Mercedes Thomas, CPNP, IBCLC

16/04/2025

New data from the CDC shows an increase in children with autism spectrum disorder. The numbers are increasing because of better and earlier screening, identification and access to autism evaluations. This is encouraging because when children are identified early, appropriate supports and services can be better tailored to their needs. Pediatricians want all children to thrive, including autistic children, and they are here to help families navigate screenings and diagnoses. Autistic children demonstrate behaviors that are different from some of their peers, but they are children who deserve love and belonging like all children. Learn more in AAP News: https://bit.ly/4jxVkNQ

06/02/2025

"An estimated 61.8 million people, or one in 127, around the world were autistic in 2021, according to new data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 recently published in The Lancet. As noted on the Learning Disability Today website, this estimate is substantially higher than the 2019 estimate of one in 271. While that seems concerning, the researchers explained in The Lancet article that the difference is mainly due to changes in how the Global Burden of Disease Study estimated prevalence in 2019."

https://researchautism.org/oaracle-newsletter/new-data-show-
global-prevalence-of-autism/?utm_source=OARacle+Newsletter+Subscribers&utm_campaign=7e48584192-OARacle+February+2025&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_132914a232-7e48584192-464558777

An estimated 61.8 million people, or one in 127, around the world were autistic in 2021, according to new data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 recently published in The Lancet. As noted on the Learning Disability Today website, this estimate is substantially higher than the 2019 estimat...

04/02/2025

Critical clinical guidance should never be out of reach. ACOG is ensuring that members can access recently removed federal guidance by hosting key CDC resources on our website. Transparency and access to comprehensive guidance are fundamental to our collective success. https://bit.ly/3CDueW4

16/01/2025

"The dye is known as erythrosine, FD&C Red No. 3 or Red 3. The ban removes it from the list of approved color additives in foods, dietary supplements and oral medicines, such as cough syrups. More than three decades ago, the FDA declined to authorize use of Red 3 in cosmetics and externally applied drugs because a study showed it caused cancer when eaten by rats."

U.S. regulators are banning the dye called Red 3 from the food supply. The move comes nearly 35 years after the dye was barred from cosmetics such as lipsticks because of potential cancer risk.

08/12/2024

Great work by this team of researchers!

"For college-educated Black women experiencing pregnancy and postpartum stages of pregnancy, it is crucial to understand the structural and social determinants of optimal occupational health."

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17455057241304842?fbclid=IwY2xjawHCvn9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdEKyTDZ54c4cPqeMX4eUcT7tyJS1pGI1bFhpeT3lktvodS_N7LNa8iF0w_aem_gpQroMOzYUdXt0JJF5fzaw

Background: Black women are disproportionately impacted by higher rates of maternal mortality in the United States (US). Limited research has focused on adverse...

13/11/2024

Parents YOU have a voice and I encourage you to use it!

"A complaint filed by a parent in June 2023 resulted in an investigation and final report in August 2023 that provided a corrective action plan."

The Arkansas State Board of Education on Thursday placed a Delta charter school on probation for violating standards of accreditation related to providing special education services. The board unanimously approved a motion to sanction KIPP Delta Public Schools for not complying with the federal Indi...

29/10/2024

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/10/29/schools-nationwide-scramble-to-fill-special-ed-vacancies/31134/

Schools struggled to fill teaching positions — especially those focused on serving students with disabilities — even as classes got underway this fall, data shows.

11/10/2024

Kudos to the American Academy of Pediatrics !!

“Schools are responsible for providing a safe learning environment for all students but it’s difficult for students to learn if they aren’t in the classroom.”

In a new policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics is speaking out about the harms of school suspensions and expulsions and their disproportionate impact on students with disabilities.

11/10/2024

Important information. Stay safe out there!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness and Response has resources on why breastfeeding during disasters matters:
• It cannot be put on ’hold’ until the disaster is over. It can be impacted if stopped for even a short period of time.
• It protects infants from the risks of using contaminated water supplies during a disaster
• It can help protect against respiratory illnesses and diarrhea, which can be fatal for displaced families
• Breast milk is available all the time without needing other supplies

Read more at the link below: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ohsepr/fact-sheet/infant-feeding-during-disasters

07/08/2024

A great resource to receive FULLY funded mental health support during the perinatal period through the Georgia Fund for Perinatal Mental Health.

03/08/2024

Happy and to all of my fellow International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), lactation supporters, parents and advocates!

I’m proud to be a part of this AMAZING community.

01/08/2024

Happy AND to all of my fellow International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), lactation supporters, parents and advocates!

I’m proud to be a part of this AMAZING community.

📸 Melanie Amparo