Medical management of autism.

The primary care physician should be knowledgeable about the medical issues that children with ASD encounter and also be aware of available treatment options. Included among these are: identification of seizures, treatment of sleep problems, aggressive management of chronic constipation and GERD as well as timely referral for preventive dental care. Due to the scarcity of sub-specialists (Pediatric Neurologist, Developmental Pediatrician, Child Psychiatrist/ Psychologist) managing children with ASD, the primary care physician should likewise be familiar with medication options for challenging behaviors.

Caretaker perception of child vulnerability predicts behavior problems in NICU graduates.

This study explores parental perception of child vulnerability (PPCV) and parent overprotection (POP) and their relationship to neonatal medical problems, child development and behavior. Participants included 90 lower income parents of NICU graduates ages 22-81 months consecutively enrolled at a high-risk neonatal developmental follow-up clinic. Parents completed the Child Vulnerability Scale (CVS), the Parent Protection Scale (PPS) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) regarding their children.