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.

Effectiveness of serial stretch casting for resistant or recurrent knee flexion contractures following hamstring lengthening in children with cerebral palsy.

A retrospective review of all cerebral palsy (CP) patients with resistant or recurrent knee flexion contractures treated with serial stretch casting was performed. The protocol consisted of sequential wedging (5 degrees per week) of fiberglass casts until maximum knee extension had been achieved. Measurements were made prior to the initiation of casting, at completion of the casting, and at 1 year after the casting.

Rehabilitation after femoral osteotomy in cerebral palsy.

This is a study of the time required to return to preoperative functional levels after proximal femoral osteotomy in children with cerebral palsy. Seventy-one consecutive children who underwent proximal femoral osteotomy to treat an unstable hip secondary to cerebral palsy are retrospectively reviewed. All children returned to their preoperative ambulatory function within 30 months of the procedure.