Dana Mortensen

Welcome! I'm a writer, editor, and content creator with 15+ years of experience delivering clean, engaging journalism and copy with an audience-first mindset. I love delving into research and interviews to uncover the compelling story at the center. Whether it's describing a new healthcare technology, explaining viewpoints on public policy, or giving you ideas for your next adventure, I create content that moves audiences to connect, act, and make informed decisions. When I'm not working on a piece, there's a good chance I'm playing outside, learning something new, or absorbed in some music. (But I probably should be cleaning the house.)

When it Comes to Screening Kids for Developmental Delays, Is a Flawed Tool Better than None at All?

In a field that can be mired in ambiguity, early intervention is one of the only refrains all autism specialists can sing in unison. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) now affects at least 1 in 59 children, and the search for treatments has produced precious few evidence-based options. But early intervention -- the earlier, the better -- has been shown to improve long-term outcomes for patients with ASD, potentially into adulthood. Early and accurate diagnosis is the crucial first step in helping children access these effective, autism-specific therapies.

Finding New Genetic Syndrome Ends Medical Odyssey for Families

At 3 foot 8 inches, 66 pounds, Leta Moseley is a tiny teenager with a big personality. Seventeen years ago, her family embarked on a medical odyssey in search of a diagnosis for Leta, who has cognitive disabilities, speaks only a few words, and has lung disease and heart irregularities. A bad virus can land her in The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for several weeks, at times on a ventilator for breathing support. Yet, when she is healthy, Leta can take over a dance floor with her sw

Concussion: Nicholas and Duckea's Story | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

When Nicholas Trotto, then 13, was checked into the boards during a youth hockey game in December 2011, it seemed like a run-of-the-mill event — nothing particularly vicious. He went off the ice for a few minutes, then returned and finished the game. His brain new better. The hit caused a concussion so severe, Nicholas was out of school for more than three months and didn’t return to classes full time for nearly six months as his brain slowly recovered.

Antipsychotics Can Increase Diabetes Risk, New Study Shows | Bench to Bedside | CHOP Research Institute

Researchers recently published the largest study to date documenting the significant risks to children’s health associated with prescription antipsychotics, a powerful a class of medications used to treat mental and behavioral health disorders. The results, which were published in JAMA Pediatrics, suggest that initiating antipsychotics may elevate a child’s risk not only for significant weight gain, but also for Type II diabetes by nearly fifty percent.

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