Children Recognize Complex Emotions at Young Age

Brain Study Reveals Insights Into Genetic Basis of Autism

[Source:  Science Daily]
 

UNSW Australia scientists have discovered a link between autism and genetic changes in some segments of DNA that are responsible for switching on genes in the brain.
 

Discomfort During Handwriting

[Source:  Human Movement Science via Your Therapy Source]
 

Human Movement Science published research on wrist-joint position, finger muscle length, grip strength and prolonged handwriting.   The study looked at two groups - control group of 22 young adults ages 18-24 (no pain while handwriting) and 18 young adults who do experience pain while handwriting.   Each participant completed a writing task for 30 min on a computerized system which measured the wrist-joint angle and documented handwriting kinematics.
 

The results indicated the following:

1.  the participants from the in-pain handwriting group perceived more soreness and had a less-extended wrist joint, longer on-paper time, and slower stroke velocity compared to control group.

Baby's First Stool Can Alert Doctors to Future Cognitive Issues

[Source:  Science Daily]
 

A newborn's first stool can signal the child may struggle with persistent cognitive problems, according to Case Western Reserve University Project Newborn researchers.
 

Learning Impacts How the Brain Processes What We See

[Source:  Medical News Today]

 From the smell of flowers to the taste of wine, our perception is strongly influenced by prior knowledge and expectations, a cognitive process known as top-down control.

In a University of California, San Diego School of Medicine study published July 13 in the online journal Nature Neuroscience, a research team led by Takaki Komiyama, PhD, assistant professor of neuroscience and neurobiology, reports that in mouse models, the brain significantly changed its visual cortex operation modes by implementing top-down processes during learning.

Feds: Most States Failing To Meet Special Ed Obligations

[Source: Disability Scoop]
 

Federal officials indicate that less than half of states are meeting their obligations under special education law.
 

The U.S. Department of Education says that just 19 states qualified for the "meets requirements" designation for the 2013-2014 school year. The rest of states were classified as "needs assistance" or "needs intervention."
 

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Act, the Education Department must evaluate states annually on their efforts to implement special education programs.

Nike Unveils Shoes For People With Special Needsligations

[Source: Disability Scoop]

 Thanks to a plea from a teen with cerebral palsy seeking shoes he could put on his feet independently, Nike is introducing sneakers designed specifically for people with disabilities.

Matthew Walzer, then 16, wrote an open letter to Nike in 2012 asking the athletic-wear giant to make a more accessible line of shoes that would still provide the support people like him need.

Hot Job!  School Contract OT - Bonus $$ - Olympia, WA  

PediaStaff is offering a bonus for an OT to contract for SY 2015/16 in the Olympia area!  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. Plus Benefits are available too.  Contact us for more details.
 

Qualifications: Must hold appropriate Degree in Occupational Therapy; a current WA state license is required (or you must have already submitted your application for license - it takes 2+ months to obtain an OT license in WA).  New graduates are welcome! 

Learn About / Apply for This Job on our Blog

Hot Job!  School Psychologist, Lewisburg, Ohio

PediaStaff is offering a bonus for an OT to contract for SY 2015/16 in the Olympia area!  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. Plus Benefits are available too.  Contact us for more details.
 

Qualifications: Must hold appropriate Degree in Occupational Therapy; a current WA state license is required (or you must have already submitted your application for license - it takes 2+ months to obtain an OT license in WA).  New graduates are welcome! 

Learn About / Apply for This Job on our Blog

Placement of the Week:  School Psychologist, Olympia WA  

Congratulations to Lucy B., School Psychologist, who is returning to PediaStaff for a second year with a different school district in the greater Olympia area!
 

Talk to PediaStaff about positions in this or other special education / therapy disciplines!!

OT Tip of the Week: Zippering a Problem? Try This!  

[Source:  Pediatric Occupational Therapy Tips]
 

Here is a quick and easy idea to help a child manipulate a zipper on a backpack, lunchbox, or jacket. All you need is a medium to large sized split key ring.
 

The zipper pull will need to have a small hole in it. Attach the key ring to the zipper pull.

This will make it easier to grasp and pull the zipper. With a little practice, your child will be zipping and unzipping independently! 

OT Activities of the Week: Free Telling Time Games  

[Source:  The Measured Mom]

Check out this nice collection of free, printable games to help your clients and children learn to tell time.

Free App Review: AuTeachism Therapist App 

[Source: Special-ism]
 

Communication is the key to every human interaction, and when a child faces challenges with language it can be devastating to social growth. AuTeachismis a free app, that harnesses the interaction and captivating quality of technology to ease the process of overcoming these challenges.

Numerous studies have shown that children with language impairments are more attentive, motivated,