Recommendations

There are two basic aspects in the prevention, detection, and treatment of cognitive-behavioral disorders: observation by the parents and observation by the child’s pediatrician. This highlights the importance of routine visits to the pediatrician.

During the first year of life, stimulation through play and singing is fundamental. The brain’s plasticity for learning during the first year is higher than at any other stage of life, and the brain’s weight grows exponentially. Stimuli are essential; both smiling and passive limb mobilization naturally occur through play. Observing the child is also important to see which areas need more work, such as teaching them to roll over, crawl, or walk. In case of doubt or detection of a significant alteration, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to establish the diagnosis and appropriate treatment as early as possible.

Treatment

The treatment of cognitive-behavioral disorders depends on the specific condition detected.

• In the case of genetic disorders, specific treatment is often not possible, but early analysis and detection are always necessary. 
• For metabolic disorders, there are specific diets or medications aimed at partially or fully correcting the detected metabolic disorder.

Human genome ultra-sequencing now allows the detection of hundreds of genetic alterations from a small blood sample, from which genetic information is extracted. There are databases in all developed countries that work in a network, sharing information to compile sporadic cases worldwide for joint research into how these alterations affect behavior or learning in individuals.

Similarly, biochemical studies of the body’s metabolic pathways are increasingly comprehensive, allowing the design of specific drugs for each situation.

A treatment shift currently under development involves moving from the pill to the cell, aiming to work directly on the affected cell to modify its behavior. This approach is still very preliminary but is a field that is certain to see significant development in the future.

A person’s immune status depends on their overall health: proper nutrition and avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke and chemicals whenever possible. In early childhood, the vaccines and immunizations recommended in the vaccination schedule help build a competent immune system.

Recommendations

In primary immunodeficiencies, early detection is important, usually indicated by the presence of frequent infectious diseases. Secondary immunodeficiencies occur during treatment for neoplasms or in transplant patients who must take lifelong immunosuppressive medication.

In autoimmune diseases, it is essential to follow the prescribed medication, often for life, and to avoid excessive cold and sun exposure, which can trigger disease manifestations. To maintain the functionality of joints and muscles, following specific rehabilitation guidelines is important.

Treatment

In immune deficiency, administering immunoglobulins (blood proteins responsible for our defense) can play an important role. When the deficiency affects immune cells, immunoglobulins are not effective; in such cases, antibiotics can prevent or reduce infections.

In diseases caused by excessive or poorly regulated immune responses, anti-inflammatory drugs and medications that modulate immunity are used, such as corticosteroids and biologics, which block specific inflammatory pathways. Other drugs may also have beneficial effects through less well-understood mechanisms, such as some medications used to treat malaria.