As many as 5-10 percent of children may have attention deficit disorder (ADD); 1 in 166 children born today have autism; 1 in 100 new babies born will have a seizure at some point during childhood; and 1 in 30 develop repetitive motor movements (tics) or other symptoms of Tourette's Syndrome. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that as many as 30 percent of children with autism will develop seizures during their lifetime. Thirty percent of epilepsy patients have ADD. Other studies suggest a strong link between depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts in children with controlled epilepsy. Headache disorders in children, such as pediatric migraine, occur as commonly in children as they do in adults.

Therefore, while clinical expertise in childhood neurological care is greatly needed, so are the relationships of organizations, support groups and counseling to care for the whole child.

Related Links

• Children's Center at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
• Sutter Neuroscience Institute
• Autism Treatment Network
• Autism Speaks
• Cure Autism Now
• Families for Early Autism Treatment
• Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California
• American Epilepsy Society
• Cure Epilepsy
• CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
• International Society of Autism Research

Articles

• In 2007 Dr. Chez will be releasing a new book, "The Medical Management of Autism: A Guide for Parents and Professionals." For more information please call his office at (916) 454-6667.