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Why Win? Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Autism & ADHD

Dr. Carmen Báez-Franceschi has over 20 years of experience in Pediatrics, and 13 years of specializing in integrative and functional medicine and developing programs to develop the brain. Dr. Carmen Báez-Franceschi has focused her time working on with children with developmental problems. Her work has focused on children with Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, ADD, Processing Disorder, Sensory Integration Disorder, and related conditions like: speech impediments, auditive processing, fine motor, low self-esteem and depression, among others. In addition, she has developed programs to help typical children and young adults maximize their potential in the academic and athletic arena. Parents of her patients have requested that they be evaluated for their neurodevelopmental disorders symptoms.

  • Med Achievement Award The Legacy 2013
  • ACAM Mitochondria in Health and Disease: A Clinician ‘s Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment, Hollywood, FL, USA – May 2013
  • 2012 Top Management Awards, Health, SME, San Juan, PR – November 2012
  • Homeopathic Seminar on Metabolic Syndrome/Autism, Prague, CZ – October 2012
  • Autism Research Institute Clinical Seminar II New Jersey, USA – April 2012
  • Integrated Listening System International Annual Conference Invited speaker, A DAN Doctor Approach Utilizing Biomedical Treatments and ILS
  • (Case presentations) Denver, CO – 2011
  • Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, Advanced Undersea/Hyperbaric
  • Medical Team Training Key Largo, FL – 2010
  • Certification on the operation of a medical team for Hyperbaric Chamber
  • Integrated Listening System Course advisor Miami, FL – 2010
  • Autism Seminar I Clinical Research Institute Tampa, FL – 2010
  • Autism Research Institute Clinical Seminar II Baltimore, MD – 2010
  • Integrated Listening System Advanced Professional Certification Denver, CO – 2007
  • Homeopathic Medicine Certification, PR Board of Physicians, San Juan, PR – 2007 to 2008

Your baby or toddler doesn't:

  • Make eye contact, such as looking at you when being fed or smiling when being smiled at
  • Respond to his or her name, or to the sound of a familiar voice
  • Follow objects visually or follow your gesture when you point things out
  • Point or wave goodbye, or use other gestures to communicate
  • Make noises to get your attention
  • Initiate or respond to cuddling or reach out to be picked up
  • Imitate your movements and facial expressions
  • Play with other people or share interest and enjoyment
  • Notice or care if you hurt yourself or experience discomfort

As children get older, the red flags for autism become more diverse. There are many warning signs and symptoms, but they typically revolve around impaired social skills, speech and language difficulties, non-verbal communication difficulties, and inflexible behavior. Basic social interaction can be difficult for children with autism spectrum disorder. Many kids on the autism spectrum seem to prefer to live in their own world, aloof and detached from others. Children with autism spectrum disorder have difficulty with speech and language. Often, they start talking late. Children with autism spectrum disorder have trouble picking up on subtle nonverbal cues and using body language. This makes the “give-and-take” of social interaction very difficult. Children with autism spectrum disorder are often restricted, inflexible, and even obsessive in their behaviors, activities, and interests.

  • By 6 months: No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions
  • By 9 months: No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions
  • By 12 months: Lack of response to name
  • By 12 months: No babbling or "baby talk"
  • By 12 months: No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving
  • By 16 months: No spoken words
  • By 24 months: No meaningful two-word phrases that don't involve imitating or repeating

ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder of children. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors interfere with school and home life. It’s more common in boys than in girls. It’s usually discovered during the early school years, when a child begins to have problems paying attention.

Symptoms are grouped into three categories:

Inattention:

  • Is easily distracted
  • Doesn't follow directions or finish tasks
  • Doesn't appear to be listening
  • Doesn't pay attention and makes careless mistakes
  • Forgets about daily activities
  • Has problems organizing daily tasks
  • Doesn't like to do things that require sitting still
  • Often loses things
  • Tends to daydream

Hyperactivity:

  • Often squirms, fidgets, or bounces when sitting
  • Doesn't stay seated
  • Has trouble playing quietly
  • Is always moving, such as running or climbing on things (In teens and adults, this is more commonly described as restlessness.)
  • Talks excessively
  • Is always "on the go" as if "driven by a motor"

Impulsivity:

  • Has trouble waiting for his or her turn
  • Blurts out answers
  • Interrupts others

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Get in touch with WIN

Houston, Texas

Address 3312 Marquart St. Suite 101
Houston, TX 77027

Telephone 832-703-1090

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

Address 101 San Patricio Ave. Maramar Plaza, Suite 1060
Guaynabo, PR 00968

Telephone 787-474-0400

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