Your Child's Brain
WYPR Baltimore
Each month Your Child’s Brain will bring together experts in child brain health, including researchers, educators, physicians and therapists as well as families to discuss contemporary topics about child and youth brain health and development.
Your Child's Brain is produced by Kennedy Krieger Institute with assistance from WYPR.
Genetic Counseling and Rare Diseases
February is Rare Disease Month---a month-long focus on rare diseases, culminating on rare disease day, February 28th. Currently more than 7,000 rare diseases have been identified with a significant proportion of them involving the developing brain and nervous system. And the vast majority of rare diseases have a genetic basis. Coping with a rare disease is often aptly described as a journey. And along that journey, questions and concerns will come up at every stage of life. Where can a family me
Neuropsychological Evaluations—What are they and when are they needed?
Many people are unfamiliar with what a neuropsychologist does or why a child might need to see one. However, a child who is experiencing challenges or changes in thinking, problem solving, communication, attention, memory, emotional/behavioral functioning, especially when those issues might be affecting school performance, may benefit from an evaluation by a neuropsychologist. In this episode of “Your Child’s Brain”, Kennedy Krieger President and CEO Dr. Brad Schlaggar, talks to two of his colle
Unlocking the Stigma of Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurologic disorders seen in children and adults, in fact, 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy during their lifetime. It can occur on its own or alongside other health conditions of the brain. Despite it being relatively common, there are many myths, misunderstandings---as well as a great deal of stigma associated with epilepsy. Join Kennedy Krieger’s CEO Dr. Brad Schlaggar and his colleagues from the Institute and Johns Hopkins as they address those t
Down syndrome and the impact of a longer life span
We humans, typically, have 23 pairs of chromosomes. Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, we have an extra chromosome or we are missing one. Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder that occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of their 21st chromosome. Down syndrome is the most frequent of the chromosomal disorders in humans, occurring in approximately 1 in 700 births in the US. With improved care of often life-threatening clinical challenges, individuals
How Experience and Environment Impact Our Early Brain Development
How does experience and one’s environment influence the early development of our brains? We’ve known for a long time that this question does not simply boil down to “Nature” vs “”nurture”, a false dichotomy. Instead, brain development might best be thought of as a cascading interaction between nature and nurture that unfolds over time. Twenty five years ago, the National Academy of Science published a landmark report called From Neurons to Neighborhoods which dove deep into this question. In
Muscular Dystrophy
In this episode of Your Child’s Brain, Dr. Brad Schlaggar is joined by his Kennedy Krieger colleague, Dr. Doris Leung, to discuss a set of diseases of muscle that we refer to collectively as muscular dystrophy (MD). Muscular dystrophy is actually a group of rare genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and degeneration of muscles. Overall, the muscular dystrophies vary in age of onset, severity, and the pattern of the affected muscles. A general principle shared by all forms of MD is tha
Disability Services in College
Join Dr. Brad Schlaggar, president and CEO of Kennedy Krieger Institute and Dr. Lisa Carey, the Assistant Director of the Center for Innovation and Leadership in Special Education as well as an education specialist for the Neuropsychology Department at Kennedy Krieger. Accommodations for college require self-advocacy. It is the student themselves who must request those accommodations at the school—not the parents. Services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, reading support, and instru
The Impact of a Physician Shortage on Children
In the United States alone, there are nearly 20 million children with developmental, cognitive, behavioral, and/or learning disorders. It is widely recognized that the needs of children with these issues are growing in number and complexity while, at the same time, a critical shortage of access to physician specialists is resulting in delayed diagnoses, longer wait times for treatment and, consequently, poorer outcomes. On this month’s episode, Kennedy Krieger president and CEO, Dr. Brad Schlag
Functional Neurological Disorders (FND)
On this month’s episode, we are going to discuss Functional Neurological Disorders or FND. Patients with this disorder are often stigmatized and, unfortunately, criticized for seemingly faking a disorder. The reality is that the symptoms of functional neurological disorders are real, can cause significant morbidity, but, thankfully, can most often be remedied by prompt identification, education, and appropriate treatment. Kennedy Krieger president and CEO, Dr. Brad Schlaggar is joined by Dr. S
Navigating Childhood: Insights into Challenging Behaviors and Family Dynamic
May is Children’s Mental Health Awareness month and as part of that recognition, join Dr. Brad Schlaggar, president and CEO of Kennedy Krieger and his guest Dr. Matt Edelstein, director of the Brief Treatment Clinic at the Institute, as they discuss challenging behaviors in children and how those behaviors can have a cascading impact at multiple levels of a family system. For the child, such behaviors can impede social, emotional, and academic functioning. For caregivers, they can influence stre
Inside the Mind: Anxiety and Autism
April is known internationally as Autism Acceptance Month. As part of that recognition, join Dr. Brad Schlaggar, president and CEO of Kennedy Krieger and his guests Drs. Amy Keefer and Roma Vasa from the Center for Autism, Services, Science and Innovation, to discuss the anxiety disorders common in individuals with autism and discuss why this population may be particularly vulnerable to the comorbid symptoms of anxiety, as well as treatment options and research being done in this field.See omnys
Sleep Disorders in Children
On this month’s episode Kennedy Krieger President and CEO, Dr. Brad Schlaggar is joined by Dr. Janet Lam, a pediatric neurologist and an expert in sleep medicine and the director of the Sleep Disorders Clinic and Laboratory at Kennedy Krieger. The two will delve into sleep disorders in children, especially for those with neurodevelopmental conditions. Resources Kennedy Krieger Sleep Disorders Clinic and Lab About Sleep Disorders National Sleep FoundationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i
What does it mean to have a rare disease?
There are over 7000 identified rare diseases that impact over 300 million people worldwide. And a disproportionate number of those rare diseases affect the developing brain and nervous system. Having any given rare disease is indeed rare. But having a rare disease is, in fact common. February, is rare disease awareness month and the last day of February is recognized internationally as Rare Disease Day. For this month’s episode, Dr. Brad Schlaggar, pediatric neurologist, and president and CEO o
Unlocking the power of early childhood education: Its impact on lifelong development
We’ve known for some time now that the first years of a child’s life constitute a very important period for the development of that child’s brain. Because the brain is responsible for cognition, language, movement, emotion, self-regulation, and essentially every aspect of human behavior, it stands to reason that optimizing those first few years can have a significant impact on the rest of that child’s life. In this episode, Kennedy Krieger CEO and President Brad Schlaggar will be joined by colle
Reflecting on Progress: 30 Episodes of Insights into Your Child's Brain
Join us for the 30th episode of Your Child’s Brain. In this episode, we reflect back on the topics that we discussed over the past 2 ½ years and talk about the progress that has been made in understanding and treating disorders of the developing brain and nervous system. Dr. Brad Schlaggar, president and CEO of Kennedy Krieger, is joined by his colleague Dr. Ali Fatemi, a pediatric neurologist and neuroscientist, who, in addition to serving as Chief Medical Officer at Kennedy Krieger, holds the
Tourette syndrome
Tourette syndrome and tics—what are these two neurological disorders, how do they differ and how are they treated is the subject of this month’s episode of Your Child’s Brain. Join Dr. Brad Schlaggar, president and CEO of Kennedy Krieger, along with four of his colleagues from the Institute’s Tourette Syndrome Center of Excellence. They are: Dr. Harvey Singer Dr. Marco Grados Dr. Joseph McGuire Dr. Shannon Dean Links to visit: Tourette Syndrome Center of Excellence at Kennedy Krieger Institu
Cerebral Palsy
People with disabilities or chronic health conditions, such as cerebral palsy, may be as much as 3-4 times more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders. Research suggests this link is not necessarily related to the severity of a person’s disability but is instead tied to things like levels of stress, management of pain and fatigue, coping skills, or family and social support. In this episode of Your Child’s Brain, Dr. Brad Schlaggar, President and CEO of Kennedy Krieger, is joined by
Spinal Cord Injury
How does the brain communicate with the rest of the body? One critically important way for that communication to happen is via the spinal cord, a really complex bundle of nerve cells and fibers, embedded in a canal that is protected by our spinal columns. The spinal cord makes it possible for information to flow from the brain to the rest of the body and for information from the body to flow up the brain. September is Spinal Cord Awareness Month and we are pleased to be discussing this important
The Connection Between Hearing and Speech
Early recognition of hearing loss---whether an individual has complete loss or is hard of hearing---has significant implications for optimizing outcomes for communicative functioning, whether it’s an intervention to restore hearing, learning to use sign language, implementation of alternative or augmentative forms of communication, early detection is key. On this month’s episode, Dr. Bradley Schlaggar, president and CEO of Kennedy Krieger Institute Is joined by his colleagues: Dr. Katheryn Bo
Developmental and Pediatric Neuropsychiatry: What is it and the Implications on the Brain
Check out the latest episode of Your Child’s Brain. Join Dr. Brad Schlaggar President and CEO of Kennedy Krieger Institute and three colleagues: Dr. Joy Salpekar, a pediatric neuropsychiatrist, Dr. Roma Vasa, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and Dr. Aaron Hauptman, pediatric and adult neuropsychiatrist as we discuss the specialty area of neuropsychiatry, in particular, developmental and pediatric neuropsychiatry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sickle Cell Disease
The focus of this podcast is on an aspect of sickle cell disease that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves—the neurological and developmental implications of the disease. These conditions may severely impact children’s functional independence, mental health, quality of life and educational pursuits, and may increase their risk of future complications. Dr. Bradley Schlaggar, president and CEO of Kennedy Krieger Institute, is joined by Dr. Eboni Lance. Dr. Lance is the Medical Director, o
The Impact of Technology on Reading and Literacy
Check out the latest episode of Your Child’s Brain. Join Dr. Brad Schlaggar President and CEO of Kennedy Krieger Institute and his guests Heidi Daniel, president and CEO at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, and Dr. Tzipi Horowitz-Kraus, a developmental neuroscientist at Kennedy Krieger Institute as we discuss children's reading, literacy, and the impact of technology on both. Links to visit: Enoch Pratt library Summer Reading Program https://www.prattlibrary.org/summer-break The Neurob
Autism and Mental Health: Understanding Risks and Advocating for your child
Evidence suggests that children and teens with autism are at an increased risk for experiencing a mental health crisis. In this episode of Your Child’s Brain, we speak with a panel of experts about the co-occurrence of mental health issues in autistic children and teens, the signs and symptoms of mental health concerns, how those signs and symptoms can differ in young people with autism, and ways that parents can advocate for their child, not only in a crisis situation, but also in the classroo
Cancer treatment on children
Dr. Bradley Schlaggar, president and CEO of Kennedy Krieger Institute welcomes Dr. Lisa Jacobson, a pediatric neuropsychologist and Dr. Lisa Carey, an education specialist, to discuss the late effects of cancer treatment on children, especially as it relates to school and learning. Here are helpful links for people who wish additional information: https://www.kennedykrieger.org/patient-care/centers-and-programs/neuropsychology-department-outpatient-clinics/oncology-clinic https://www.kennedyk
KAT6a
February is nationally recognized as Rare Disease Month and to highlight this, Dr. Bradley Schlaggar, president and CEO of Kennedy Krieger Institute, welcomes Dr. Jacqueline Harris, a pediatric neurologist at Kennedy Krieger and Abby Tower, mother of five-year old Bay to discuss rare diseases and in particular KAT6a, a very rare disorder impacting Bay and her family. Guests for this month's episode include: Dr. Brad Schlaggar - President and CEO of Kennedy Krieger and professor of neurology
Pediatric Clinical Research
On this episode of Your Child’s Brain, Dr. Bradley Schlaggar, president and CEO of Kennedy Krieger Institute, welcomes Dr. Amy Bastian, chief science officer and director of the Center for Movement Studies at Kennedy Krieger to discuss pediatric clinical research as a way forward to better care and to developing treatments for childhood disorders and injuries. Links to visit: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ https://www.kennedykrieger.org/research/participate-in-researchSee omnystudio.com/listener f
Rare Diseases
On this month's episode rare diseases are discussed. Including the difficulties in diagnosing these rare disease and the importance of research in developing effective treatments. On this episode, Dr. Bradley Schlaggar, president and CEO of Kennedy Krieger Institute welcomes: Dr. Ali Fatemi - Chief Medical Officer at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Director of the Moser Center for Leukodystrophies and an investigator at the Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger. Dr. Fatemi is also pr
Project ECHO
On this month’s episode, Kennedy Krieger discusses Project Echo, a national program designed to address the shortage of pediatric specialists. Guests for this month include: Dr. Mary Leppert - A neurodevelopmental pediatrician andvDirector of Kennedy Krieger's Child and Learning Center, the Infant Neurodevelopmental Clinic and co-director of Kennedy Krieger's Project ECHO Dr. Joyce Harrison - A pediatric psychiatrist and co-director of Kennedy Krieger's Project ECHO Resources: Kennedy Krieger I
Brain injury
On this month's episode of Your Child's Brain, brain injury is discussed. Guests for this month include: Dr. Beth Slomine - Senior Psychologist and Director of Training and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation in the Department of Neuropsychology at Kennedy Krieger. She is also a professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences as well as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Stacy Suskauer - Vice President of Pediatric Rehabilitation at Kennedy Kr
Adaptive sports
On this month's episode of Your Childs's Brain, adaptive sports and their physical, mental and community benefits are discussed: Speakers: Dr. Erin Michael, a physical therapist, is the Manager of Patient Advocacy and Special Programs at Kennedy Krieger’s International Center for Spinal Cord Injury. She is also the Founder and Chair of Team Kennedy Krieger for the Baltimore Running Festival and other adaptive sports competitions. Katie Baldwin, MS an exercise scientist with expertise in Commun
Long covid in children
On this month's episode of Your Child's Brain, Long covid in children is discussed. Guests include: Dr. Laura Malone - Physician scientist in the Center for Movement Studies at Kennedy Krieger, Co-director of the Pediatric Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation Clinic at Kennedy Krieger, Assistant professor of Neurology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Amanda Morrow - Rehabilitation physician at Kennedy Krieger, Co-director of the Pediatric
Talking to your child about trauma
On this month's episode of Your Child's Brain, guests discuss talking to your child about traumas. Guests for this month include: Dr. Lindsay Cirincione - Director of Outpatient Operations for the Pediatric Psychology Consultation Program at Kennedy Krieger Institute Dr. Gabrielle Blackman - Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. Medical Director for the Kennedy Krieger School Programs Patricia Shepley - Licensed clinical social worker. Director of Social work and the clinical director of the Psychi
The Transition Planning Process for Individuals with an IEP
Speakers: Stacey Herman, assistant vice president, Neurodiversity and Community Workforce Development . Hannah Wayne, principal at the Kennedy Krieger Powder Mill School Program Maureen van Stone, Director of Maryland Center for Development Disabilities; Founding Director of Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law) at Kennedy Krieger Institute; Associate, Department of Mental Health, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa
Unraveling the mysteries of rare childhood diseases
This month on YCB the importance of how research Plays a Role in Rare Diseases is discussed. Guests include: Dr. Erika Augustine, Associate Chief Science Officer and Director of the Clinical Trials Unit Dr. Anne Comi, Director, Hunter Nelson Sturge-Weber CenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Autism, Co-Morbidities and Severe Behaviors
Autism, Co-Morbidities and Severe Behaviors are discussed. Guests include: Dr. Connie Smith-Hicks, pediatric neurologist at Kennedy Krieger Dr. Daniel Hoover, clinical child and adolescent psychologist at Kennedy Krieger Dr. Louis Hagopian, Director of the Neurobehavioral Unit at Kennedy KriegerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Autism
This month on the show Autism is discussed. Speakers include: Dr. Paul Lipkin Dr. Mary Leppert Dr. Rebecca LandaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feeding disorders
On this month’s episode, we discuss feeding disorders in infants, toddlers, children and teens, how they are diagnosed and treated, and the difference between feeding disorders and eating disorders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
In this months episode of Your Child's Brain ADHD is discussed with: Dr. Brad Schlaggar, president and CEO at Kennedy Krieger Institute Dr. Stewart Mostofsky, Pediatric neurologist and Director of The Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research Dr. Keri Rosch, Psychologist for Kennedy Krieger Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging ResearchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cerebral palsy
In this month's episode of Your Child's Brain, cerebral palsy is discussed. Guest speakers include: Dr. Alexander Hoon, Director, Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy and Neurodevelopmental Medicine Dr. Joseph Scafidi, research scientist and clinician for the Infant Neurodevelopment Clinic and the Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy and Neurodevelopmental Medicine Julie Cohen, CGC, Senior Genetic CounselorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Infant and Early Child Development
On this episode of Your Childs Brain, Dr. Mary Leppert, Dr. Joanna Burton, Dr. Gwendolyn Gerner discuss infant and early child development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The impact of trauma on children’s brains
On the latest episode of Your Child’s Brain we discuss the impact of trauma on children’s brains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Youth Mental Health
In this third episode of Your Child's Brain, a podcast series about the mysteries of the child’s developing brain, we discuss mental health and the impact on children and teenagers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Neuroscience Of Learning
On the second episode of Your Child’s Brain, a podcast series about the mysteries of the developing brain, we discuss the neuroscience of education. Featuring: Dr. Lisa Carey, Assistant Director, Center for Innovation and Leadership in Special Education, Kennedy Krieger Institute. Dr. Linda Myers, Vice President of School Autism Services, Kennedy Krieger Institute. Dr. Aaron Parsons, Vice President of School Programs, Kennedy Krieger Institute. Your Child's Brain is produced by Kennedy Krieger
Introducing Your Child’s Brain
In the first episode of Your Child’s Brain Dr. Brad Schlaggar and Dr. Ali Fatemi—both pediatric neurologists and neuroscientists—introduce this new series by discussing the many mysteries of the developing brain, exploring neurological diseases, injuries, and overall health, and sharing their passion to better understand how a child’s brain grows, recovers, learns, and heals. Dr. Brad Schlaggar is President and CEO of Kennedy Krieger Institute. Dr. Ali Fatemi is Kennedy Krieger’s Chief Medical O