What You Need to Know About Participating in Autism Research at Mount Sinai

Oct 28, 2024 | Featured, Research, Seaver Autism Center, Your Health


Clinical research is critical to advance our understanding of the causes of neurodevelopmental disorders and to develop effective treatments. The Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai maintains an active clinical research portfolio with a variety of recruiting studies at any given time.

Individuals on the autism spectrum as well as those with certain related genetic syndromes may be eligible to participate. The Seaver Center’s Rare Disease Program studies Phelan-McDermid syndrome, ADNP syndrome, FOXP1 syndrome, and DDX3X syndrome. Areas of focus include biomarker discovery, natural history studies, and clinical trials.

In addition to valuable contributions to science, the Seaver Center team works hard to ensure study participation is an enjoyable and low stress experience. When reflecting on their experiences, Seaver Autism Center families often recall a sense of warmth and trust.

One parent, Sakia, felt touched by how happy her son is whenever her family arrives for a visit: “As soon as he walks in, he’s running in, running into rooms, and it doesn’t bother anybody. Everyone is very welcoming.”

Paige Siper, PhD

In this Q&A, Paige Siper, PhD, Chief Psychologist of the Seaver Center, explains how research studies are conducted, the benefits of participating, and how you or someone you know can get involved.

What happens at a research study visit?

Research visits include standardized assessments administered by the clinical research team. Our multidisciplinary team spans psychiatry, psychology, and neurology, including a robust training program of psychology and psychiatry students and fellows. For idiopathic autism studies, gold-standard diagnostic testing, including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2) is administered to determine eligibility. For studies in genetic syndromes, results from genetic testing are reviewed to confirm eligibility. Most studies include cognitive and adaptive assessments. Results from clinical assessments are summarized in a research report and include personalized recommendations provided to families free of charge. Many research studies include our biomarker battery which includes electroencephalography (EEG), eye tracking and, in certain studies, brain imaging using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

What are the benefits of participation?

In line with the Seaver Center’s mission, the goal of the clinical research program is to enhance the diagnosis of autism and related disorders, discover biological markers, and to develop and disseminate breakthrough treatments. Research participation is necessary to achieve these long-term objectives.

In addition to helping future generations through medical advancements, as mentioned above, research participants receive results from clinical testing in the form of a research report with recommendations at no cost. These reports may be used to access necessary services both within and outside the school setting.

Who can participate?

Every study has specified enrollment criteria and therefore eligibility varies by study. The Seaver Autism Center has a number of ongoing research studies and encourages you to reach out to the team to discuss studies you or your child may be eligible for.

How do you get involved?

To learn more, call the Seaver Autism Center at 212-241-0961 or email theseavercenter@mssm.edu and one of the clinical research coordinators will provide you with more information.

You may also stay in the know by signing up for the Seaver Autism Center newsletter and by following the Center on social media.

Read and download a special "social story" for kids about the Seaver Autism Center
Learn more about the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment

Five Signs That Your Child Needs Ear Tubes

Updated on Oct 23, 2024 | Your Health

Ear tube placement is the most common outpatient surgery performed on children in the United States according to a recent study. It is a treatment plan for chronic middle ear infections.

In this Q&A, Aldo V. Londino, MD, and Stephanie Wong, MD, ear, nose and throat (ENT) experts at Mount Sinai, explain why ear tubes are important, the signs a child might need them, and what to expect from the surgery.

Stephanie Wong, MD

It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms early of chronic ear infections and to have your child looked at by a specialist early to avoid hearing loss, further infections, and future complications. If you have concerns, it’s best to contact your pediatrician.

What are ear tubes, and why do they help?

Ear tubes are small devices that are placed in the eardrum to allow better airflow and improved ventilation in the middle ear, allowing fluid to drain out. The middle ear space sits between the eardrum and the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear space to the nasal cavity. When that space is not ventilated, fluid gets trapped. The ear tube lets the fluid drain out, reducing future ear infections. It also allows sound to travel normally through the ear, allowing your child to hear better.

How do I know if my child needs ear tubes?

If your child has recurring ear infections—which means at least three infections within six months or four ear infections in a year—then ear tubes will likely help them feel better. If a child has had persistent fluid buildup in the ears, a hearing test may be recommended to determine if they have hearing loss. Sometimes ear tubes are also recommended if your child has had consistent middle ear fluid for several weeks.

 What are signs to look out for?

  • Recurrent middle ear infections from a cold or a respiratory illness that don’t clear up easily.
  • Severe ear infections resulting in perforations of the eardrum.
  • Earaches that get worse over time.
  • Hearing loss or sound is muffled, and child may fail a hearing screening or test.
  • Delay in speech development.

 

Aldo V. Londino, MD

What happens during ear tube surgery?

Ear tube surgery usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The surgery is done in an operating room while your child is under a short period of general anesthesia. This is an outpatient procedure, so the child goes home the same day. The surgeon will make a tiny incision in each eardrum, remove existing fluid from the middle ear, and insert the small tube into the eardrum. In one to two years, ear tubes usually fall out on their own because they are pushed out as the eardrum heals. Doctors typically monitor the tubes while they are in place during regular checkups. The placement of ear tubes usually allows hearing to return to the child’s normal baseline level. Children may temporarily experience sensitivity to loud sounds after tube placement. The tubes themselves rarely can cause mild low-pitch hearing loss, which resolves after the tubes fall out.

How do we take care of the ears after ear tube surgery?

Usually there is little to no pain after ear tube placement. If a child feels some pain, they can find relief by taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) pain relievers. You should ask your health care team for the appropriate dose for your child’s age and weight. Antibiotic eardrops are routinely prescribed following the surgery. These eardrops are used to treat future infections and sometimes to help keep the tubes open while things heal. A child can go on with routine activities after surgery.

Drainage from one or both ears is common for two or three days after surgery. This drainage is either clear or cloudy. On occasion, the drainage can be bloody or yellow, depending on how infected the ear was at the time of surgery. It’s also common to see drainage on the pillowcase the first day. Drainage beyond three days following surgery is unusual, and you should notify your doctor about this.

You should avoid getting any kind of water (such as during swimming) in the ear besides sink water, the first seven days after surgery. Beyond this time, water precautions are generally not required. However, a shower spray should not be directed straight into the ear canal. Older children who dive more than a foot or two under water should wear earplugs, as should those who soak in a tub with their ears under soapy bathwater. Do not use cotton for this; use special earplugs that mold to the bowl of the ear.

If you think your child should see an ENT or if you have concerns or questions, please call 833-4ENTKID (833-436-8543) to schedule an appointment.

Learn more about pediatric Ear, Nose and Throat services at Mount Sinai
Learn more about Pediatrics at Mount Sinai

Tips for Coping With Child Anxieties: For Back-to-School and Beyond

Updated on Oct 24, 2024 | Psychiatry, Your Health

For many kids, the back-to-school season stirs up nervous feelings.

“It’s normal for anxiety to gear up before kids go back to school. Some are able to adapt, and that anxiety soon fades away. But others continue to experience heightened stress and worry,” says Saniya Tabani, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and a licensed clinical psychologist at The Mount Sinai Hospital.

Whether a child is experiencing short-term back-to-school jitters or something more long lasting, parents and caregivers can do a lot to support them.

“It’s common for kids and teens to experience anxiety. But we’ve also seen great strides in our understanding of anxiety, and there are resources in place to help them,” Dr. Tabani says.

Some nerves are normal when kids are starting a new school year, taking a big test, or trying out for a sports team. But anxiety can show up in different ways.

“There’s a spectrum of typical responses,” Dr. Tabani says. Those can range from healthier coping strategies—like eagerly laying out back-to-school outfit days in advance—to less-healthy strategies, like procrastinating on a summer reading assignment that’s due on the first day of school.

In general, there are two signs that suggest school-related anxiety might be cause for concern, Dr. Tabani says. The first is mood changes, such as increased worry, irritability, sadness, or withdrawing from social situations. The second is physical changes like headaches, upset stomach, or sleeping more or less than normal.

Saniya Tabani, PhD

“If you notice these types of symptoms, it’s a sign that the child’s anxiety is becoming more significant,” she says.

Anxiety can derail kids, interfering with their school success and social life. Yet anxiety is often predictable. By planning ahead, you can help your child work out what Dr. Tabani calls a “cope-ahead plan.”

The plan draws on a skill taught in dialectical behavior therapy, which teaches people how to increase their tolerance for distress. “It’s hard to think about how to react to a stressful situation when you’re in a tornado of emotions,” she explains.

By following these eight steps, caregivers can help kids and teens plan for the situations that make them worry.

Identify the challenge: What, specifically, is your child worried about? Are they concerned they won’t be liked by peers? Afraid they’ll get lost in their new school? Nervous about getting good grades in a tough course? “Have a conversation with your child or teen to better understand where their anxiety is coming from,” Dr. Tabani says.

Name emotions, thoughts, and actions: You’ve identified the challenging situation that makes your child feel anxious. Help them practice naming the specific emotions they may be feeling. Also guide them to identify worry thoughts connected to these feelings. Next, help them consider how their feelings about it and thoughts affect their behavior. If a child isn’t feeling smart enough for their honors class, what does that make them do? Do they not want to go to school? Avoid studying? Run to the bathroom if there’s a chance they might get called on?

Check facts: Nervous thoughts can quickly spiral. Stress about a test can turn into “I’m not smart enough for this class and if I don’t get an A I’ll never get into college.” Validate your child by acknowledging their fears, Dr. Tabani says. Then help them step back to consider whether the facts match their feelings, or if they might be falling into a “thinking trap” (a mistake in the way we think about things, such as assuming the worst-case scenario is also the most likely scenario). “Encourage them to look at whether their thoughts actually fit with the evidence,” she says. “Gently push back to help them see things rationally.”

Choose a coping strategy: “Different situations call for different ways of coping,” Dr. Tabani says. If a child gets anxious taking tests, for instance, they might try deep breathing exercises as the teacher hands out the exams. If a teen is worried about losing their temper or crying in public, they might work with a therapist to practice distress tolerance skills.

Imagine: The next step is to picture the stressful situation as vividly as possible. Help your child picture the situation in detail. Where are they sitting? Who is around them? How are they feeling? Then help them picture their coping strategy in action. If they’re concerned about getting teased by bullies, they can imagine how they’d look to a friend for support or turn to a trusted teacher. “Imagining a situation is a good way to work out the kinks,” she says.

Rehearse: Now it’s time to practice. Caregivers or friends can help a child act out the stressful situation and practice using their coping methods. Families can do this by helping the child visualize the situation or roleplaying at home. A parent can pretend to be a teacher or classmate, for example.

Envision coping with your biggest fear: While you don’t want to focus on the negative, it can be helpful to have a child rehearse how they might respond to their worst-case scenario. Chances are, their biggest fear won’t come to pass. And even if it does, they’ll feel more in control if they have imagined—and practiced—how they would respond.

Practice relaxation: Just imagining the things you’re afraid of can set your nerves on edge. As you work through these steps with your child, help them learn relaxation strategies like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or engaging in sensory exercises like smelling a calming scent or cuddling a pet or favorite plush. “When kids are feeling more relaxed about their fears and anxieties, these coping strategies feel more achievable,” Dr. Tabani says.

Parents and caregivers have an important role to play in helping kids learn to manage their anxiety. But you can’t solve all of their problems for them—nor should you try, Dr. Tabani says.

“It’s a delicate balance between providing structure and support, and not fragilizing children,” she says. That means you should help them develop a coping plan to manage their test anxiety—but you shouldn’t let them stay home from school on test day to avoid the stressful scenario altogether.

“Families may have the urge to treat kids as less capable of coping with these things than they actually are. Remember that kids today are incredibly smart and sophisticated—and resilient,” she says.

Still, many young people need support to put coping skills in place. If you notice that anxiety or depression is getting in the way of your child’s everyday activities, reach out to a mental health professional.

“They can tailor these coping strategies to a child’s individual needs,” Dr. Tabani says. “And if you notice any signs of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, or have any concerns about safety, refer to a mental health professional right away.”

Learn more about the Mount Sinai Child Behavioral Health and Science Center

Pumpkin Can Be a Healthy Treat

Updated on Oct 1, 2024 | Recipes, Your Health


From jack-o’-lanterns to pumpkin pies and pumpkin spice lattes, there is no question that pumpkins are a fall favorite. But you might not realize that pumpkins and other squashes are also a fruit loaded with nutrients that have a number of benefits for your health.

Taylor Stein, RD

In this Q&A, Taylor Stein, MS, RD, CDN, Associate Researcher and Registered Dietitian at The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explains why you should be eating pumpkin and suggests some easy ways to incorporate it into your diet.

What are the health benefits of pumpkin?

Pumpkins are a squash that are high in beta-carotene, which gives them their bright orange color. Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin essential to immune system health, vision, reproductive health, growth and development for children, and healthy skin function. Eating high amounts of vitamin A is associated with reduced risks for some types of cancers because it has a role in cell growth. Generally, it’s important to have adequate or even higher intakes of vitamin A. Pumpkin and other squashes are also a good source of fiber and are low in carbohydrates. Categorized as a starch, squashes are similar to sweet potatoes, but contain about one third of the amount of carbohydrates, and contain other benefits, including vitamin C and potassium. Pumpkin seeds contain high levels of magnesium and other nutrients that are good for your immune system, heart, bones, muscles, nerves, and blood sugar.

What are the benefits of canned pumpkin versus whole pumpkin?

Canned pumpkin does not come from the same pumpkins used to make jack-o’-lanterns. Carving pumpkins are bred for their appearance and are not very flavorful. Canned pumpkin is a more flavorful puree intended for cooking and baking, and is not strictly made from pumpkin. Rather, it is a blend of different types of pumpkins and squashes that are more flavorful and have a creamier texture (for example, Dickinson pumpkin and some butternut squashes, depending on the brand). While the texture and taste are different from whole pumpkin, the nutritional value remains similar. In fact, canned pumpkin is even higher in fiber than whole pumpkin because much of the water has been removed.

What are some easy ways to incorporate pumpkin into my diet?

You can easily blend canned pumpkin into soups, dips, and sauces. Since it has a creamy texture, it can be a healthy substitute for ingredients in baking recipes, such as heavy cream. However, just because you add pumpkin doesn’t make it healthy if the recipe is high in sugar and fat, so be mindful of other ingredients you are using.

Whole pumpkins and other fresh squashes can be prepared similarly to sweet potatoes and make a delicious and healthy side dish, salad add on, or breakfast hash. You can eat carving pumpkins. But “baking pumpkins” (also known as “pie pumpkins” as they can be used to make pumpkin pies) and other squashes sold at most grocery stores and famers markets in the fall have better texture and flavor.

The easiest way to prepare pumpkins is to roast them. Don’t be afraid to try different types of squash, even if they are oddly shaped or colored. The skins are the one characteristic that tends to vary, and some skins may be too tough to eat, but the taste and nutritional value of the flesh are similar.

How to roast pumpkins and other squash:

  • Cut into pieces, either small or large, depending on how you plan to use it.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and season how you prefer. For a more savory dish, use salt and pepper and/or other seasoning (popular ones include garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, or cayenne); for a sweeter dish, sprinkle with cinnamon or other spices (popular ones include nutmeg, ginger, and cloves). If you want the dish even sweeter, add a little brown sugar.
  • Spread the pieces evenly onto a baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes at 425 degrees (baking temperature and time may vary depending on the size of the pieces and how soft you want them).
  • Separately, clean the seeds, spread them onto a baking sheet with parchment paper, drizzle with olive oil, add your seasoning of choice, and bake at about 300 degrees for about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how brown you want the seeds.

How long do pumpkins last, and when are they unsafe to eat?

September through November is when squash are generally sold, but they can last a long time if you store them well in a cool, dark space—about 50 to 60 degrees. Do not eat pumpkins you have carved, especially if they have been sitting out, or any squash that show signs of mold or rot.

Schedule an appointment with the Mount Sinai Physiolab for personalized health and awareness recommendations.

Ditch the Itch: Avoiding Skin Reactions to Halloween Costumes and Make Up

Sep 30, 2024 | Adolescent Health, Your Health

Halloween treats, costumes, and decorations are exciting for parents and children alike, but these holiday staples may be associated with unpleasant reactions, such as contact dermatitis or urticaria (hives).

As Halloween approaches and you are choosing your child’s costume, here are some helpful tips from Justine Fenner, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, on how to protect your child’s skin.

Know the signs of a reaction

 Justine Fenner, MD

Your child may be experiencing an adverse skin reaction if redness, itching, dryness, or blistering of the skin develops. If you notice these signs, immediately wash off any make-up/body paint and remove their costume and accessories. For some children, the rash may improve with removal of the offending agent, but others may require topical corticosteroids or oral antihistamines.

It is important to note that not all reactions develop equally. Conditions such as contact urticaria are more likely to develop immediately following an exposure. Irritant contact dermatitis may develop after a couple of hours or days, and allergic contact dermatitis may not be seen until two to three days following exposure.

Continue to watch for skin reactions even in the days following Halloween. Keep an eye on any reactions, and contact your doctor if your child isn’t improving with at-home treatments.

Do a spot check before applying face paint and makeup

Face paint and make-ups may contain preservatives such as methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone, dyes, or fragrances that can be irritating to the skin. Be sure to test the face paint or makeup on a small area of your child’s skin, such as a spot on the inner wrist, for at least a week prior to full application on Halloween, to make sure your child does not develop a reaction.

Avoid false eyelashes and nails

Fake eyelashes are held in place with glues, and acrylic nails contain potential contact allergens such as cyanoacrylates, latex, and formaldehyde. Furthermore, these products may damage your child’s nails and eyelashes over time.

Beware of hidden nickel  

Costume jewelry and accessories, such as belts, can also cause skin reactions as they commonly contain metals such as nickel, which is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis.

Opt for a natural, breathable fabric

When choosing a costume for your child, 100 percent cotton fabric is recommended. Other materials, such as wool and polyester, may be irritating to the skin. Irritation is especially likely if your child has a history of sensitive skin or eczema. Looser fitting, breathable fabrics also decrease the incidence of skin issues.

Most importantly, have fun and Happy Halloween! 

Learn more about Pediatric Dermatology at Mount Sinai

The Facts About Male Infertility

Updated on Sep 18, 2024 | Your Health

Infertility affects many couples, and while discussions often focus on female fertility, male infertility can be equally significant.

In this Q&A, Alan Copperman, MD, Director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Vice Chair of the Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at the Mount Sinai Health System, explains male infertility and discusses when to see a medical specialist.

Alan Copperman, MD

“Understanding male infertility and its implications is crucial for couples navigating fertility challenges,” says Dr. Copperman, who is also Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of RMA of New York. “By addressing these common questions and seeking appropriate medical guidance, men can take proactive steps towards achieving their family planning goals.”

 How common is male infertility?

Male infertility contributes to nearly half of infertility cases. There can be structural, hormonal, genetic, and even environmental drivers of male infertility.

What does a semen analysis look at?

A semen analysis is a critical diagnostic tool used to assess various parameters of semen quality. It evaluates aspects such as sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (shape), and other factors that affect fertility such as the presence of infection.

When should I consider making an appointment with a male reproductive specialist or urologist?

If a couple has been trying to conceive for six months without success, it may be advisable for the male partner to be tested, and potentially referred to a reproductive urologist. Additionally, men with specific health conditions or lifestyle factors that could affect fertility should consider seeking expert advice.

Contact RMA of New York at 212-756-5777 or email info@rmany.com to schedule a consultation.

What can I expect during an initial meeting with a male reproductive specialist?

During the first appointment, the specialist will typically review your medical history, discuss lifestyle factors, and may recommend further diagnostic tests, including a physical examination and possibly additional semen analyses, hormone tests, and an ultrasound.

Are there lifestyle considerations men should consider to optimize their sperm health?

Several lifestyle factors can affect your sperm health. These include your diet, how much you exercise, your use of tobacco and alcohol, managing stress, and avoiding exposure to environmental toxins. Making positive lifestyle changes can potentially improve sperm quality and overall fertility.

Learn more about Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility services at Mount Sinai

Pin It on Pinterest