CDC: 1-in-5 Kids Have Mental Disorder

Millions of American children suffer from depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders and an array of other mental health issues, and the prevalence of such conditions is rising, a new study shows.
Roughly one in five children experience a mental disorder in a given year, according to a report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The costs for health care, special education, juvenile justice and other services for people under age 24 with mental disorders total nearly $250 billion each year, the report shows.

Study: Overactive Brain Hinders Autistic Teens

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- A new University of Michigan study finds that an overactive part of the brain hinders autistic teens from coping in unfamiliar social settings, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
Seeing the same faces repeatedly can negatively affect autistic children, especially in social situations. If a teen looks away or does not pay attention, this is often interpreted as someone who isn't interested in other people, says University of Michigan researcher Christopher Monk.

Children with Autism & Interrealted Health Issues

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- One in 88 children has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A new study by a University of Missouri researcher found that many children with ASD also experience anxiety, chronic gastrointestinal (GI) problems and atypical sensory responses, which are heightened reactions to light, sound or particular textures. These problems appear to be highly related and can have significant effects on children’s daily lives, including their functioning at home and in school.

Studying Music's Impact on Anxiety

Seth Link has been drumming since he was a toddler. Like many with Williams Syndrome he uses music for expression.
"You have all this energy and stuff, and you want to be able to experience it, you know, and to share it with other people," Link said.
The condition affects an estimated one in 7,500 babies. For people with Williams Syndrome, a missing part on the seventh chromosome can lead to learning disabilities and heart trouble. They have another trait, extreme friendliness and empathy, to the point of being less able to detect risky situations or ill intentions in others.