News from Pediatrics

New Recreation Upgrades on Erie Canal Provide Opportunities for Disabled Community

Monday, June 9, 2025

The Erie Canal now has adaptive recreational equipment for people with physical disabilities. The equipment includes bikes, kayaks, and more. The initiative is a collaboration between Golisano Children's Hospital, the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities (SCDD), the Erie Canal Boat Company, and other partners.

Golisano Children’s Hospital Holds Annual Prom Night

Sunday, May 11, 2025

The Golisano Children’s Hospital gave patients the chance to dress up and dance at their annual prom night Saturday. 

Four Women Fulfill Lifelong Dream of Becoming Nurses at Golisano Children's Hospital

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

In recognition of National Nurses Week, a group of women who have dreamed of becoming nurses since childhood are now fulfilling that ambition at Golisano Children’s Hospital. These four women work in various fields, helping children grow to their fullest potential.

Understanding Autism: What It Is and What It Isn’t

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Autism is complex and sometimes misunderstood. Myths and misinformation associated with autism can harm the autism community and perpetuate health disparities. Understanding autism starts with defining what it is—and what it isn’t.

Learn the facts from our experts Suzannah J. Iadarola, PhD, director of the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities and associate professor of Pediatrics, and Emily Knight, MD, PhD, a clinician scientist in the Departments of Pediatrics, Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, and Neuroscience.

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental difference that affects how people may perceive, experience, and interact with the world around them

While experiences vary widely, common characteristics include:

• Differences in social interaction and communication.
• Repetitive behaviors and focused interests.
• Sensory differences, including heightened sensitivities to sounds, lights, or textures; intense interest in sensory input; or both.

Is Autism a Mental Illness?

No, autism is not a mental illness—it is not an illness at all. Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that primarily affects how a person thinks, perceives, and interacts with others.

It is important to know that some people with autism may experience co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These are separate from autism but are common within the neurodiverse community.