Ability Network, Inc.

09/02/2025

September is National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month. Hydrocephalus is the most common congenital defect of the brain and spine, with 1 in 500 infants born with this condition. Hydrocephalus is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain’s cavities called ventricles, causing the brain to swell. This fluid can lead to a variety of neurological problems. Although commonly associated with the pediatric population (it is the most common reason for pediatric brain surgery), hydrocephalus affects those of all ages. Its causes include brain injury, infection, tumor, as well as unknown reasons or as part of the aging process. The only treatment for hydrocephalus is surgery, either for the implantation of a shunt or a process called endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). Hydrocephalus is an automatic qualifier for early intervention (children under three years old). For more information or to make a referral in Missouri, call 1-866-583-2392.

09/01/2025

08/27/2025

🎉 Today marks the 35th anniversary of pursuing our mission of providing excellent services to infants, toddlers, and children with developmental disabilities and delays, in all counties of Missouri. We celebrate this important milestone and all the achievements we have made throughout the years. A special thank you to all of our providers, past and present; without you this would not have been possible! 🎉

08/26/2025

A great resource!

This site provides exciting, engaging media-rich learning opportunities for parents and educators of children ages 0–5. From detailed lesson plans to simple, everyday activities, you will find everything you need to help your children succeed.

08/21/2025

“Learn the Signs. Act Early.” has FREE child development tools

08/15/2025

An Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) ensures that Missouri First Steps services are individualized, family-focused, and designed to promote the child's development and well-being within the context of their family and community.

08/12/2025

A new documentary is casting fresh light on one of the nation's most well-known people with autism.

08/08/2025

Today is International CHARGE Syndrome Awareness Day.

CHARGE syndrome (CS) refers to a pattern of birth defects with a wide range of conditions that can differ from child to child. It is rare and affects one in 150,000 births worldwide. CS is a very complex syndrome which often involves:

Colobomas (a hole in the structures of the eye)
Heart defects
Atresia of the nasal choanae (connection between the back of the nose and throat)
Restriction of development
Genitourinary abnormalities
Ear and hearing anomalies (thus the acronym CHARGE)

Many other conditions can be linked with CS such as:

Cleft lip and palate
Laryngomalacia (underdevelopment of the upper airway causing breathing problems)
Endocrine abnormalities
Vision and hearing difficulties (CS is the leading cause for babies born deaf and blind)
Swallowing problems

The medical challenges for children with CS can seem overwhelming and hard to manage. Having a good understanding of the issues and the supports for children and families can help children with CS reach their potential and have a great quality of life.

CHARGE syndrome is an automatic qualifier for Missouri First Steps Early Intervention. If you have a child or know of a child with CS from birth to three years old, call 866-583-2392 Ext. 3 to make a referral.

The mission of the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation is to provide support to individuals with CHARGE and their families; to gather, develop, maintain and distribute information about CHARGE syndrome; and to promote awareness and research regarding its cause and management.

08/01/2025

August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Month. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic condition that causes worsening muscle weakness. There are five subtypes, which range in severity and age of onset. There’s no cure for SMA, but certain therapies and medications can help manage symptoms.

SMA is caused by a mutation in the survival motor neuron gene 1 (SMN1). In a healthy person, this gene produces a protein that is critical to the function of the nerves that control our muscles. Without it, those nerve cells cannot properly function and eventually die, leading to debilitating and sometimes fatal muscle weakness.

SMA affects approximately 1 in 11,000 births, and about 1 in every 50 Americans is a genetic carrier. SMA can affect any race or gender.

There are four primary types of SMA—1, 2, 3, and 4—based on the age at which symptoms begin, and the highest physical milestone achieved.

Individuals with SMA have difficulty performing the basic functions of life, like breathing and swallowing. However, SMA does not affect a person’s ability to think, learn, and build relationships with others.

07/31/2025

Please help us welcome Shelby O'Dowd, PT, to the team! Shelby will be serving in Region 4.

07/26/2025

Today is the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act! Let’s celebrate progress — but also speak up, show up, and stand together to protect these rights!

07/22/2025

TODAY, JULY 22, is Fragile X Awareness Day. Fragile X syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs when a single gene on the X chromosome shuts down. This gene makes a protein needed for normal brain development. In Fragile X, it does not work properly; the protein is not made, and the brain does not develop as it should.
Fragile X can affect both sexes. Females generally have milder symptoms than males. While most males have intellectual impairment, only one-third of females have significant intellectual challenges. The rest have either a normal IQ or learning disabilities. Emotional and behavioral problems are common in both sexes. Both boys and girls may have delays in learning to speak. Most affected people have active lifestyles and good health.