Parent Training Improves Behavior in Autistic Children

Premature Birth Alters Brain Connections

[Source: Science Daily]
 

Premature birth can alter the connectivity between key areas of the brain, according to a new study led by King's College London. The findings should help researchers to better understand why premature birth is linked to a greater risk of neurodevelopmental problems, including autistic spectrum disorders and attention deficit disorders.
 

Children with ADHD at Risk for Binge Eating, Study Shows

[Source: Science Daily]

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, are significantly more likely to have an eating disorder - a loss of control eating syndrome (LOC-ES) - akin to binge eating, a condition more generally diagnosed only in adults, according to results of a new Johns Hopkins Children's Center study. The findings, reported ahead of print April 9 in the International Journal of Eating Disorders, suggest a common biological mechanism linking the two disorders, and the potential for developing treatment that works for both.

New Strategy Forged for Safe Use of Antidepressants in Kids

[Source:  Psych Central]
 

Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications are considered the current standard for pharmaceutical care for depression, the medications must be carefully prescribed to avoid the risk of suicide among children and young adults.
 

A multidisciplinary team of Johns Hopkins researchers has developed two new strategies to safely treat depression in young people using the SSRI class of medications. These strategies, recently published in the journal Translational Psychiatry, incorporate a new understanding of how to mitigate the risk of suicide while on SSRI treatment.
 

Motor Skill Abilities and Disruptive Behavior

[Source: Research in Developmental Disabilities, via Your Therapy Source ]

Research in Developmental Disabilities published research on the motor abilities of 99 adolescents with disruptive behavior disorder (DBD) and evaluated the role of comorbid ADHD.  Each participant was assessed with The Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency, Second Edition.  

In addition, further statistical analyses were completed to determine differences in motor profiles between individuals diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder (CD) and comparing the motor profiles of individuals with or without comorbid ADHD.

Fact Sheet: Stroke - Not Just an Adult's Condition

[Source:  Medical News Today]
 

When you hear the word "stroke," the first picture that pops into your mind is likely to be of an elderly individual. It's true that older adults are at greater stroke risk; the chance of having a stroke doubles with each decade of life after the age of 55. But did you know that infants and children can also suffer stroke? It can even occur before birth.
 

Stroke affects 6 in every 100,000 children in the US and is one of the 10 leading causes of death among children in the country.
 

According to the National Stroke Association, stroke affects 6 in every 100,000 children in the US. It is also one of the 10 leading causes of death among children in the country.
 

The rate of stroke is much higher in adults than children. Every year, more than 795,000 men and women suffer a stroke and around 130,000 die from the condition. However, studies have found stroke rates are on the rise in children in the US.

Hot Jobs of the Week: School Pediatric PT and OT - Monterey, CA

We are hiring now for both summer and the upcoming school year.  Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapists are needed for a school district in Monterey County.   Apply now for more information.

Qualifications: Must hold a Bachelors Degree in Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy; a current state license (or eligible) if applicable. 

PediaStaff Placement of the Week:  Peds Home Care OT, Austin, TX

Congratulations, to Matt Z., on his new position at PediaStaff's pediatric home health client in Austin, TX!!   He will be providing early intervention and home health to an all pediatric population in Travis and Williamson County (Austin).  The caseload is varied and includes children with neurological disorders such as CP and Down's as well as kids with autism and developmental delays that experience sensory issues, fine motor delays, etc . 

Matt will be getting a fantastic package including:  full time, salary with bonus structure, auto allowance, 7 paid holidays, vacation, continuing education allowance, paid insurance benefits, paid malpractice insurance, 401(k),  direct deposit and a tuition reimbursement plan!

Great Job, Matt!!

Hot School Job: School Contract OT Jobs - Olympia, WA

PediaStaff has contracts available NOW for the 2015/16 School Year in the Olympia area!  Secure your job now, then relax and enjoy your summer!

Depending on the district's needs and your strengths and desires the caseload may include various combinations of pre-K, elementary, middle or high school kids.

Pay rates are outstanding (some of the best we offer anywhere in Washington) and are based on your experience, and your traveler status. Benefits are available too.  Contact us for more details.

Qualifications: Must hold appropriate Degree in Occupational Therapy; a current WA state license and ESA Certificate (or eligible).  New graduates are welcome!

Fine Motor Activity of the Week: LEGO-Stamped Gift Wrap  

Here is a great idea that is perfect for Mother's Day, Christmas, Birthdays and more!
 

[Source:  I Can Teach My Child]

We're participating in Lego Week with several of our blogging friends.   This weekend our boys were invited to our neighbor's birthday party and they gave him a LEGO set, so we thought it was only fitting that we created some LEGO-stamped gift wrap!  

 It is so simple and so easy, but the boys had so much fun!    We used DUPLOs, since they are easier to pick up (and less messy), but you can use any LEGOs that you already have on hand.

Gross Motor Activity of the Week: Get Moving with Math

Purpose: Practice sensory motor skills while reinforcing math concepts. These are some fun in class energy release activities.
 

Materials: math flash cards, dice
 

Activity #1 - Flash Card Fun for a Group: Have the group sit or stand in a circle. Create one rule for the group to start. For example, if the answer is correct everyone should clap hands and if the answer is incorrect everyone should jump in place. Pick a student to go first. Hold up a flash card. Student responds verbally with the answer to the math problem. The rest of the group must now act. Each student must begin to perform with clapping hands or jumping in place depending upon whether the answer is correct or incorrect. The leader then reports the correct answer. Continue playing creating new rules with new movements every 10 flash cards.

Fine Motor Craft: Make DIY Straw Beads 

[Source:  Kid Activities Blog]

Sometimes a kid's craft is so simple, that you stop and say, "Now, why didn't I think of that?" That's what everyone says when I show them how easy it is to make your own straw beads!

Resource of the Week: Psychological Concepts to Apply in the Classroom

[Science Daily and the APA]
 

In an effort to help teachers educate their students, a new report from the American Psychological Association outlines the 20 most important psychological concepts that can enhance elementary and secondary teaching and learning and offers tips on how to apply them in the classroom.
 

Read the Rest of this Article and Download this Excellent Resource on our Blog