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An estimated 7 million children in the United States have an ADHD diagnosis, according to the latest data collected in 2024 from HRSA’s National Survey of Children’s Health and reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If your child has been referred for an ADHD evaluation — or you’ve wondered whether some of their behaviors might be explained by ADHD — you probably have questions. This guide walks parents through what ADHD is, how it’s diagnosed, what treatment options look like, and how pediatricians, families, and schools can work together to support your child. What is ADHD?    ADHD stands for attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder. ADHD affects how the brain manages attention, impulse control, and activity level. ADHD symptoms usually appear in early childhood (before age 12), though they may be recognized much later, especially in bright or quiet kids who learn to mask their struggles with attention, self-control, […]

Fall 2026 is shaping up to be a tough allergy season. Warmer temperatures and a later first frost are giving ragweed and other weeds a longer window to grow and release pollen, while damp autumn conditions and fallen leaves keep mold spores in the air. With weed pollen arriving right on schedule in August and counts predicted to spike through September and October, parents need to plan ahead to minimize seasonal allergy suffering. By taking action before the pollen hits, your child can enjoy autumn’s colors instead of its allergens. The best way to care for allergies in kids is to track what’s happening outside, get ready for pollen season inside, and see the doctor (if needed) to manage allergies early. Can you get allergies in the fall? Yes. Seasonal allergies — also called “hay fever” — can flare up any time of year, but fall has its own set […]

A Chiari malformation is a condition in which the lower part of the brain — called the cerebellum — extends into the spinal canal, where it doesn’t belong. Chiari (kee-AH-ree) malformations are more common than previously known, affecting approximately 1 in every 1,000 people. Due to advances in MRI technology, they’re being identified more frequently and earlier than ever. Here’s what families should know. What is Chiari malformation?  Chiari malformations are congenital (present at birth) in nearly all cases. The issue typically develops while a fetus is growing but, depending on the Chiari type, a person may not experience symptoms until later in childhood, adulthood, or possibly never. The condition is named for German pathologist Professor Hans Chiari, who described it in the 1890s and established the Chiari Types I through IV classification still used today. One important distinction is that Chiari Type II (Arnold-Chiari malformation) is always associated with […]

A diagnosis of childhood lupus can feel overwhelming at first, for both children and the people who love and care for them. Because lupus can affect many parts of the body, and its symptoms may change over time, families often find themselves learning to navigate not only medical care, but also school, emotions, daily routines, and long-term uncertainty. The good news is that families do not have to face this journey alone. Whether you’re managing lupus symptoms, seeking lupus treatment, or still early in your child’s diagnosis and simply trying to understand what it means going forward, you need guidance. Along with support from their medical team, there are many organizations and communities that can offer practical help, trustworthy information, and meaningful connection. Connect With Support Groups Living with lupus can sometimes feel lonely, but families should know they are not alone. There’s a strong lupus community with many opportunities […]

Parents with teen daughters often describe the same experience: their daughter receives a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and suddenly a constellation of symptoms — irregular periods, persistent acne, unexpected weight changes — finally has a name. There’s relief in that moment, but still some confusion. And now, you may start hearing a new name: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). This new name is far more than a simple rebranding, however. It signals a profound evolution in how clinicians understand what’s actually happening in the bodies of millions of girls and women living with this condition. For parents especially, the new name can help make sense of symptoms that may have felt disconnected from one another. Whether your daughter has already received a PCOS diagnosis or you’re still searching for answers, here’s what this change means, and what you need to know. Why is PCOS now called PMOS? For […]

Eczema (EG-zeh-muh), also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects babies and young children, often improving naturally as children grow. However, it can sometimes persist into adolescence and adulthood. Eczema symptoms typically begin before a child reaches 1 year old, and up to 25% of children are affected. For parents, eczema often shows up as dry, itchy, or irritated skin that can be uncomfortable — and sometimes frustrating — to manage. The good news is that with the right care, most children’s symptoms can be well controlled. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released updated guidance for managing eczema in 2025, emphasizing proactive care, mental health impacts, and emerging therapies. Below, we answer common questions parents have about caring for a child with eczema and what these new recommendations mean for families. What causes eczema in children? Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic, […]