Health and development of children and teens

How children grow and develop, from newborns to teens, keeping them safe and well, and the diseases, cancers and mental health conditions of childhood.

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Child Development Basics

The early years of a child’s life are very important for his or her health and development. Child development includes physical, intellectual, social, and emotional changes. Learn about the importance of early childhood experiences on brain development and what you can do to promote your child's healthy development.

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Child Behavior Disorders

Is your child showing aggression, hostility, or other disruptive behaviors? Learn about childhood behavior disorders and how to help your child.

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Child and teen physical development

The early years of a child’s life are very important for his or her health and development. Learn about the importance of early childhood experiences on growth and development and what you can do to promote your child's healthy physical development.

Child and teen mental development

The early years of a child's life are very important for later health and development. One of the main reasons is how fast the brain grows starting before birth and continuing into early childhood. Although the brain continues to develop and change into adulthood, the first 8 years can build a foundation for future learning, health and life success.

Newborns and infants

Some physical conditions and issues are very common during the first couple of weeks after birth. Many are normal, and the infant's caregivers can deal with them if they occur. Understand some common infant health issues new parents and caregivers may need to contend with.

Child and teen wellness

Wellness for children and teens rests on everyday habits and a safe environment. It covers healthy eating from infancy, exercise and sleep, oral health and hygiene, puberty and teen sexual health, preventing childhood obesity, and the risks of lead poisoning, secondhand smoke, underage drinking and drugs.

Nutrition

Environment

Exercise

Obesity

Sleep

Sexuality

Drugs and Substance Abuse

Child and teen checkups and tests

Health checkups are important in making sure that your child is growing and developing properly. If there are problems, you can catch them early. Understand the importance of regular checkups for your child.

Child and teen safety and care

More can be done to keep our children safe. Learn steps you can take to ensure your children's safety and prevent injury.

Child and teen mental disorders

Intellectual and Development Disabilities (IDDs) are differences, usually present at birth, that affect an individual’s physical, intellectual, and/or emotional development. Mental health disorders, like depression or ADHD, may be difficult to identify in children as they are not always able to describe how or why they are feeling or acting a certain way.

Child and teen diseases and disorders

Common conditions in children include chickenpox, croup, and ear infections. Learn to recognize signs and symptoms of different health problems and find treatment options.

Ear and Hearing

Lung/Respiratory

Diabetes

Child and teen growth diseases and disorders

Growth disorders are problems that prevent children from developing normal height, weight, sexual maturity or other features. Very slow or very fast growth can sometimes signal a gland problem or disease.

Child and teen abuse

Child abuse and neglect is any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver (e.g., clergy, coach, teacher) that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. It can have long lasting emotional effects.

Learning and learning disorders

Learning disabilities and disorders affect how people understand, remember, and respond to information. Learning disabilities and disorders occur in very young children, yet they are usually not noticed until the child reaches school age.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological and developmental disorder that begins early in life and affects how a person acts, learns, and interacts with others. Find out about symptoms, causes, treatment, and other issues related to this developmental disorder.

Childhood vaccines

Childhood vaccines, or immunizations, protect your children from many serious or even deadly diseases. On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.

Child and teen cancers

Children can get cancer in the same parts of the body as adults, but there are differences. Childhood cancers can occur suddenly, without early symptoms, and have a high rate of cure.

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