health sectionhealth section
Asperger's syndrome, a neurological condition sometimes described as high-functioning autism, causes deficiencies in fine-motor skills and some aspects of high-level thinking. Children with the disorder find it hard to express their thoughts coherently in essays and other compositions.
Russell-Silver syndrome often leads to slowed growth, body asymmetry and short height. Children with this condition are usually born with normal intelligence, although learning disabilities can occur later on.
Syndrome X, also known as metabolic syndrome X, insulin resistance syndrome and Reaven's syndrome, has been estimated to affect up to 25 percent of the U.S. population--with children now being diagnosed in epidemic proportions. Physical recreation has largely been replaced by television and computer games, and the sedentary, fast food lifestyle of most American kids (and adults) is starting to take its toll.
The production of healthy red and white blood cells and platelets are vital to maintain normal body functions. These elements of the blood, created by stem cells in bone marrow, are known as myeloid blood cells. The ineffectiveness of the body to produce myeloid blood cells (myelodysplasia) can result in what is known as Myelodysplastic Syndrome, or MDS. This condition is one of the main causes of acute myelogenuous leukemia, which can affect people of all ages.
Children with Asperger's syndrome like to focus on just one or two things that interest them to the exclusion of everything else. Fun games or activities that get them interacting with the larger world can help offset this tendency. Of course, every child plays differently, but here are some suggestions.
