Cerebral Palsy (CP) is an umbrella term that is used to describe the effects of damage to a developing brain. It is the most common childhood disability in South Africa, affecting about 2 in every 1 000 live births. It is not a disease and while no cure has yet been discovered, can stem cell …

Can stem cells help people with cerebral palsy? Read More »

More great guidelines to help you instill confidence and good values in your child. Speak and act right Children learn a lot about how to act by watching their parents, and the younger they are, the more cues they take from you. You are constantly being watched by your child. Before you lash out or …

Parenting Tips That Make a Positive Difference Part 2 Read More »

No one said that parenting would be easy – but with a few simple guidelines you can ensure that you raise a happy, balanced little person who will go on to be a happy, balanced adult. Boost your little one’s self-esteem Your child’s sense of self starts developing when she is a baby. She sees …

Parenting Tips That Make a Positive Difference Part 1 Read More »

There’s no doubt that computers, especially laptop computers with innovative technology, have played a major role in accelerating the learning and communication ability of children with disabilities. According to Janice Light, Professor of Communication Sciences at Penn State University in America, “More than 2 million Americans are unable to use speech to communicate, and children …

Can technology give children with learning disabilities a voice? Read More »

In today’s world it’s pretty hard to escape TV, especially if you’re a child. It’s often left on in the background, even if no one is watching, and many parents use it as a substitute babysitter. It’s even harder to avoid TV during holidays when parents are at work. With so much TV being watched, …

TV: Is too much really that bad for kids? Read More »

What is it? Spina Bifida is a neural tube defect involving incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or their protective coverings. It occurs when the foetus’s spine fails to close properly during the first month of pregnancy. Infants born with Spina Bifida sometimes have an open lesion on their spine where damage to the …

Spina Bifida Read More »

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the term used to describe a group of conditions that affect movement and posture, and which are the result of damage to the brain while it is still developing. The word cerebral refers to the brain, while palsy is the weakening or loss of motor function. WHAT CAUSES CP? CP is …

Spotlight on Cerebral Palsy Read More »

Did you know? The diagnostic criteria for autism agreed upon by most authorities are: Severe abnormality of reciprocal social relatedness; Severe abnormality of communication development (including language); Restricted, repetitive behaviour and patterns of behaviour, interests, activities and imagination. Various medical professionals and clinicians have noted that children regress into autism after a period of normal …

Autism Read More »

Did you know? (Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder) ADHD refers to a set of behaviours resulting from lower than normal levels of some neurotransmitters in the brain, which interfere with the functioning of some areas of the brain. ADHD is also associated with other conditions but for this article we will consider those children whose …

ADHD Read More »

Did you know? In Hydrocephaly there is a build-up of Cerebro Spinal Fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain. The fluid is under increased pressure which can cause compression of the brain and thus damage to the brain. This can occur before birth or any time after. Hydrocephalus affects 1 in 500 children. Causes …

Hydrocephaly (Water on the brain) Read More »

Did you know? Sometimes it seems that human behaviour revolves around food. Food and mealtimes are such an important social component of today’s society and bring enjoyment to us in many ways. Food is much more than a daily need. Do these statements sound familiar? “You can tell when my kids have eaten sugar. It …

Food Can Affect Your Child’s Behaviour Read More »