Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD Key Findings
The prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: it's diagnosis and treatment.
(Published: September 11, 2012)

ADHD: Resources are Available
Rates of ADHD are on the rise, but resources are available!
(Published: September 13, 2011)

Is it ADHD?
Learn about the symptoms of ADHD.
(Published: September 2, 2010)

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Test Your Knowledge
Take our quiz to test your knowledge about the milestones that mark typical development in young children.
(Published: April 8, 2013)

Autism Spectrum Disorders and Infection
Does infection during pregnancy put children at risk for ASDs?
(Published: November 20, 2012)

SEED II Announcement
NCBDDD launches second phase of multistate study on Autism, $5.25 Million Awarded to Five Sites.
(Published: June 20, 2012)

Why Are Autism Spectrum Disorders Increasing? 
Find out what CDC has learned about why the number of children with autism is on the rise.
(Published: April 16, 2012)

Autism Spectrum Disorders: One Family's Story
The earlier children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are diagnosed, the better. Most are not diagnosed until after age 4. It's important for doctors to screen all children for ASDs.
(Published: April 9, 2012)

Autism Training for Health Professionals
Learn about CDC's training to help health practitioners identify autism and provide quality care.
(Published: April 2, 2012)

New Data on Autism Spectrum Disorders
CDC estimates 1 in 88 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
(Published: March 29, 2012)

SEED
Study to explore early development.
(Published: March 1, 2012)

Key Findings: Autism Spectrum Disorders and Health Care Expenditures
Children who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have co-occurring conditions, but little is known about the effects of those conditions on their medical care costs.
(Published: February 23, 2012)

ASD Increase
What factors might have contributed to autism increase?
(Published: February 7, 2012)

Autism: Be a Family's Champion, Learn the Signs
Do you know all the ways to measure a child's growth?
(Published: April 20, 2011)

Autism Research
Learn more about the largest collaborative scientific study to date of the risk factors of autism spectrum disorders.
(Published: April 11, 2011)

What We've Learned about Autism Spectrum Disorder
CDC is part of a large group of public and private organizations working to better understand Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).
(Published: April 8, 2011)

Detect Autism Early
Do you know all the ways you should measure your child's growth?
(Published: March 30, 2009)

B

Blood Disorders

International Thalassemia Day
How much do you know about thalassemia? Take our quiz to find out.
(Published: May 6, 2013)

Bleeding Disorders in Women
Heavy blood flow during menstrual periods can be a sign of a bleeding disorders.
(Published: November 21, 2011)

Birth Defects

Newborn Screening
Screening to detect critical congenital heart defects.
(Published: April 18, 2013)

Key Findings: Trends in Survival Among Infants with Critical Congenital Heart Defects 
For infants with critical congenital heart defects, survival up to one year of life has improved over time. However, the chance of these infants dying is still high.
(Published: April 18, 2013)

New Study Findings
Assessment of current practices of routine screening for CCHD.
(Published: April 18, 2013)

Birth Defects Quiz
How much do you know about birth defects? Take our quiz to find out.
(Published: January 22, 2013)

Living with a Birth Defect
Read about one family's experience with a birth defect, spina bifida.
(Published: January 15, 2013)

Critical Congenital Heart Defects
New U.S. data for 7 types of critical congenital heart defects just published.
(Published: December 17, 2012)

Key Findings: Describing Birth Defects
Public perception of birth defects terminology.
(Published: November 16, 2012)

Key Findings: Newborn Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease
Potential roles of birth defects surveillance programs.
(Published: October 25, 2012)

Key Findings: Improving Newborn Screening
Follow-up in pediatric practices: Quality Improvement Innovation Network.
(Published: October 15, 2012)

Key Findings: Flu Deaths in Children
Children with neurologic disorders at higher risk.
(Published: August 29, 2012)

Cleft Lip & Palate: One Mother’s Story
In honor of National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month, one mother shares her story.
(Published: July 20, 2012)

Key Findings: Maternal Asthma Medication Use and the Risk of Selected Birth Defects
Recently, researchers used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) to examine maternal asthma medication use during pregnancy and the risk of certain birth defects.
(Published: January 22, 2012)

Antiepileptic Medications
How preventing exposure impacts birth defects.
(Published: July 18, 2011)

Craniofacial Defects
Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention month.
(Published: July 11, 2011)

Key Findings: Maternal Treatment with Opioid Analgesics and Risk for Birth Defects
The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology has published a new CDC study: "Maternal Treatment with Opioid Analgesics and Risk for Birth Defects".
(Published: March 1, 2011)

10 Things You Need To Know About Birth Defects
Birth defects affect 1 in 33 babies every year and are a leading cause of infant death.
(Published: January 25, 2011)

Clomiphene Citrate
Data on fertility drug & birth defects.
(Published: November 30, 2010)

Birth Defects - New National Estimates
How common are birth defects in the U.S.?
(Published: October 12, 2010)

Birth Defects Were Top Cause of Infant Death in Most Recent Data Release
Proper health care before and during pregnancy can help prevent birth defects associated with risks, including diabetes, and other poor outcomes, such as miscarriage or stillbirth.
(Published January 22, 2010)

Steps Women Can Take for Healthier Babies
Not all birth defects can be prevented. But a woman can increase her own chance of having a healthy baby.
(Published: January 12, 2010)

C

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy Quiz
How much do you know about cerebral palsy?  Take a quiz to find out and read one family’s personal experience with the condition.
(Published: March 18, 2013)

Cerebral Palsy: One Parent's Story
Read about one family's experience with cerebral palsy.
(Published: March 19, 2012)

Cerebral Palsy: Signs and Causes
Data Show that 1 in 303 children have cerebral palsy.
(Published: March 15, 2010)

Child Development

Legacy for Children ™: Behavioral and Socioemotional Outcomes
New study demonstrates improved child outcomes.
(Published: April 18,2013

Child Development: Investing in Our Children
The early years of a child's life are very important for his or her health and development.
(Published: February 13, 2012)

Newborn Screening Can Help Prevent Problems
Soon after birth, babies born in the United States are checked for certain medical conditions.
(Published: August 11, 2010)

Interactive Tools to Track Child Development
Watch for and record your child's developmental milestones.
(Published: April 26, 2010)

D

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) / Pulmonary Embolism (PE) — Blood Clot Forming in a Vein

Deep Vein Thrombosis Quiz
How much do you know about DVT? Take a quiz to find out and read one man’s personal experience with the condition.
(Published: March 4, 2013)

Killer Clots
Preventing Venous Thromboembolism.
(Published: January 7, 2013)

Key Findings: Venous Thromboembolism
Trends in Venous Thromboembolism-related pediatric hospitalizations, 1994-2009.
(Published: September 17, 2012)

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Caitlin's Story
About 300,000 to 600,000 people are newly affected by DVT each year in the United States. Read about one woman's experience with DVT.

Are You at Risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a large vein. Part of a clot may break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism and, possibly, death.
(Published: March 19, 2011)

Developmental Disabilities

Key Findings: Trends in the Prevalence of Developmental Disabilities
This study determined the prevalence of developmental disabilities in U.S. children and in selected populations for a 12-year period.
(Published: May 24, 2011)

Disability and Health

CDC's Grand Rounds
"Where in health is disability?"
(Published: December 10, 2012)

Health Care for People with Disabilities
Read tips for health care providers and people with disabilities.
(Published: November 30, 2012)

Breast Cancer and Women with Disabilities
Learn the facts about breast cancer and why screening should be a regular part of your health care.
(Published: October 1, 2012)

Disabilities: Emergency Preparedness Training
Learn how people with disabilities, their families, and first responders can plan ahead for safety during a disaster.
(Published: September 5, 2012)

People with Disabilities: Living Healthy
Learn about health care and health programs to support the overall well-being of people with disabilities.
(Published: July 25, 2011)

Families with Special Needs
Being informed, getting support, and taking care of yourself can help you and those you care for stay safe and healthy.
(Published: November 1, 2010)

Down Syndrome

World Down Syndrome Day
Two moms share their stories about Down syndrome.
(Published: March 20, 2013)

Key Findings: Down Syndrome
Trends in survival among children with Down syndrome in 10 regions of the US.
(Published: December 17, 2012)

World Down Syndrome Day
Each year in the US, about 6,000 babies are affected by Down syndrome. Many people with Down syndrome lead productive lives well into adulthood.
(Published: March 21, 2012)

Down Syndrome Cases at Birth Increased
The total number of cases at birth in the US increased by 24.2% from 1979-1983 to 1999-2003 in 10 regions.
(Published December 23, 2009)

F

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)

Alcohol and Pregnancy: Why Take the Risk?
How much do you know about alcohol use during pregnancy? Take our quiz to find out.
(Published: April 22, 2013)

Vital Signs: Binge Drinking
A serious, under-recognized problem among women and girls.
(Published: January 9, 2013)

FASD Awareness Day 2012
Read about Melissa’s experience with alcohol use during pregnancy.

New Report
Alcohol use and binge drinking among women of childbearing age – United States, 2006-2010.
(Published: July 19, 2012)

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: One Woman’s Story
Read about one woman's experience with FASDs. Information about new tools and resources you can use is also provided.
(Published: April 23, 2012)

Alcohol & Baby
Read about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
(Published: December 19, 2011)

Drinking While Pregnant Still a Problem
Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause birth defects and developmental disabilities. Women who are pregnant or might get pregnant should abstain from using alcohol.
(Published April 20, 2010)

What You Should Know about Alcohol and Pregnancy
CDC urges pregnant women not to drink alcohol any time during pregnancy.
(Published: April 19, 2010)

Folic Acid

Pop Quiz!
How much do you know about Folic Acid? Take our quiz and find out.
(Published: January 7, 2013)

The Importance of Folic Acid
Read Anifa's story and find out what CDC is doing to help.
(Published: May 7, 2012)

Lack of Vitamins Containing Folic Acid and Diabetes-Associated Birth Defects 
The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology has published a new CDC study: “Lack of Periconceptional Vitamins or Supplements That Contain Folic Acid and Diabetes Mellitus-Associated Birth Defects”.
(Published: March 13, 2012)

Folic Acid Helps Prevent Neural Tube Defects
If a woman consumes 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, she can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine.
(Published: May 18, 2011)

Use of Supplements Containing Folic Acid Among Women of Childbearing Age - United States, 2007
Birth defects affect approximately one in 33 newborns and are a leading cause of infant mortality in the United States.
(Published December 16, 2009)

Women Need 400 Micrograms of Folic Acid Every Day
CDC urges every woman who could become pregnant to get 400 micrograms (400 mcg) of folic acid every day.
(Published: August 28, 2009)

Fragile X Syndrome

One Mother’s Story
Read one mother’s story and learn about fragile X syndrome.
(Published: July 16, 2012)

Fragile X Syndrome and Associated Disorders
Fragile X syndrome and fragile X-associated disorders are a group of genetic conditions that can affect individuals and their families in many ways.
(Published: July 21, 2011)

G

Genetics (Pediatric)

Family's Health History
Your family's health history could be important for determining your child's health risks.
(Published: November 15, 2012)

Key Findings: Improving Newborn Screening Follow-up in Pediatric Practices
A 6-month quality improvement project in 15 primary care pediatric practices enhanced short-term newborn screening follow-up. The project included assessment of screening results, documentation of results, and communicating results to families.
(Published: October 15, 2012)

Newborn Screening Can Help Prevent Problems
Soon after birth, babies born in the United States are checked for certain medical conditions. Learn more about newborn screening and read Kristine’s story.
(Published: August 27, 2012)

Document Your Family's Health History
Your family's health history could be important for determining your child's health risks.
(Published: November 21, 2011)

What's Your Baby's Hearing Screening Result?
Babies begin to develop speech and language from the time they are born. All parents should learn the results of their baby's newborn hearing screening test.
(Published: May 18, 2011)

H

Hearing Loss in Children

Hearing Loss: New Online Directory for Parents
A new easy-to-use online directory helps families find the nearest clinic that can provide the type of hearing service their child needs.
(Published: May 13, 2013)

Hearing Loss: Amy’s Story
Meet Amy, the mother of twins who both have hearing loss.
(Published: April 30, 2012)

Living with Hearing Loss: One Woman's Story
Meet Krista, an adult who lost her hearing from a genetic syndrome.
(Published: February 17, 2012)

Hearing Screening
Hearing loss can be found early.
(Published: May 18, 2011)

Identifying Infants with Hearing Loss
Each year in the U.S., thousands of babies are born with a hearing loss. An undetected hearing loss can affect a child's ability to develop communication, language, and social skills.
(Published May 19, 2010)

Heart Defects

Key Findings: Newborn Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease: Potential Roles of Birth Defects Surveillance Programs
Congenital heart disease occurs in approximately 8/1,000 live births. Of these cases, about 25% are considered to be critical, defined as requiring surgery or catheter intervention before one year of age.
(Published: October 25, 2012)

Living with a Heart Defect: One Family's Story
Congenital heart defects affect nearly 1% of infants born in the US. Learn about one family's story.
(Published: February 6, 2012)

Pulse Oximetry Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Defects
What are critical congenital heart defects?
(Published: January 23, 2012)

Five Facts about Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital heart defects are the most common types of birth defects. They affect nearly 40,000 infants born in the US each year.
(Published: January 10, 2012)

Key Findings: Maternal Smoking and Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital heart defects are conditions present at birth that can affect the way the heart works. They can cause lifelong disability or death. They are the most common type of birth defect, affecting nearly 40,000 births in the United States each year. They are also a leading cause of infant death.
(Published: February 28, 2011)

Infant Death Due to Heart Defects
Congenital heart defects are conditions present at birth that can affect the way the heart works.
(Published: September 24, 2010)

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis Online Training
Read about Dr. Carpenter's personal experience and learn about CDC's training to help healthcare providers identify and treat hemochromatosis.
(Published: July 2, 2012)

Hemochromatosis: Iron Storage Disease
Excessive iron buildup in the body's tissues and organs can cause serious health problems over time.
(Published: July 7, 2011)

Hemophilia

Hemophilia World Day: Test Your Knowledge
How much do you know about hemophilia? Take our quiz to find out.
(Published: April 15, 2013)

World Hemophilia Day: One Family's Story
Learn about one family's experience with hemophilia.
(Published: April 16, 2012)

H1N1

H1N1 Flu and Children
New report from CDC.
(Published: September 4, 2009)

L

Learn the Signs

Autism Training for Health Professionals
Learn about CDC's training to help health practitioners identify autism and provide quality care.
(Published: April 2, 2012)

M

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy: Kevin’s Story
Read about Kevin, a man with muscular dystrophy who doesn’t let the condition define him.
(Published: February 11, 2013)

P

Pediatric Genetics

Family's Health History
Your family's health history could be important for determining your child's health risks.
(Published: November 15, 2012)

Pregnancy

Diabetes and Pregnancy: Erin’s Story
If you are a woman with diabetes, you still can have a healthy baby.
(Published: November 26, 2012)

Pregnant? Don't Smoke!
Quitting smoking is one of the best ways a woman can protect herself and her baby's health.
(Published: November 15, 2012)

Diabetes and Pregnancy
Learn how to control your blood sugar before and during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects and other poor outcomes, such as miscarriages or stillbirths.
(Published: August 14, 2012)

Prevent Infections in Pregnancy
These 10 tips can help you prevent infections.
(Published: February 6, 2012)
 

Cytomegalovirus: Learn how to protect your baby from CMV
In the U.S. more children have disabilities due to congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection than other conditions present at birth.
(Published: June 6, 2011)

Key Findings: Medication Use During Pregnancy
Use has increased over the last 30 years.
(Published: April 25, 2011)

Medication Use During Pregnancy
Talk with your doctor if you are pregnant.
(Published: January 19, 2011)

Diabetes and Pregnancy
Learn how to control your blood sugar before and during pregnancy.
(Published: November 04, 2010)

The Congenital Disease Mothers Don’t Know About
Frequent, thorough handwashing is one way a mother can reduce her chance of getting CMV and potentially passing it along to her unborn baby.
(Published May 22, 2009)

Average Duration of Pregnancy, by Number of Births (per Pregnancy)
Expecting more than one baby? Work with your health care provider to minimize the risk of premature birth.
(Published November 18, 2008)

Premature Birth
More than a half million babies in the United States—that's 1 in every 8—are born premature each year.
(Published: November 10, 2008)

S

Sickle Cell Disease

Mortality in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease
The link between death and pre-ESRD care in people with ESRD.
(Published: December 4, 2012)

Sickle Cell Awareness Month 2012
Read about the importance of screening for sickle cell and AJ Green’s experience with the disease.

Sickle Cell Awareness Day: Geno Atkins' Story
Learn 5 truths about sickle cell trait and read Geno Atkins' personal experience as an NFL player with sickle cell trait.
(Published: June 11, 2012)

Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a condition that affects people around the world.
(Published: September 9, 2011)

Children with Sickle Cell Disease had Significantly Higher Medical Costs Than Those Without SCD
Medical costs of children with SCD were $9,369 and $13,469 higher than those of children without SCD enrolled in Medicaid and private insurance, respectively. Total pediatric medical costs from SCD in the United States were estimated to be at least $335 million per year.
(Published April 16, 2010)

Stay Healthy with Sickle Cell Disease
SCD affects an estimated 90,000 to 100,000 Americans. Learn the symptoms and how to stay healthy.
(Published: June 15, 2009)

Spina Bifida

Living with a Birth Defect
Read about one family's experience with a birth defect, spina bifida.
(Published: January 15, 2013)

Key Findings: Spina Bifida 
Health risk behaviors among young adults with spina bifida in Arkansas.
(Published: January 4, 2013)

Spina Bifida: Nancy’s Story
Read about a nurse and mother whose son has spina bifida.
(Published: October 15, 2012)

Learn more about the National Spina Bifida Program
SCD affects an estimated 90,000 to 100,000 Americans. Learn the symptoms and how to stay healthy.
(Published: October 17, 2011)

Spina Bifida Prevalence
Pediatrics, the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, has published a new CDC study: “Prevalence of Spina Bifida Among Children and Adolescents in 10 Regions in the United States.”
(Published: July 13, 2010)

T

Thalessemia

International Thalassemia Day
Read about Rahul's experience living with thalassemia and learn how you can help yourself or someone with the condition.
(Published: May 7, 2012)

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome Awareness
Read Mike's story and find out what CDC is doing about Tourette Syndrome.
(Published: June 04, 2012)

Tourette Syndrome: Facts and Resources
Tourette Syndrome is a condition that affects the nervous system, causing people to have movements and vocalizations they cannot control.
(Published: June 6, 2011)