Down Syndrome
MEDICAL DESCRIPTION Down Syndrome is a common genetic condition. Children with Down Syndrome have a characteristic appearance, but it can only be diagnosed by a doctor and confirmed by genetic testing. It causes children to grow, develop and learn more slowly than other children. Most children with the condition have low muscle tone and strength […]
Cleft Lip/Palate
MEDICAL DESCRIPTION Cleft lip or palate is not caused by something the mother or father did or did not do. In the normal course of development, structures simply do not close. Children with cleft lip/palate may have difficulty speaking clearly or may sound as if they are speaking through the nose. Children with cleft lip/palate may […]
Cerebral Palsy
MEDICAL DESCRIPTION Cerebral Palsy (CP) refers to a number of neurological disorders that causes difficulty with movement, muscle control and/or balance.The child’s muscles may be too stiff (high tone), too floppy (low tone) or both in different areas (trunk floppy, but limbs tight). Both arms and legs may be affected, or just the legs, or […]
Albinism
MEDICAL DESCRIPTION Albinism occurs when one of several genetic defects makes the body unable to produce or distribute melanin, a natural substance that gives color to your hair, skin, and iris of the eye. There are 17 different types of albinism. Children with albinism have normal intelligence, and can expect to live long and healthy […]
Heart Defects
MEDICAL DESCRIPTION Congenital heart diseases are caused by improper heart development during fetal development. A human heart has four sections; the two top sections are the atria, and the two bottom sections are the ventricles. Defects can occur in any of these sections, as well as in the valves that control blood flow, the arteries […]
Deformed or Missing Limbs
MEDICAL DESCRIPTION As a baby develops inside the uterus, she is contained within the amniotic sac. This sac is made up of strong fibers that are usually hard to break. Sometimes however, this sac will tear open, and the sticky strands can wrap around parts of the developing baby. When this happens, amniotic banding can […]
Spina Bifida
MEDICAL DESCRIPTION Spina bifida is a very common birth defect. Many cases of spina bifida may be prevented by the consumption of vitamins containing folic acid before and during pregnancy. A child born with spina bifida has an opening in the spine as a result of the spinal column not closing completely during the first month […]
