be something wrong with their children -- and the earlier you intervene -- the better the outcome will be.

Q: Dear Doc, I am a police detective here in New Jersey, and I have a son with autism. We have been in early intervention for about a year now, but he turns 3 this June so as you know he is headed to my local district's pre-school program. My son sounds a lot like how you described your son. He has a lot of eye contact with us and a few tics but the worst part is he doesn't talk. I love my son so much, and I just don't know if we are making the right choices for him. It drives this tough detective to tears many nights. I just feel lost in the sea of information. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. -Clint

A: Clint, I empathize with you. But you know, I always try to look at the glass half full. Early intervention is important, and home tutoring is vital. I don't know exactly where you live in New Jersey, but the Valley Program in Bergen County is one of the best. This program is run in many towns in Bergen County and as a resident of Jersey you have the right to have your child in the best program that fits his needs, even if your own school district offers similar services.

Q: Hi Dr. Manny, I live in Australia and have four boys. My second son, now 27 years old, has autism and an intellectual handicap. Danny lives with us at home and will do so until I can no longer care for him. He is affectionate to me but has self-injurious behavior quite often, and this totally determines the course of his life and limits his horizons. We've tried various medications including antidepressants and Risperidone, but he actually does much better med-free and has been so for several years now. Please let me know if you come across any techniques or methods to control or decrease his self-injurious behavior. - Mandy

A: Mandy, thanks for your question. I hope and pray that your son finds the peace he needs. I know that you have tried Risperidone; however, I prefer Abilify because it controls the hyperactive phase of psychological irritability much better. I advise you to consult with your family doctor for more information on Abilify to decide whether or not it's the right choice for you.

Q: Last Saturday my brother-in-law came to talk to me about how good you are and that you have an Autistic son just like mine. My son Lucas was diagnosed with autism last year, and I wanted to ask you what your opinion is on ABA therapy versus the Son-Rise method. Thank you so much, and like always, you are the best! - Marta

A: Marta, thank you for your kind words. I have to say that I believe ABA therapy has had the best success in treating autistic children, especially very early on. ABA, short for applied behavior analysis, encourages and improves social behaviors by using experimentation to identify variables that will cause changes in behavior. In a 2007 report, the American Academy of Pediatrics said the benefit of ABA-based interventions in autism spectrum disorders has been well documented and that "children who receive early intensive behavioral treatment have been shown to make substantial, sustained gains in IQ, language, academic performance, and adaptive behavior as well as some measures of social behavior." Overall, I believe the data on ABA is quite strong, and the majority of doctors around the country who work with autistic children are more experienced with ABA therapy.

The Son-Rise method, for those who are interested, is more focused on relationships and creating a calming, accepting environment for autistic children, where parents mirror the child's repetitive behaviors such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping.

For more answers to your health-related questions, please email drmanny@foxnews.com.

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How to Obtain Guardianship for Adults With Autism

the editors at FoxNews.com — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Health & Safety: Teens, Expert Advice: Teens

Credit: Corbis

Once a child turns 18, he or she is legally considered an adult and, therefore, permitted to make his or her own choices. For children who have difficulty managing their emotions, expressing themselves and executing day-to-day self-care tasks, like many on the autism spectrum, this freedom may not be a safe option.

Many parents of teens with autism are learning they are not automatically considered their child's legal guardian just because that child has a disability. If you feel guardianship is the best option for your family, you have to go through the court system to be assigned this role, which will give you the right to make decisions about issues such as your adult child's schooling, health care and living arrangements. The decision to assign a legal guardian to a person older than 18 is not taken lightly and it involves paperwork, time and money.

One mother of an 18-year-old with autism in northern New Jersey says, "I just can't believe how overwhelming the process was. I spent a lot of time on the phone, gathering and copying paperwork, and talking to my lawyer and my son's court-appointed lawyer. It was a part-time job."

Though the process can be lengthy and time-consuming there are some things you can do to prepare.

Each state has its own process for filing to become a legal guardian. Be sure if you are reading information online that it comes directly from your state's official website. Most states have the step-by-step process on their website, complete with options for guardianship, forms to be printed, and necessary phone numbers.

You will need your child's medical and school records so if this paperwork isn't already organized, now is a good time to get it in order. Fill it chronologically so you can locate information quickly.

You will need to provide references -- people who know you and your family well and have intimate knowledge of your child's challenges. Consider teachers, therapists or caregivers who have worked closely with your child and your family. They will need to provide specific examples of areas of difficulty and times when your child was unable to make safe decisions, express himself effectively, or care for himself.

Contact these people prior to submitting their names and contact information and ask if they are comfortable spending time discussing their experience with your child with your child's attorney.

Send all of your paperwork to your lawyers and the court offices with a delivery confirmation from the post office. These offices are handling a tremendous amount of paperwork and you want to be able to confirm that yours was delivered. Though an added cost, it will give you peace of mind.

Pursuing legal guardianship of an adult with a disability is a decision that requires much thought and care. The decision, and the ensuing process, should be handled with respect for the individual and his best interest in mind at all times.

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This article was originally published on FoxNews.com by Jennifer Cerbasi. Jennifer Cerbasi works as a special education teacher at a public school in New Jersey. As owner of The Learning Link, LLC, she works with parents in the home to support children's academic, social, emotional, and physical health through a variety of services. Jennifer utilizes her training in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in both settings to foster children's development. In addition to her work both in the classroom and at home, she is also a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. For more information, go to www.jennifercerbasi.com.

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Your Baby: Going Green From Head to Toe

the editors at FoxNews.com — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Going Green, Expert Advice: Babies, Expert Advice: Just For You

Credit: Corbis

From organic food to eco-friendly fashion and hybrid cars, more and more people, including new parents, are "going green" these days. But, with so much information out there, the lifestyle change can often be overwhelming.

"There are certain things that are obvious," said Dr. Benjamin Kligler, a board-certified family practitioner and director of research at the Continuum Center for Health and Healing in New York City. "For example, watching fish consumption because of mercury is a great place to start from keeping your baby from toxic exposure."

According to the Food and Drug Administration, moderate seafood consumption (12 ounces a week) during pregnancy is OK as long as fish known to be high in mercury, such as shark and swordfish, are avoided.

As many parents know, a good part of the pregnancy is spent getting the nursery ready. This may involve everything from painting to stripping floors. If that's the case, Kligler suggested getting out of the house.

"If there's construction going on in your house, mothers-to-be should probably move out during that time," he said. "Also, use low-volatile oil content paints. The paint doesn't have as much solvents, it's easy to find, and it's only about five percent more expensive than regular paint."

The bottom line -- be aware of what kind of chemicals you're exposing your body to.

"Things get exposed through the skin," Kligler noted. "It's not just about what you eat."

Once the walls are painted -- it's time to furnish the nursery. One must-have "green" item is the mattress, according to pediatrician Alan Greene, author of Raising Baby Green: The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby Care.

"The first thing I would choose is an organic mattress because a baby's face is so close to the mattress all day."

If you're wondering what the difference is between an organic mattress and a conventional one -- it all comes down to the chemicals. Some of the materials used to make synthetic mattresses include: Flame retardants, polyurethane, foam, polyester, plastic and formaldehyde, noted Greene. He also stressed that children sleep on mattresses for more than 12 hours a day so using a green mattress, free of chemical additives, is important.

Going Organic

Another huge part of going green is what you put in your mouth and your child's mouth.

"If there was one time in a life to have organic food, it's from conception through that first year of life," said Greene.

Here's a list of his Top 5 essential organic foods:

1. If you're going to eat beef, make sure it's organic to avoid all the growth hormones.

2. Organic milk is also a must because of the pesticide and antibiotic use. Some studies have also found organic milk has more antioxidants and healthier fats compared to regular milk.

3. Organic potatoes. Regular potatoes have the highest average amount of pesticides of any produce item -- even after peeled and washed, noted Greene.

4. An apple a day -- but, only if it's all-natural. Apple trees are often sprayed with organophosphate pesticides, which are actually nerve agents used to kill insects. Exposure to this agent can alter brain function and kids are the most susceptible.

5. Soy also falls under this category. Most of the soy crop planted in the United States is genetically modified (87 percent). So it's a good idea to always buy organic soy.

When it comes to breast-feeding or bottle-feeding, both Kligler and Greene strongly agree that breast-feeding is the best option. But, for those moms who opt to bottle-feed, there are a few green guidelines to follow.

"Breast-feeding isn't right for everybody, so if you're not going to do that, organic formula is a good way to go," Kligler said.

And what kind of bottle you put the formula in is also very important.

"I do suggest using a bottle that is bisphenol-A (BPA) free, said Greene. "Studies in animals have found it's very clear that BPA is an endocrine disrupter."

Up next on the list -- household cleaning products.

"Go into your cabinets and throw out everything that has a long list of ingredients you can't understand," said Kligler.

Once you've accomplished that task, it's time buy some new supplies.

"Go for environmentally friendly products," said Greene. "Studies have shown during pregnancy the use of certain cleaning products can lead to a higher risk of asthma."

Greene, who's a father of four, practices what he preaches. He told FoxNews.com that his family uses cleaning products from the Shaklee Corporation, a company that has been producing natural cleaning products for the last five decades. Shaklee's Get Clean household line offers everything from disinfecting wipes to dryer sheets, which are all made from "pure" ingredients.

Last, but not least -- diapers.

"Some people get really obsessed with diapers," said Greene. "But when you calculate the whole thing out (whether you're using cloth of disposables), it's about equal to burning 54 gallons of gas. That's all the diapers for an entire year. So, you can relax a little bit. There are a lot of things that have a bigger environmental impact."

The big take home message, according to Greene, "There is not a separation between the environment and us. Everything you breathe in, eat and put on your skin has an effect."

More stories from FoxNews.com:
Celebrities Who Promote Breastfeeding
132-Pound Toddler
Best and Worst Easter Treats

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