I have been really vocal on twitter lately…questioning why we must “train” our children for active shooter drills in response to a tweet on twitter after the latest shooting in Denver where a student lost his life and 8 more injured. I know that we often start talking tougher gun laws and reforming the mental …
advocacy
Navigating Childhood Adversity: Ella’s Story
As a behavioral pediatrician, I have forged many relationships with my families. I have had the honor of helping guide families through some of their worst crisis points. One patient named Ella* (name changed for confidentiality) was 9 years old and brought in by her grandmother because she was acting out at school, and as …
It’s Time to Acknowledge the Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Workforce
There are roughly 15% of the nation’s children who suffer from a developmental-behavioral condition or about 1 in 6 children. Unfortunately, many of those children often do not get the help they need. Children with developmental and behavioral challenges can easily be missed, especially when the behaviors are more subtle or impacts on function are …
(REPOST) Adolescent Depression: Be Ready to Ask-and Respond
The following blog post was originally published on February 26, 2018 and shared March 2, 2018 on social media at AAP Voices and can be accessed by clicking here. By: Nerissa S. Bauer, MD, MPH, FAAP I still remember, most vividly, the first time the answer was “yes” after I asked a patient about feeling …
So much more work to do when it comes to postpartum depression
When I saw the recent article titled, “When she asked for help for postpartum depression. The nurse called the cops” on Slate.com, I was appalled and frustrated. Postpartum depression is a clinical condition that affects up to 20% of new mothers. Among women in living in poverty, the percentage is much higher (upwards of 60%). …
Online Tutoring and Educational Apps to Make Learning Fun Again
In keeping with the theme of October is Learning Disabilities Awareness month, I wanted to share with you a useful link for tutoring and tools for children with learning disabilities. In yesterday’s post, I shared 6 tips for parents to advocate for children with learning and attention difficulties. Children can benefit from tutoring. It is …
October is Learning Disabilities Month
I recently participated in a Facebook Live #AskAPediatrician event hosted by Understood.org and supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics (Link to Archived post available by clicking here). I was honored to be a part of this event because as a behavioral pediatrician, I see many families affected by issues of learning and attention. It …
Let’s Talk Children’s Mental Health Wellness
Today is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. I am participating in national campaign activities as one of the panelists discussing the importance of communication among families, primary care providers and behavioral health specialists. I am honored to be able to share my voice and passion about this topic tonight. Check out the event, which …
No more bystanders: Parent tips for creating the change post-election
Like many of you in the months leading up to the election and now post-election, I have experienced a wide range of emotions. However, I am not writing this post because I want to complain about the election and focus on who won or who lost. Nor am I writing this because I am a …
#AAP16 Screens and the Developing Brain: Dr. Dimitri Christakis
Our children are growing up in the iWorld. Media, screens are not all created equal. We need to understand the environment in which our children and teens are growing and learning..media is part of the air and water they are exposed to. There are 3 key neurocognitive functions to understand when thinking about media use …