ADHD in the News:  Sunny States and ADHD Rates

Editor's Note:  This is interesting.  Results could be nothing more than the fact that kids in sunny states get out to play more and aren't in front of the tube or bouncing off the walls.   In Florida, our kids are inside quite a bit though during the summer because its just too hot to play.  I would be interested to see happens when you normalize for number of hours spent outside on sunny vs. cloudy days.

[Source: Special Ed Post.com]

by Dr. Eugene Arnold

It's estimated that 13 million men, women and children in the United States fit the diagnosis for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD or ADD. A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inappropriate degrees of inattentiveness, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity, ADHD is the most common mental health issue in children, with 5 to 8 percent of them affected.

Preemies in the News: Very Preterm Babies Show Bonding Difficulties Despite Parental Sensitivity

[Source: Science Daily]

A new study suggests that some very preterm babies have trouble bonding with their care-givers due to neurological impairments and not to the way their parents interact with them.

University of Warwick researchers found that most very preterm and very low birthweight (VP/VLBW) infants were securely attached to their parents.

But they also found that VP/VLBW infants were at higher risk for what is termed 'disorganized attachment' - when a child shows conflicting behavior in their relationship with their parents.

Vaccine Controversy in the News:  The View Hires Anti-Vaxxer Jenny McCarthy   

"Internal Speech" in the News:  Inner Speech Speaks Volumes About the Brain 

[Source: Science Daily]

Whether you're reading the paper or thinking through your schedule for the day, chances are that you're hearing yourself speak even if you're not saying words out loud. This internal speech - the monologue you "hear" inside your head - is a ubiquitous but largely unexamined phenomenon. A new study looks at a possible brain mechanism that could explain how we hear this inner voice in the absence of actual sound.

Know an Awesome Dad of Disability?:  Call for Essays!  

I got a call this week from Gary Dietz, who is writing a book about and for Dads with kids with disabilities.   He asked me to spread the word that he is looking for Dads who want to contribute essays about their experiences for consideration to be included in the book.  Moms and others (including professionals - like therapists!) are eligible to write as well.  The topics must be male oriented, however.  For example, a mom's essay could be about her husband.

Gary is paying stipends for those essays that appear in the book.  Here is a snippet from an email he sent me about the project:

Feel Good Story of the Week:  Non-Verbal Child With Autism Sings "A Whole New World"   

[Source:  Autism Speaks]

by Kevin Croxton

Bilingualism in the News:  Bilingual Children Have a Two-Tracked Mind    

[Source: Science Daily]

Adults learning a foreign language often need flash cards, tapes, and practice, practice, practice. Children, on the other hand, seem to pick up their native language out of thin air. The learning process is even more remarkable when two languages are involved.

In a study examining how bilingual children learn the two different sound systems of languages they are acquiring simultaneously, Ithaca College faculty member Skott Freedman has discovered insights that indicate children can learn two native languages as easily as they can learn one. 

Autism Treatments in the News:  No Benefit Found from Oxytocin Treatment for Autism     

[Source: Science Daily]

The so-called trust hormone, oxytocin, may not improve the symptoms of children with autism, a large study led by researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has found.

Professor Mark Dadds, of the UNSW School of Psychology, says previous research suggested that oxytocin - a hormone with powerful effects on brain activity linked to the formation of social bonds - could have benefits for children with the disorder.

Featured Job of the Week:  Now Recruiting for School Psychologists - Yakima, Washington   

Would you like a sunny climate, year-round outdoor recreation, and a low cost of living?  Are you into snow sports, skiing, snowboarding?  From here you can be on the slopes in 30 minutes!  This valley is noted for agriculture, and is a great wine region.  I'm talking about Yakima, WA!

PediaStaff is searching for a contract School Psychologist to work full time starting in August 2013 through June 2014.  We offer excellent pay rates plus benefits including Anthem Blue Cross health care insurance.

PediaStaff Therapy Placement of the Week:  Congratulations, Kathryn Q, LPT   

Congratulations are in order for Kathryn Q., licensed Physical Therapist who is relocating to the greater Houston area with the help of PediaStaff.

Kathryn will be working for our client in need of a full time pediatric PT to join their team. The clinic is home to multiple therapists that treat primarily adults. However, they work closely with a nearby pediatric clinic and act as that clinic's PT department.  The clinic also has an aquatic therapy pool and an updated therapy gym.

She will be working alongside another seasoned pediatric PT and will have very flexible hours.  Four tens if she likes!

Congratulations, Kathryn!   We are happy for you!

Video Resource of the Week:  Effective Strategies for Students with Autism and ADHD   

[Source:  SurferGirl Elisa (YouTube) via The Autism News]

This video briefly explains ASD & ADHD and a few strategies to effectively help these stuents in the mainstream classroom.

OT Resource/Activities of the Week:  55 Ways to Make Handwriting Practice FUN for Kids   

Product Review:  Introducing Loopeez - A Shoe Tying Aid 

[Source:  Embrace Your Chaos]

I was recently given the opportunity to try a new shoe tying aid.  Loopeez was created to help children learn to tie their shoes faster, easier, and with less frustration.  With my experience teaching many, many children how to tie their shoes, I have always found that it is the last few steps that is the hardest and most frustrating.  Children often loose their grip, get tangled up in their laces, or become confused when trying to create and cross over their loops to make their bow.

SLP Idea of the Week:  Why Speech Therapists Love to Play with Bubbles  

[Child & Family Development]

Bubbles are a number one go-to therapy tool for many pediatric Speech Therapists. Why do we love them so much? Here are some of the many reasons.

1. Bubbles are FUN for many different ages and levels of communication development.
2. Bubbles are inexpensive and portable. Many children already play with bubbles at home, so the skills they learn while playing with them in therapy bridges between settings.
3. Bubbles can be used to facilitate many different skills including:
   • Joint attention and eye contact. Build your child's understanding of cause-effect and watch for anticipation and changes in facial expressions by pausing before you blow the