about leo
Leo is a unique child with his own special strengths and challenges. He loves music, is very social, loves to dance and has a fun sense of humor. He is also a bit mischievous. Leo also has a unique diagnosis. He has Russell Silver Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Russell Silver Syndrome affects a number of systems and abilities that healthy people take for granted. In addition to the growth issues and low muscle tone, the disease often affects other areas such as: the gastrointestinal system, the musculoskeletal system, motor skills and speech. Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and non-verbal communications as well as unique strengths and differences.
Did you know that Russell Silver Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder? It is characterized by delayed growth in-utero (IUGR), that spares head growth (meaning the newborn has a headsize that is large for his body) and on-going postnatal growth failure. This disorder includes feeding difficulties and / or low BMI, dysmorphic features including a protruding forehead, and frequently body asymmetry (hemihypotrophy). The true incidence is unknown but is estimated at 1 per every 100,000 live births.
