Ellenton Pediatrics

04/22/2026

New research looking at millions of U.S. births is helping us better understand factors that may be linked to autism. One recent study found an association between certain medications used during pregnancy and a higher rate of autism diagnoses—but importantly, this does not prove cause and effect. Experts emphasize that many of these medications are necessary, and no one should stop or change treatment without talking to their healthcare provider. As always, this is one piece of a much bigger picture, and ongoing research will continue to guide safe, informed care for families.

A landmark study led by researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and published in Molecular Psychiatry has identified a significant association between prenatal prescription of commonly utilized medications and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.

04/22/2026

04/22/2026

Processing speed is simply how quickly the brain takes in, makes sense of, and responds to information. Kids with slower processing speed aren’t less intelligent—they just may need a bit more time to understand and react.
When we recognize this, we can shift from frustration to support—giving kids the time, patience, and tools they need to feel confident and successful.
This helpful guide from Understood.org explains what processing speed is, what it can look like at different ages, and ways to support kids both at home and in school.
Parents may also find it helpful to see what this looks like in real life. This day-in-the-life example shows how slower processing speed can affect everything from morning routines to school and friendships—and why patience and understanding matter so much.
Learn more: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/processing-speed-what-you-need-to-know
Read more: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-child-with-slow-processing-speed

Slow processing speed is when people need a lot of time to take in, make sense of, and respond to information. Explore signs, causes, and how to help in this guide.

04/22/2026

For many young girls, the thought of getting their first period can feel scary or overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.
Periods are a natural, healthy part of growing up—and understanding what to expect can make a big difference in easing fears. This helpful guide from Cincinnati Children’s walks through common questions in a simple, reassuring way, from when periods usually start to what’s normal and how to manage them.
Starting the conversation early, in a calm and supportive way, can help girls feel more confident and less alone as their bodies change. 💛
Some families also find books like The Care & Keeping of You helpful as a gentle, age-appropriate way to keep the conversation going—especially when read together.
Learn more here:

Girls usually start their first period between the ages of 10 and 15. Learn helpful tips about periods to share with your child.

04/21/2026

We’ve been wanting to address this, and a colleague pediatrician said it perfectly below.
It’s not just influencers—there are also TV and online ads promoting “parasite treatments” that claim to boost adults' and kids’ health. These claims are not evidence-based and are often outright bogus.
As pediatricians and parents ourselves—we know how easy it is to worry. That’s exactly what these products rely on.
Please read below.

04/21/2026

Infantile seborrheic dermatitis is a common, benign skin condition that appears in early infancy, usually within the first few weeks to months of life. While it is often referred to as “cradle cap” when it affects the scalp, the condition actually represents a broader pattern of skin involvement that may not always involve the scalp and can often extend beyond the head. It typically develops in areas rich in sebaceous (oil) glands, including the face (eyebrows, eyelids, sides of the nose), behind the ears, neck folds, armpits, and diaper area.

Clinically, infantile seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by greasy, yellowish scales and mild redness, often forming plaques that may look concerning but are usually not itchy or painful. Unlike other inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, affected infants generally remain comfortable and unaffected in their feeding, sleep, and behavior.

The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of overactive sebaceous glands (influenced by maternal hormones) and the presence of skin yeast such as Malassezia. Despite its appearance, the condition is non-contagious, not related to poor hygiene, and usually self-limiting, resolving spontaneously within a few weeks to months.

Understanding infantile seborrheic dermatitis as a systemic skin pattern rather than just a scalp issue is important for accurate recognition and appropriate reassurance of caregivers.

Seborrheic dermatitis in children can cause red, scaly patches on the skin. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available to help manage this condition.

04/21/2026

Sleepwalking in children—also known as somnambulism—is a surprisingly common sleep disorder that causes kids to walk or perform activities while still asleep. Affecting up to 15% of children, it typically occurs during deep sleep and is most common between ages 4 and 12.
While usually harmless and often outgrown with age, sleepwalking can worry parents due to potential safety risks and disrupted sleep. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and simple management strategies can help families handle these nighttime episodes with confidence and care. Be sure to click on the links throughout the article for helpful tips, deeper insights, and practical guidance.

Twilight whispers beckon innocent dreamers to wander, as parents anxiously tiptoe the line between peaceful slumber and nocturnal adventures. This

04/20/2026

Fifth disease is a common viral illness in children caused by parvovirus B19. It often begins with mild cold-like symptoms, followed by a bright red “slapped cheek” rash on the face. After this initial rash fades, some children may develop a lighter, lacy rash on the body that can come and go for several weeks or even up to four months. These flare-ups can be triggered by heat, sunlight, or physical activity, but they are harmless. There is no specific treatment for fifth disease in otherwise healthy children, and it usually resolves on its own with rest and supportive care. By the time the rash appears, the child is typically no longer contagious.

Fifth disease symptoms typically include a bright red rash that appears after a parvovirus B19 infection. It often affects children, but adults can catch it too. Learn more.

04/16/2026

Hives (urticaria) can look scary, but they’re actually very common in kids and often harmless. These raised, itchy welts can pop up suddenly, move around the body, and usually fade within hours—though new spots may appear for a few days.
In children, hives are most often triggered by viral infections, but can also be linked to allergies, medications, or even things like heat, cold, or stress. The good news: most cases go away on their own.
Seek care right away if hives come with trouble breathing, swelling of the lips/tongue, vomiting, or dizziness.
Learn more from the AAP here:

What are hive? Hives are common type of rash in children. Hives ​often appear suddenly as itchy, raised bumps. Learn what causes hives, how long they last, when treatment is needed and when to call th​e doctor.

04/16/2026

If your child is having problems with soiling accidents (encopresis, "poo accidents," "poo-ing" in pants), you're certainly not alone. This is one of the mo...

04/16/2026

Anxiety in children doesn’t always look like worry or fear—sometimes, it looks like defiance, anger, or outbursts. What we often label as “bad behavior” can actually be a child’s way of coping with feelings they don’t yet have the words to express. When kids feel overwhelmed or threatened, their brains shift into survival mode—fight, flight, or escape—and that can come out as tantrums, aggression, or refusal to cooperate.
Understanding this changes everything. Instead of seeing a “difficult” child, we begin to see a child who is struggling and needs support. Anxiety can be a powerful and often hidden driver of disruptive behavior, and recognizing it is the first step toward helping children feel safe, understood, and better equipped to manage their emotions.

Children who have outbursts or tantrums may seem angry or oppositional. But they are often very anxious. And they may not even know why they are upset.

04/16/2026

Rotavirus is more than just a stomach bug—it’s a virus that can quickly make babies dangerously ill, causing severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. For parents, it can be frightening to see a young child become so sick so fast. The rotavirus vaccine offers something incredibly important: protection during those most fragile early months of life. It has been proven to be safe, effective, and life-saving, dramatically reducing hospitalizations and preventing countless deaths around the world.
Yet, as vaccination rates have been disrupted in recent years, rotavirus is quietly resurging in some communities. This is a reminder that the protection we’ve built can fade if we don’t maintain it. Ensuring babies receive the rotavirus vaccine on time isn’t just a routine step—it’s a powerful way to keep children safe, spare families unnecessary suffering, and continue the progress that has already saved so many young lives.

Rotavirus is highly contagious, fast-moving and especially dangerous for babies and young children. Doctors worry declining vaccination rates could lead to more hospitalizations.