Webisode 38: Baby's first test: Newborn Screening

You've just given birth to a beautiful baby! But what happens before baby can be taken home? Our expert guest is neonatologist Dr. Richard Parad, in the Department of Newborn Medicine of Boston's Brigham & Women's Hospital and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. He tells us what new parents should know about newborn screenings. What tests are routine, are there risks involved, and how you can learn more about what tests your hospital does before baby arrives.

Sponsored by: StatKids

Webisode 36: Sensory Integration Dysfunction - literally touching many lives

Does your child hate wearing tags, play with Play-Doh or even being hugged? Occupational Therapist, Jean Esposito, talks about the neurological disorder, Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID), also know as sensory processing disorder. Jeans tells us what SID is, how it's diagnosed and treased. She also gives us a closer look how SID can affect a growing child on a daily basis and what signs parents should look for.



Sponsored by: Wander Wear

Webisode 25: To vaccinate or not to vaccinate –that is every parent’s question

Few things are as stressful for a parent as watching your child receive a shot. It’s even worse when you have doubts as to whether the child needs it or that the shot could cause permanent damage in any way. What shots do kids need and at what age? Is there any link to autism or other potential “side effects”? MassGeneral Hospital for Children pediatrician and staff physician at the MGH Immunization Center, Dr. Sandra Nelson, talks about the latest research in vaccinations and what parents should know about the benefits and associated risks.


Sponsored by: Parents for Parents Magazine

Webisode 21: Inside No Child Left Behind

With lofty and legitimate objectives, the Bush education initiative called, “No Child Left Behind” has become a major controversy among educators, parents and administrators. Is it working? Who is benefiting and who is being hurt?

Nationally recognized and awarded principal, Robin Welch, will help us to understand the intent and execution of the program. Robin will share his opinion on the merits and limitations of the initiative and what the future looks like with this program in a shifting political arena.

Principal Welch is a highly respected educator and administrator who has been involved with all aspects of childhood education and special needs. Among numerous other accolades, he is the recipient of the 2005 National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Distinguished Principal Award and the 2005 Massachusetts Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA) Thomas C. Passios Award.

Sponsored By: Let's Get Ready for Kindergarten!

Webisode 19:" Shut Up About... Your Perfect Kid"

So, your child would rather catch real flies than be a star on the baseball field? What’s the big deal?

Gina Gallagher and Patty Konjoian, mothers of daughters with disabilities, sisters, and authors of a new book, Shut Up About…Your Perfect Kid!, join us to discuss the joys, challenges, and absurdities of raising “imperfect” children in a “perfect” world. With bumper magnets like “My Bipolar Kid Loves Me AND Hates Me,” they’re creating a Movement of “Imperfection” and inviting parents of disabled and other “imperfect” kids to come out of their messy closets and celebrate differences.

Sponsored by: Wander Wear - preventing kids from getting lost

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