Every parent wants their child to grow up happy and healthy. However, sometimes Mother Nature throws parents a curveball. Some childhood health and development issues are serious and life-threatening, while others may lead you to change your understanding of normal childhood behavior. Discover how to spot early childhood diseases and disorders with these helpful tips.
Childhood Diabetes
There are two types of diabetes, and both types can affect young children. Of the two, Type 1 Diabetes is far more common in toddlers, meaning this is the one you should be on the lookout for. Signs of diabetes include dehydration, increased urination, weight loss, severe diaper rash, blurred vision, and unexplained exhaustion.
Childhood Asthma
Asthma in toddlers is pretty much the same as in adults, but it can be more challenging to deal with. If your child has asthma, you might notice shortness of breath, frequent coughing, or trouble breathing when playing. Additionally, children with asthma often suffer longer during viral infections or bronchitis.
Apraxia of Speech
Apraxia is a motor speech disorder in which a child’s brain has trouble sending signals to the mouth as a function of speech. You may notice over time that your toddler has trouble with words longer than one syllable and their fine motor skills, and incorrectly pronounces words in an inconsistent manner. A child with apraxia will need specialized help to learn how to speak correctly.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is another childhood disorder that every parent should know how to spot. Some signs of autism include not responding to their name, trouble playing pretend, and speech delays. However, it is also important to note that many of these signs do not belong to autism alone, and only a medical professional can provide a diagnosis.
Childhood Leukemia
Unfortunately, leukemia is one of the most common cancers in children. Since leukemia is a cancer in the blood, it can manifest in a variety of ways. Some of the signs include pale skin, dizziness, easy bruising, weight loss, and poor appetite.
Getting a Diagnosis
It’s important to remember that many individual symptoms can be indicative of a variety of conditions, so talk to your doctor if you suspect your child may have a serious health or developmental issue. Early diagnosis is often the key to getting your child the treatment they need in order to thrive.
