Children's Health: Children with specific birth defects at increased risk for abuse ♦ New report finds 43 percent increase in ADHD diagnosis for US schoolchildren

New technology may standardize sickle cell disease screening for infants Researchers offer promising findings related to new technology aimed at facilitating early detection of sickle cell disease for infants in developing countries. Over half of babies born with sickle cell disease (SCD) in countries with limited resources die before age five. Over 6 million people in West and Central Africa suffer from the disease, which causes pain crises, widespread organ damage and early mortality

New report finds 43 percent increase in ADHD diagnosis for US schoolchildren Twelve percent of US children and teens had a diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in 2011, a number that has jumped by 43 percent since 2003.

Children with specific birth defects at increased risk for abuse Children born with cleft lip or palate and spina bifida are at an increased risk for abuse before the age of two, according to researchers. The researchers found that compared to children without birth defects the risk of maltreatment in children with cleft lip and/or palate was increased by 40 percent and for children with spina bifida, the risk was increased by 58 percent.

Parents have more influence than they might realize to prevent substance use Adolescence is a time when many children may consider experimenting with alcohol or drugs. New research shows parents can reduce that risk by maintaining a healthy and open relationship with their children.