Here is recent research that has been conducted:
Hemiplegia - Recent study indicates that children with hemiplegia expend 1.3 times the energy cost of healthy children but GMFM scores are excellent.
Reference: van den Hecke, A., Malghem, C. Renders, A, et al (2007) Mechanical Work, Energetic Cost and Gait Efficiency in Children with Cerebral Palsy. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics 27(6): 643-647
Cerebellar Injury in Preterm Infants - Recent study indicated a high prevalance of cerebellar hemorrhagic injury in preterm infants and long-term pervasive neurodevelopment disabilities.
Reference: Limperopoulos, C., Bassan, H., Gauveau, K et al (2007) Does Cerebellar Injury in Premature Infants Contribute to the High Prevalence of Long-term Cognitive, Learning, and Behavioral Disability in Survivors? Pediatrics 170(3): 584-593
Hyperactivity - When three year old children and 8/9 year old children consumed beverages with certain artificial colors and sodium benzoate preservatives (or both) they displayed an increase in hyperactive behavior. The authors could not determine which combinations caused the behavior and the hyperactive effects were somewhat small.
Reference: McCann, D., Barrett, A., Cooper, A. et al. (2007)Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial Lancet Online DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61306-3.
Femoral Osteotomies - A recent study indicated that the earlier a child with cerebral palsy weightbears after bilateral proximal femoral osteotomies the better. The children in the weight bearing group began standing and walking at a significantly faster rate that the non weight bearing group. Pain was also decreased in the weight bearing as tolerated group.
Reference: Schaefer, M, McCarthy, J, Josephic, K (2007) Effects of Early Weight Bearing on the Functional Recovery of Ambulatory Children With Cerebral Palsy After Bilateral Proximal Femoral Osteotomy. Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics 27(6):668-670
Autism - possibility of being able to diagnosis autism as early as 14 months - see
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pediatrics/Autism/tb/6095 . Although this study seems to have some flaws in it, there is interesting observations and information. Worth a quick read for early intervention therapists.
Reference: Phend, C. Autism Diagnosis Can Be Made At An Earlier Age retrieved on 8/31/07 from
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pediatrics/Autism/tb/6095