AFO's and Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Finding a New Test for Children with Concussions

[Source:  Science Daily]

Physical Symmetry Linked to Faster Reactions, Study Shows

[Source:  Medical News Today]

Children with more symmetrical hands have speedier mental responses than others, according to a study.

Children with balanced physical proportion on their left and right hands were able to react more quickly in mental tests. This was true even after accounting for age and gender differences, researchers found.

Researchers say the findings suggest a connection from an early age between bodily symmetry and mental performance.

Previous studies have already revealed a link between bodily symmetry and mental performance in old age, as men with more symmetrical faces are less likely to experience a slow down of brain power in later life.

Movie Featuring Actor With Down Syndrome Set For Wide Release

[Source: Disability Scoop] 

A film starring a man with Down syndrome is set for a nationwide release this spring.

"Where Hope Grows" is expected to appear on about 300 screens across the country when it is released May 15.

Central to the story is a grocery-store worker named Produce, played by David DeSanctis who has Down syndrome.

In the film, Produce strikes up an unlikely friendship with a professional baseball player who was sent into early retirement after having panic attacks at the plate.

Study Probes Brain Networks in Anorexia

[Source:  Psych Central]
 

New research, published in the journal Biological Psychiatry, investigates the neurobiological mechanisms associated with the ability of individuals with anorexia (AN) to avoid food.

Investigators believe the knowledge of how anorexics are able to resist food may be applied to issues of obesity and over-eating.
 

In the study, Drs. Christina Wierenga, Walter Kaye, and colleagues discovered new insights on the brain mechanisms that may contribute to the disturbed eating patterns of anorexia.

Autistic and Non-Autistic Brain Differences Isolated for First Time

[Source:  Medical News Today]

The methodology can potentially isolate the areas of the brain involved with other cognitive problems, including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD and schizophrenia.

The functional differences between autistic and non-autistic brains have been isolated for the first time, following the development of a new methodology for analyzing MRI scans.

Developed by researchers at the University of Warwick, the methodology, called Brain-Wide Association Analysis (BWAS), is the first capable of creating panoramic views of the whole brain and provides scientists with an accurate 3D model to study.

PediaStaff Therapy Placement of the Week:  SLP in Delaware! 

Congratulations to Emily M., of New Jersey on her new position with PediaStaff's outpatient and early intervention client in Delaware.
 

She will be working in a community based setting treating kids with disabilities.  Speech and hearing therapy services provided will focus on enhancing or restoring limited or lost communicative skills or swallowing capabilities lost due to trauma, disease, aging or congenital abnormality.   Emily will be: 

• Addressing disabilities in children, including articulation disorders, language delay and stuttering;
• Providing care for communication disorders, stuttering and cognitive impairment;
• Improving oral-motor, swallowing, and respiratory skills;
• Providing augmentative and alternative communication systems to individuals who cannot rely on speech as a means of communication.

Congratulations, Emily!!

Hot Job: Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist - Portland, OR

Hot Job! Contract Pediatric Outpatient COTA - Ozark, AL  

Book Review:  The Aspie Teen's Survival Guide  

A survival kit is typically full of many items to help a person withstand adverse or unusual conditions.

Many teenagers with Asperger's are continually trying to figure out how to exist in a predominantly neurotypical world.

Enter: An intriguing book titled:  The Aspie Teen's Survival Guide - Candid Advice for Teens, Tweens and Parents, from a Young Man with Asperger's Syndrome. 

Resources of Week:  Spring Visual Support Templates & Tips  

App Review:  iDo Hygiene App  

Fine Motor Activity of the Week: Simple Origami Butterfly  

[Source: Red Ted Art]

Red Ted Art has some fantastic crafts.  Many of them are too hard for some of our clients, but others are perfect.   Simple Origami is one of the best activities out there.  Here is one that is perfect for spring fine motor and fantastic for following directions.