Cerebral Palsy
Is the most common physical disability in childhood, affecting approximately 1 in 345 children in the United States. It is caused by brain injury or abnormal brain development during pregnancy, birth, or shortly after birth. CP impacts movement, coordination, muscle tone, reflexes, posture, and balance. Around 75% of individuals with CP experience chronic pain, and 33% are unable to walk. Additionally, 33% may develop hip displacement, 25% struggle with verbal communication, and 6% require tube feeding for nutrition.
Down Syndrome
Is a genetic condition that affects both brain and body development. It occurs when a child is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21, leading to a total of 47 chromosomes instead of the typical 46. This condition is not caused by anything the parents did before or during pregnancy. Approximately 6,000 babies are born with Down Syndrome in the U.S. each year, representing about 1 in every 700 births.
Torticollis
Is a condition where your baby’s neck muscles cause their head to twist and tilt to one side. It may look like your infant’s neck is rotated at an odd angle. The top of their head may be tilted to one side and their chin may be tilted to the other side.
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS)
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a genetic disorder caused by changes in a gene called fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1). Normally, the FMR1 gene produces a protein known as FMRP, which plays an important role in brain development. Individuals with FXS do not produce enough of this protein. Those with fragile X-associated disorders also have changes in the FMR1 gene, but they typically still produce some FMRP.
FXS affects both males and females; however, females often experience milder symptoms than males. While the exact number of individuals living with FXS is unknown, research estimates that approximately 1 in 7,000 males and 1 in 11,000 females have been diagnosed with the condition.