The basics of RSV

RSV is most common during October to April, which coincides with flu season. This can make it tough to tell which illness your child has, and your pediatric provider can order a nasal swab to test for both. Commonly, kids will have:

• Runny nose
• Decreased appetite
• Cough
• Wheezing
• Fever
• Fast breathing
• Tiredness or fatigue

The biggest worry with RSV is that it can make it hard for people to breathe. This video shows what to look for when it comes to RSV and breathing. Call your pediatric provider or seek emergent care if you notice any of these symptoms – even one. Babies under age one, children born prematurely, and any child with a high-risk condition are at greatest risk for complications. Older people are also at higher risk of hospitalization and complications from RSV. Encourage the grandparents and other older adults in your life to get vaccinated to protect the whole family.

What now?

If your child has been diagnosed with RSV, or it’s strongly suspected, try not to panic. Most children recover well and only need rest, hydration and maybe medication for fever. Keep a close eye out for severe symptoms and breathing difficulties, and alert your pediatric provider if your child is high-risk or having trouble eating or drinking. 

For young children and babies, it can be hard to eat and drink while sick with RSV. Signs of dehydration can be found here, but try to offer lots of fluids or water-rich foods, like fruit or popsicles, often throughout the day. Babies under age one don’t need additional water, just breastmilk and/or formula. Breastfed babies may want to breastfeed all day or find it tough to stay latched – both are common experiences. On the other end, it can be helpful to track wet diapers again in the Ovia Parenting app – even if it’s been a while! 

Because RSV spreads so easily, your child should not go back to daycare or preschool until their symptoms have resolved. Your family may also want to consider limiting contact with other high-risk family members, like grandparents.

Preventing RSV

Preventing RSV is similar to preventing other respiratory illnesses like the flu or Covid-19. Hand washing, masking and avoiding large indoor groups during RSV season can all help. Preventative treatment is approved for babies entering their first RSV season or high-risk children entering their second RSV season. 

In addition, there are currently two ways to protect your baby from the risk of getting RSV that you may want to consider. 

Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) for infants

• The RSV antibody is available for babies and some young children to protect against severe RSV.
• Recommended for infants under eight months of age born during RSV season or about to enter RSV season, especially those who are at an increased risk, such as infants:
  • Children born prematurely
  • Those with a severely compromised immune system
  • Children with cystic fibrosis
  • American Indian and Alaska Native children
• If the birthing parent gives birth 14 or more days after being vaccinated against RSV, except in rare circumstances, most infants younger than 8 months of age do not need to receive the Nirsevimab vaccine.

RSV Vaccine (Pfizer ABRYSVO) for those who are pregnant and people over 60

• An RSV maternal vaccine for the pregnant parent to pass on protection to their babies. 
• Individuals in their third trimester, from September through January, should receive the vaccine, specifically during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy. 
• Taking the vaccine will pass on valuable antibodies to your newborn baby. 
• RSV Vaccine is also approved for people over 60. If you have close family members who may live with you or care for your children, discussing vaccination may be a good idea to help protect both the baby and family members.

It’s important to explore these options with your OB provider and family to determine what’s best for your baby. It’s a big step forward in protecting those most vulnerable to severe RSV infection and hospitalization.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources:

• Signs & Symptoms of RSV in Babies. American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP. Oct 26, 2022 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2qh31Wndls
• Signs of Dehydration in Infants & Children, HealthyChildren.org. Healthy Children. Last Updated 9/24/2019 https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/dehydration.aspx
• RSV in Infants and Young Children, CDC, Center for Disease Control, Last sourced: July 17, 2024 https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/high-risk/infants-young-children.html
• RSV Immunizations to Protect Infants. CDC, Center for Disease Control, Last Reviewed: July 17, 2024 https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/vaccines/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/prevention.html

If your relationship with your partner has been struggling for a while, you may want to consider couples therapy. Not only could it help if you’ve been arguing about your adolescents — or worse, blaming each other for their behavior — but it could help you both model a healthy relationship for your children. 

And even if you’re feeling pretty good about your relationship, couples therapy can help you establish a better understanding of yourself and deepen your connection to each other. 

Reasons couples seek out therapy

Some of the common reasons include:

• Fighting more than usual
• Feeling stuck in frustrating patterns
• Dealing with issues of broken trust
• Inability to communicate effectively
• Unresolved resentment or tension
• Serious parenting disagreements or challenges
• Constant criticism or defensiveness
• Less intimacy and a growing disconnect
• A child in therapy

Types of couples therapy

There are many different types of therapy available — both in-person and, increasingly, online — but two of the most popular forms of couples therapy are:

• The Gottman Method: Named after the married researchers John and Julie Gottman, this approach is based on the couple’s research into predicting what leads to divorce (with impressive 94% accuracy) and using that knowledge to repair and improve relationships. 
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Pioneered by therapist Sue Johnson, this method stems from what’s called attachment theory. It focuses on rebuilding the emotional connection between partners and has been shown to boost relationship satisfaction for at least two years.

If your relationship has already reached the crisis stage, however, with at least one of you leaning toward splitting up, there’s also a type of therapy specifically for this situation: discernment counseling. Therapists who specialize in this area help you figure out whether to stay together or not. 

Either way, the goal is coming to a clear decision on how to proceed. If the verdict is splitting up, the good news is that couples who go through discernment counseling but still separate report more amicable breakups and co-parenting — which can make a huge difference for your children. 

How to find the right therapist

Start by asking for referrals from your friends, family, or healthcare providers. Word of mouth and personal recommendations can be a great way to find someone who’s vouched for. Many therapists offer a free consultation (15-20 minutes), allowing you to ask questions and see whether it’s a fit. It can feel overwhelming, but don’t be afraid to shop around — it’s essential that you find someone who makes you feel comfortable. 

Here are a few things you might want to inquire about:

• What type of couples therapy do they offer, and how does it typically work?
• How much experience do they have (e.g. years in practice, numbers of couples counseled, etc.)?
• Are they registered and licensed? What are their credentials and/or degrees?
• Have they worked with couples like you or who have experienced similar issues? 

If the therapist has a website or blog, you can also get a sense of their personality and philosophy that way, or by reading online reviews and testimonials. If you haven’t been discussing this or looking for providers together, once you find someone who seems suitable, the next step is getting buy-in from your partner. Many people find they just have to get the ball rolling by booking a first session! You may encounter some resistance or discomfort, but be assertive in sharing what you think needs to be worked on and why therapy is effective for those issues. And of course, emphasize your goals, such as better communication, more unified parenting, and/or reduced tension. You’ve got this. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• When should I introduce my child to a new partner?
• How to tackle complicated in-law relationships

Sources

•  Brody, Jane. “To Predict Divorce, Ask 125 Questions.” The New York Times. August 11, 1992. 
•  Wiebe, SA, et al. “Two-Year Follow-up Outcomes in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: An Investigation of Relationship Satisfaction and Attachment Trajectories.” J Marital Fam Ther. 43(2):227-244. April 2017. 

1. Don’t wait until they’re a teenager to start talking!

The best time to start talking to your kid about sex? Yesterday. Broadly speaking, kids know more about sex and are having sex far earlier than their parents think. So, it’s best to talk to your kids about sex early. 

Better yet, start having ongoing conversations about their body, biology, and consent at an age-appropriate clip throughout their childhood. 

That said, If you’re reading this and you haven’t yet started talking to your kids about sex, don’t worry. Now is as good a time as any to start! You could even say to  your kiddo that this conversation should have started years ago. For instance, you might say, “I should have started having these conversations with you years ago, but I’d really like for us to start having open dialogue about sex and relationships now.”

2. Continuously educate yourself

Even if you or your partner(s) are on birth control, odds are that there are types of birth control that exist now that didn’t exist when you were first having sex.

Your move: Take some time to educate yourself on all the different hormonal and non-hormonal, permanent and as-needed, scheduled and low-maintenance types of birth control now on the market. 

Your middle-schooler probably doesn’t need to understand the ins-and-outs of these different options just yet. But, no matter their sex or gender, they will sooner than you think! Proactively educating yourself will help you be ready to share accurate information when the topics come up. 

3. Be honest

Feeling uncomfortable? Name it. Don’t know the answer to one of your kiddos questions? Say that, then offer to look up then answer. Asked about your first time? Tell them about it (in an age appropriate way). 

When you are honest with your pre-teen during these conversations, you are modeling for them that your relationship is one built on trust and honesty. 

4. Help them understand an expansive definition of sex

Many adults grew up believing — and perhaps still believe— that sex is marked exclusively by vaginal and anal penetration. But actually, sex is any meaningful act of pleasure and when you define sex for your kids, you should use this definition. 

Beyond being inclusive to a wider-range of gender and sexual identities, this definition will help your kiddo understand that intercourse isn’t the only sex act with potential risks. After all, STIs can be transmitted during sex acts like oral sex and hand sex, too. 

Plus, this definition includes cyber sex as sex, which may help your kiddo make more-informed decisions about how they use technology down the line. 

5. Bring up all barriers

Many sex education programs — or at least, the ones that incorporate safer sex practices into their curriculum at all — talk about condoms, how to use them, and why they’re important. No doubt, condom use is a spectacular way to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy and/or STI transmission during P-in-V intercourse, anal intercourse, and fellatio. 

But condoms aren’t the only barrier! There are also internal condoms and dental dams. Dental dams can be used to lower the risk of STI transmission during cunnilingus, analingus, and vulva-on-vulva intercourse. And internal condoms are an alternative barrier option to reduce the risks associated with penetrative anal or vaginal sex. 

If your kiddo is a hands-on learner, consider buying a box of these various barrier methods so they can see how they are packaged, stretch, and function. 

6. Talk about the physical and emotional side effects of sex

Many conversations about sex with pre-teens focus only on the potential physical side effects: pregnancy and STI transmission. As a result, many young people are unprepared for the emotional side effects of sex — and that’s true whether the emotions are positive or negative. 

Help your pre-teen understand that they might feel any of the below, or other, emotions after having:

• relaxed
• connected 
• satisfied
• sleepy
• vulnerable
• loving
• disgusted
• ashamed 
• guilty

In this conversation, explain what types of sexual situations may lead to less positive feelings, and what types may lead to more positive ones. You may also list out signs that an individual is a mentally safe individual to be physical with. For instance: empathetic, thoughtful, sex-positive, good listener, etc. 

The pressure to have sex – or to wait – can be incredibly challenging for tweens and teens. Having a trusted parent to talk to and bring their feelings too is invaluable. Allow your child an open, non-judgmental and punishment-free channel to explore and learn about this crucial topic.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Deciding whether therapy is the best option for your child can feel complicated for many reasons. Maybe you’ve noticed changes in your child’s behavior. Or perhaps a friend, family member, teacher, or healthcare provider has raised a concern. Whatever the case may be, it’s understandable if you feel unsure, overwhelmed, and/or emotional.

First of all, all of your feelings are normal and valid. Second of all, there are steps to get grounded and gain more clarity. While this isn’t a complete list, it may be a helpful place to start. 

Steps to figuring out if therapy is right for your child: 

1. Know what to look out for 
2. Educate yourself about the benefits of therapy 
3. Establish your support system

Let’s break down each step. 

What to look out for

As with other behaviors, disordered eating can be difficult to see if you don’t know what to look for. Start by noticing your child’s eating habits, mental and emotional state, and/or physical wellbeing.

Shifts in eating habits could include:

• Restrictive eating
• Binge eating/Eating when they are full
• Use of laxatives, vomiting, or excessive exercise after eating
• Eating alone
• Lack of appetite or interest in food

Changes in mental and emotional state could include: 

• Nonstop pursuit of thinness, fear of gaining weight
• Unwillingness to maintain healthy body weight 
• Distorted body image
• Seeing their value as solely driven by body size/shape
• Feeling distressed, ashamed, or guilty about food consumption

Shifts in physical well-being could include: 

• Dramatic weight loss or gain
• Brittle hair and nails 
• Dry skin, dull hair
• Severe constipation 
• Lethargy, sluggishness, and feeling tired all the time 
• Stomach discomfort 

The signs and symptoms listed above could point to an eating disorder. If you’re noticing a shift in one of these areas but not another, it’s still a good idea to speak with a professional. For example, those in bigger bodies suffering from eating disorders often fly under the radar because of the bias that only those in very thin bodies experience disordered eating.

All of this can be very difficult to think about, but know that there are many ways to support your child and early intervention is safest and most effective. 

Educate yourself about therapy

Therapy is proven to be very effective for addressing body image concerns. Therapists are an important part of the team children need to work with if they are experiencing disordered eating habits, or have been diagnosed with an eating disorder. A therapist can help your child identify what issues are influencing their relationship with their own body and food. Then they can recommend how to provide support. 

There are many kinds of effective therapies for eating disorders. Some of the most popular include: 

• One-on-one cognitive behavioral therapy
• Group cognitive behavioral therapy
• Family-based therapy

It’s important to know that treating an eating disorder requires a team of experts, including you as the parent. Being a safe, non-judgemental space for your child to come to is so important. In addition to your support, the pediatrician and a therapist, you may need to work with a dietitian familiar with eating disorder recovery and in some cases, hospitalization or intensive outpatient therapy may be most beneficial. 

Lean on your support system

As you move through this process, it’s very important to have your own support network. Friends, family members, and even a therapist of your own can help you stay grounded. You might also consider joining a support group so you can learn what’s worked for other families. Whatever the support looks like, remember you aren’t alone and there absolutely is a path forward. 

If you still have questions, talk to your pediatrician and/or use the National Eating Disorders (NEDA) screening tool.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Related topics

• How to talk to your pediatrician about weight inclusive care
• How family meals can benefit your child’s relationship with food
• Body confident parenting
• How your beliefs about food impact your parenting
• How to raise body confident kids

Sources

1. “Eating Disorders.” National Institute of Mental Health. National Institute of Mental Health. January, 2023. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders
2. “Eating Disorder Screening Tool.” National Eating Disorders. National Eating Disorders Staff. 2022. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool
3. “Eating disorder treatment: Know your options.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic Staff. July 14, 2017. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/in-depth/eating-disorder-treatment/art-20046234
4. Hornberger, LL. “Identification and Management of Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents.” American Academy of Pediatrics. 147(1). Web. January 2021. 
5. “Therapy to Improve Children’s Mental Health.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. April 19, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/parent-behavior-therapy.html
6. Laurie L. Hornberger, Margo A. Lane, THE COMMITTEE ON ADOLESCENCE, Laurie L. Hornberger, Margo Lane, Cora C. Breuner, Elizabeth M. Alderman, Laura K. Grubb, Makia Powers, Krishna Kumari Upadhya, Stephenie B. Wallace, Laurie L. Hornberger, Margo Lane, MD FRCPC, Meredith Loveless, Seema Menon, Lauren Zapata, Liwei Hua, Karen Smith, James Baumberger; Identification and Management of Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics January 2021; 147 (1): e2020040279. 10.1542/peds.2020-040279. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/147/1/e2020040279/33504/Identification-and-Management-of-Eating-Disorders?autologincheck=redirected

What is weight-inclusive care?

Weight-inclusive care emphasizes health as the ultimate outcome while also acknowledging that factors contributing to health are varied and complicated. Health is a continuum with many possible outcomes and possibilities. Weight-inclusive care also aims to improve access to unbiased healthcare and reduce weight stigma experienced by those in larger bodies. 

Some examples of weight-inclusive care include focusing on:

• Health Promoting Behaviors rather than changing the number on the scale
• Overall wellness instead using BMI
• Setting SMART goals to address modifiable risk factors for individuals 

Weight-inclusive care is still a relatively new approach in the medical field. It makes sense if this is the first time you’re discussing it with your pediatrician. The good news is that you’re in the driver’s seat – you get to control how to approach and continue the conversation, and you don’t have to settle for biased care. 

What’s the best approach?

Weight-inclusive care is a broad topic, so your approach will depend on lots of factors. These could include your child’s health background, your communication style, and/or your relationship with your pediatric provider. And, while there isn’t one “best” approach, here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Plan ahead

Because these conversations can be draining, it may help to have a plan beforehand. You can start by asking yourself questions including:

• What is my goal in having this conversation?
• What is my definition of weight inclusive care? 
• In a perfect world, how would I like to see the provider using this method?
• What are some examples of weight exclusive care?
• What will I do if the pediatric provider isn’t as receptive as I’d hoped?
• What will the next steps be after the conversation?
  

2. Bring evidence to the conversation.  

Whether or not your pediatrician is knowledgeable about weight-inclusive care, you’ll want to highlight its importance. If you’re not quite sure how to start the conversation, that’s okay! You can do this in-person, or via phone or messaging if you have access to that. Some people even write down their concerns the old-fashioned way, and give their provider’s office a hand-written note. Here are some good talking points from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Healthy at Every Size movement: Health at any weight. 
• The harms of stigmatizing weight: Shame is not an effective motivator, decreases desire to seek medical attention, and causes a strained provider-patient relationship. 
• The benefits of weight-inclusive care: Empowering the patient, effectively achieving health goals, and building a strong patient-provider relationship.

3. Provide specific examples.

Examples of the kind of care you’re seeking can help you and your pediatrician get on the same page. Concrete direction can also prevent or at least decrease confusion later. Some examples you might give are:

• Not weighing your child or discussing weight/size unless medically necessary
• Not discussing BMI, as it Isn’t a measure of health
• Encouraging movement instead of discouraging stillness
• Assessing stress, sleep, and other health promoting behaviors

What should I do next?

After you’ve had the conversation, keep checking in to make sure your pediatrician is honoring your request. Here’s how: 

• Observe how your pediatrician interacts with your child in the office
• Ask your child how they feel about their care after they’ve had a visit
• Check in with your pediatrician regularly

Remember, you’re empowered to start and continue this conversation in whatever way you feel is right for you and your family.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Related topics

• When is time for your child to talk to a therapist about disordered eating?
• How family meals can benefit your child’s relationship with food
• Body confident parenting
• How your beliefs about food impact your parenting
• How to raise body confident kids

Sources

1. “Center for Disease Control and Prevention” homepage. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/
2. Dollar, E. “Do No Harm: Moving Beyond Weight Loss to Emphasize Physical Activity at Every Size.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Chronic Disease. April 20, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2017/17_0006.htm 
3. Humphreys, S. “The unethical use of BMI in contemporary general practice.” National Library of Medicine. 60(578): 696–697. Web. September 1, 2010.
4. Tylka, T. “The Weight-Inclusive versus Weight-Normative Approach to Health: Evaluating the Evidence for Prioritizing Well-Being over Weight Loss.” National Library of Medicine. 2014; 2014: 983495. Web. July 23, 2014.

But what is the HPV vaccine, exactly, and why is it important? Here’s what parents should know.

What is the HPV vaccine?

HPV is short for human papillomavirus. It’s the most common STI (sexually transmitted infection), with over 40 million people contracting it a year, mostly in their teens and early 20s.

The infection can cause various health problems ranging from genital warts to different types of cancer. And the HPV vaccine protects against conditions caused by the infection.

Why is the HPV vaccine important for tweens and teens?

HPV is passed from person to person through sexual contact. According to the CDC, it often goes away on its own within a couple of years and may not lead to any negative health effects. 

But about 10% of the time, it causes health problems. This includes genital warts and various cancers, including cervical cancer and cancer of the penis, vulva, vagina, anus, and oropharynx (back of the throat).

The HPV vaccine is important, even for those who aren’t sexually active yet. Getting it early on will protect your preteen or teen long before they are sexually active and potentially exposed to the virus.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

The HPV vaccine is considered safe at any age, including during the preteen and teen years. It offers long-lasting protection from various health problems and has been thoroughly researched and tested in clinical trials.

Like any vaccine or medication, it might cause mild, temporary side effects. These include pain or redness at the injection site, nausea, headaches, or dizziness.

In rare cases, the HPV vaccine might cause fainting in adolescents. For this reason, preteens and teens are often advised to sit or lie down for about 15 minutes after they get the shot.

In the end, the benefits of getting the vaccination outweigh the potential risk of side effects.

HPV immunization schedule for tweens and teens

The HPV vaccine is recommended for those of all genders between the ages of 9 and 12, as well as for older children, teens, and young adults who haven’t gotten it yet. At first, the vaccine was marketed at girls as protection from cervical cancer, so often parents of boys didn’t think it was necessary. But HPV can impact any person, and stopping the spread depends on all people being vaccinated.

It’s given in a series of two or three shots. Ages 9 to 14 will usually get two shots over a six to 12-month period. Ages 15 to 26 will typically get three shots over a six-month period.

Is the HPV vaccine covered by health insurance?

Most health insurance policies cover the HPV vaccine. In many cases, you won’t have to pay any out-of-pocket costs. And since the vaccine is part of the federally funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, it’s supposed to be given at no cost to those who may be unable to pay.

If your child or teen hasn’t gotten the vaccine yet, contact your healthcare provider and make an appointment as soon as possible.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• Chores and helping out at home
• Screens and safety monitoring

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “HPV Vaccine for Preteens and Teens.” 2021. Web. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/hpv-basics-color.pdf
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Genital HPV Infection – Basic Fact Sheet.” 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm
• The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team. “What Parents Should Know About the HPV Vaccines.” 2021. Web. https://www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/hpv/what-parents-should-know-about-the-hpv-vaccines.html

Learning disabilities don’t look the same on everyone, but if you think your child might have one, it’s good to know the signs.

What is a learning disability?

A learning disability essentially means a child has a hard time picking up one or multiple skills, like reading or math, because their brain doesn’t process the information in the way it’s being taught. It can impact more than just one class — as reading or math overlap into so many areas — and trying to learn in a typical way can be exhausting for a child who needs more support. A learning disability can also impact your child’s confidence, but it does not mean that they aren’t intelligent. There are so many ways to learn, and that’s why identification is key!

Types of learning disabilities

The most common types of learning disabilities are dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia means someone struggles to recognize words, spell, and make the connection between letters and sounds. A child with dyslexia will often have trouble reading, have difficulty sounding out words, or mix up words.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia causes a person to tense up or twist awkwardly when holding a pencil or pen. It can lead to challenges with writing, poor handwriting, and difficulty drawing shapes.

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia means someone struggles to understand basic number concepts, like positive and negative numbers, sequences, and fractions. A child with this learning disability will often have trouble in math class.

Signs your child may have a learning disability

As noted, many kids have trouble learning new skills at some point — and this doesn’t automatically mean they have a learning disability. A child with a learning disability will show several signs that don’t improve or go away over time.

A child with a learning disability might:

• Have ongoing trouble with reading, writing, speaking, or math
• Have a poor memory
• Have trouble telling left from right
• Struggle to understand or follow directions
• Struggle to stay focused or become easily distracted
• Have trouble cutting with scissors, holding a pen or drawing
• Have difficulty telling time or understanding the concept of time
• Lack coordination
• Be unable to stay organized
• Be impulsive or “act out” in school

Bear in mind the signs of a learning disability vary among children, and these behaviors don’t necessarily mean your child has one.

What to do if you think your child may have a learning disability

Since learning disabilities don’t get better or go away on their own, early detection is key. Though some kids may feel ashamed of their condition, a diagnosis is the first step to getting proper support and preventing the issue from causing further anxiety, low self-esteem, or complete avoidance of school down the road.

There are many paths to a diagnosis, and usually a team of educators and providers can be involved. If you suspect a learning disability, reach out to your school or pediatric provider for next steps on the road to discovery.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• The HPV vaccine and why it’s so important
• Chores and helping out at home

Sources

• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Learning disorders: Know the signs, how to help.” Mayo Clinic. 2023. Web. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/learning-disorders/art-20046105
• National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. “What are some signs of learning disabilities?” National Institutes of Health (NIH). 2018. Web. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/learning/conditioninfo/signs
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Learning Disorders in Children.” 2022. Web. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/developmentaldisabilities/learning-disorder.html

If you think your child might be autistic, it’s best to make an appointment with a healthcare professional. Getting a diagnosis can help families navigate the condition, get early support and intervention, and improve the autistic person’s overall quality of life.

That said, it’s good to have a basic understanding of the most common signs and symptoms.

Signs of autism spectrum disorder in children and teens

The most prominent signs of autism in children and teens have to do with social interactions and repetitive behaviors. Here’s what to know.

What to look for in social interactions

A child or preteen with autism spectrum disorder might:

• Not respond to their name or appear not to hear when someone is talking to them
• Be unable to start conversations or keep them going
• Not express their feelings
• Seem unaware of other people’s feelings
• Talk in an abnormal rhythm or tone
• Seem unable to follow simple instructions or understand basic questions
• Not make eye contact
• Show little facial expression
• Have trouble recognizing nonverbal cues in others, like tone of voice and facial expressions
• Avoid social situations or have difficulty understanding social cues.
• Prefer playing alone
• Prefer technology and love screen time

Keep in mind people with autism will each have unique behavioral patterns. So your child might not show all symptoms, and the signs could range from severe to mild. 

Physical signs to look for

A child or preteen with autism might also show physical signs and repetitive behavioral patterns, such as:

• Physical signs and repetitive behaviors 
• Repetitive physical movements, like rocking, spinning, or flapping their hands (also called stimming)
• Signs of self-harm, like biting themself or banging their head against something
• Developing rituals and routines, then getting upset if anything interrupts the behavior
• Odd movement patterns or coordination issues
• Abnormally stiff body language
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
• Intense fixation on objects or activities

The keyword with autism spectrum disorder is spectrum. This means the severity of the condition is on a scale, and an autistic child, teen, or adult can vary widely in their behavior.

Some autistic children might have trouble learning. Others may have a higher-than-average intelligence and excel in school.

When is autism diagnosed?

According to the CDC, autism can be detected in children as young as 18 months. However, many won’t get an official diagnosis until at least a few years later. And some people aren’t diagnosed until they’re teens or adults. Girls are much more likely to have a delayed diagnosis for a variety of reasons.

Some kids with autism might learn to adjust certain behaviors (also called masking) as they mature and go on to lead relatively typical lives. But some people will have trouble with social skills and language, and may even experience worsened symptoms as they get older.

In any case, early detection is ideal, as it helps the autistic person and their family get all the support they need.

What to do if you think your child may have autism

If you think your child might be autistic, it’s best to check in with a healthcare provider. They’ll be able to assess the symptoms and behaviors, make a diagnosis if appropriate, and offer advice and solutions for navigating an autism diagnosis.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

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Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder.” 2022. Web. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Screening and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.” 2022. Web. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/screening.html
• Mayo Clinic Health System. “Could my child have autism spectrum disorder?” 2021. Web. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/could-my-child-have-autism-spectrum-disorder
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Autism spectrum disorder.” 2022. Web. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928
• American Psychiatric Association (APA). “Living with Autism: Journey to Adulthood.” 2019. Web. https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/living-with-autism-journey-to-adulthood

Here’s what to know about ADHD in children, including the most common signs and symptoms.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is short for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The condition affects millions of children, can be diagnosed at any age, and often continues into adulthood. It’s mainly characterized by difficulty focusing and holding attention, an inability to sit still, and impulsive behaviors.

ADD vs. ADHD

ADD (short for attention deficit disorder) was once used to describe people with attention difficulties who don’t struggle with hyperactivity (an inability to sit still). However, the term is outdated. Today, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) only recognizes ADHD as an official mental health condition.

Signs your child has ADHD

Kids, preteens, and teens with ADHD show various signs of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. A diagnosis of ADHD requires multiple symptoms (depending on age) over a period of time for a diagnosis. 

A child with ADHD might:

• Be constantly in motion
• Fidget, squirm, or get out of their seat when asked to sit still
• Be easily distracted
• Be unable to finish tasks, fail to do chores/homework
• Have trouble listening, be forgetful
• Struggle to play quietly
• Talk excessively, interrupt often, or intrude socially

Keep in mind the symptoms can vary from person to person. Also, some of these traits are relatively normal for kids, as their brains are still developing. A diagnosis would take different factors into account, like their age and how chronic the issues are.

How to know if your child’s behavior is normal

Again, it’s normal for children, tweens, and even teens to be inattentive and impulsive — at least sometimes. If your child is showing some signs of ADHD once in a while, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern.

If your child is struggling in many different environments, that can also be a clue that something global needs to be addressed. For example, tired and overstimulated children may be challenging at home after school, but if their teachers report great behavior while at school, that’s reassuring. 

In some cases, a lack of attention has more to do with a lack of interest in an activity than a general inability to focus. As for the hyperactivity aspect, well…kids are often hyper and energetic. So you can’t assume every high-energy child has ADHD — that’s why working with a provider is so crucial. 

How is ADHD diagnosed?

Like many mental health conditions, there’s no blood test or brain scan that confirms whether a person has ADHD. Instead, a healthcare provider will ask questions about your child’s behaviors, activity levels, school performance, and overall health. Often you’ll need to see a specialized provider or work in a team with a provider and a school counselor/specialist.

You’ll likely be asked to fill out a checklist or questionnaire about things you’ve noticed and how long they’ve been going on. A provider will carefully consider all factors before diagnosing your child with ADHD — or potentially a learning disorder or another mental health condition if they think something else might be going on.

What to do if you think your child might have ADHD

Knowing the signs of ADHD is important, but you won’t know for sure if your child has the condition until you get a diagnosis. The best thing to do is make an appointment with your child’s provider or their school counselor to get the process started.

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, there are many treatment paths available — including taking medications and starting therapy — finding the right one may take time. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

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Sources

• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.” Mayo Clinic. 2019. Web. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD.” 2022. Web. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/diagnosis.html
• Nemours Children’s Health. “ADHD.” 2022. Web. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adhd.html
• American Psychiatric Association (APA). “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).” Web. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd