Brain development

Online database helps Albertans enrol in clinical trials

Research is helping develop new treatments, strategies and surgeries, doctor says. The University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services have teamed up for a campaign encouraging Albertans to sign up for clinical trials. Dr. Michael … READ MORE

Task training seems to improve hand dexterity in kids with cerebral palsy

Task-oriented training (TOT) improves hand dexterity in children with cerebral palsy (CP), according to a preliminary study from South Korea. Children with CP often show delayed development, impaired body movement, and limitations in … READ MORE

Seeking one giant leap for a child’s mobility

With public programs stretched, some parents are turning to private therapies to help kids overcome mobility problems – but the jury is still out on their effectiveness. Therapist Sandi Marshall (left) and mother Nancy Grant (right) … READ MORE

A little more hope: ALS patients taking anti-psychotic drug in clinical trial

Cliff Barr has no illusions about how his life is going to end but he still has hope. ALS patient Cliff Barr, left, who is taking part in a new Canada-wide clinical trial to treat ALS, poses in an examination room with tria leader Dr. … READ MORE

Toy cars help kids with disabilities explore movement

Modified vehicles offer independence to children, hope to parents. Khyla Buium, a two-year-old with cerebral palsy, along with her mom Julie were at the Wascana Rehabiliation Centre to demonstrate a modified ride-on car that was … READ MORE

Children with special needs get their own, special Santa time

“I’d drive 1,000 miles for an experience like this.” Harrison Markin, 6 yrs, experiences a giant snow globe and visits Santa and Mrs Claus at Southcentre Mall in southwest Calgary on Sunday, December 3, 2017. The mall hosted a … READ MORE

Umbilical cord blood improves motor skills in some children with cerebral palsy

Randomized clinical trial shows improved motor function in children infused with own cells. An infusion of cells from a child’s own umbilical cord blood appears to improve brain connectivity and motor function in children with … READ MORE

Researchers call on province to fund genetic testing for cerebral palsy

New study shows genetic variations are a factor in 20 per cent of hemiplegic CP cases. What was thought to be an almost entirely environmental disorder has a significant genetic component. – Stephen Scherer, Hospital for Sick … READ MORE

Video game improves balance in youth with autism

Playing a video game that rewards participants for holding various “ninja” poses could help children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) improve their balance, according to a recent study in the Journal of Autism and … READ MORE

Fine-tuning orthotic device prescription and fitting in CP

Half of those diagnosed with cerebral palsy have been prescribed standard AFOs to aid in walking, according to United Cerebral Palsy and the CDC. A patient with CP at Shriners Hospital for Children—Chicago wearing his customized … READ MORE

Campus club challenges stigma faced by children with disabilities

Taking Strides is a student-run, non-profit initiative which aims to promote and refine physical literacy amongst children with mental and physical disabilities. We accomplish this through an adaptive program which incorporates 1-on-1 … READ MORE

A country for all children to thrive

As Canadians, we pride ourselves on our commitment to inclusion and diversity. Yet, when it comes to disabilities, this pride doesn’t match reality. Put simply – rather than inclusion, the every day experience of many … READ MORE

Uncovering origins of developmental brain disorders

UAlberta research gives new insight into healthy brain development. Recent research discoveries in the development of brain disorders could pave the way to new therapies for treating seizures, and even some children with autism, says … READ MORE

Georgia psycho-educational schools an unconstitutional ‘dumping ground,’ new suit claims

Libby Beem was home-schooled so she would not have to attend a psycho-educational facility where experiments had been planned to deal with her behavioral issues. Bob Andres, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Libby Beem is completing … READ MORE

A safe space for kids with special needs: Vancouver Phoenix Gymnastics

Finding fun outside of the home can be difficult for children with special needs and their families. Thankfully, Vancouver Phoenix Gymnastics gives kids with special needs and disabilities the perfect place to learn and play. The … READ MORE

Let me show you what I can do: A woman with special needs answers our questions

Melanie Reach is a 24-year-old Shorewood woman who has cerebral palsy. After over 20 years living with the neurological disorder, she has a lot to share with the world about the condition, the importance of kids with special needs … READ MORE

Mobility is a key factor in self–care independence for kids with cerebral palsy

Mobility influences the ability of children with cerebral palsy (CP) to carry out self–care activities independently, a finding that could help in the designing of treatment plans and improved development, new research from South … READ MORE

Soccer team for kids with disabilities raise money with lemonade stand

WRIGLEYVILLE — On your way to the Cubs game Saturday, you might notice a lemonade stand manned by a particularly enthusiastic 8-year-old with an infectious smile. Cormac Friedlander (center) poses with family members during a … READ MORE

Dear Everybody campaign aims to end stigma around disability

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital has launched a five-year push to make Canada more inclusive. “I’ve dealt with stigma my whole life because of my cerebral palsy,” Jadine Baldwin says. Steve Russell, Toronto … READ MORE

Family loses fight for autistic son to have service dog in class

Ontario’s human rights tribunal has ruled that a nine-year-old autistic boy in Waterloo, Ont. can’t bring his service dog with him into class. The decision says Kenner Fee’s family failed to prove that having his … READ MORE

7 things I want my teachers to know as a disabled student

It’s that time of year again. School is starting — hear that sound? It’s thousands of parents cheering! As a disabled high school student in mainstream classes, these are the top seven things I hope my new teachers understand. … READ MORE

Reminiscing and hoping for a successful school year

As I say every year, I cannot believe how fast summer goes by, and I’m a mom of two. Back-to-school time always has me reflect on my own school days. Having cerebral palsy and going through the school system is quite an experience. … READ MORE

Understanding hypotonia

Diagnostic challenges should not delay clinical intervention. Hypotonia, or abnormally low muscle tone, is by itself not a disorder but a symptom of an enormous array of issues—many of which can be difficult to diagnose accurately. … READ MORE

Just a really happy baby

Isaac Heroux and his mom Julia Heroux at Isaac’s Walk, the first Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of Ontario Spirit Wheel Walk Run at Lemoine’s Point Conservation Area in Kingston, Ont. on Sunday June 26, 2016. … READ MORE

Cerebral palsy children are happy

Children with cerebral palsy are just as happy as children without the condition, a study has shown. Their physical impairment does not have a negative effect on their relationships, moods or welfare, researchers report in The Lancet. … READ MORE

Care for chronically ill children may suffer when parents and doctors are at odds

Holly remembers the day doctors diagnosed her son with cerebral palsy and told her he would need life-long care. “It changes everything,” she shared in an interview with Katherine Rafferty, a lecturer in psychology and … READ MORE

Edmonton arts camp gives sick and disabled kids a lift

‘A lot of these kids really do need that confidence boost and that reminder that they can do something.’ Dozens of children with chronic illnesses or disabilities learned about the performing arts at Starlight Performance … READ MORE

Daily movement programme has positive impact on children’s learning

Following a daily movement programme can improve children’s physical development levels and has the potential to boost their chances in the classroom, researchers from Loughborough University have found. A Loughborough University … READ MORE

Baseball for kids with disabilities a home run in Alberta

“Every year that we can have baseball for him is one more happier year for him,” says father. Braeden Palmer, 3, is a Toronto Blue Jays superfan. Without the Challenger baseball program for kids with disabilities in St. … READ MORE

Children experience long wait times for developmental specialists

Rutgers study also finds language barriers limit access. An estimated one in six children in the United States have development disorders such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or cerebral palsy, according to the … READ MORE

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