Memory Development in the News:  Some Parts of Memory Still Developing Deep Into Childhood

[Source:  Science Daily]

A new study provides evidence that one important part of memory undergoes substantial development even after the age of 7.

Researchers found that episodic memory - the ability to remember not only what happened, but where and when - takes longer to develop than often assumed.

That means young children may have no problem with remembering certain simple events or facts. But in some cases, they may have difficulty placing them in the right place, time or context.

Pediatric PTSD in the News: Identifying Trauma Risk in Small Children Early After an Accident

[Source: Science Daily]

Small children also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorders after a serious accident. With the aid of a new test, children with an increased risk can already be identified in the space of a few days. The test devised by scientists from the University of Zurich and the University Children's Hospital Zurich helps to treat traumatized small children at an early stage.

Pediatric Back Pain in the News:  Most Painful Days of Your Life School Desks and Chronic Back Pain   

[Source: Science Daily]

Undersize school chairs, low desks and overweight backpacks are contributing to chronic back pain in adolescents, according to a study from researchers in Portugal to be published in the International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics.

Ana Assun��o and colleagues in the Biomechanics and Functional Morphology Laboratory, at the University of Lisbon, carried out a cross-sectional study of 138 twelve to fifteen-year olds of differing maturity to examine the effect of a mismatch between school furniture dimensions, the weight of their school bags and the student's anthropometric characteristics.

Batten Disease in the News:  A New Drug Target for Batten Disease  

[Source: Medical News Today]

An antioxidant drug that alleviates cell death and extends lifespan in a mouse model of Batten disease - a devastating childhood neurodegenerative disorder - is reported online this week in Nature Neuroscience. These results indicate that drugs with similar properties can potentially be used to treat the disease, as well as other diseases caused by comparable deficiencies.

Social Yawning and Autism:  Yawning Not Contagious for Children with Autism  

[Source: Scientific American]

Boredom, tiredness, hunger and stress can all set off a yawn. People can even 'catch' a bout of yawning when they see or hear another person in the throes of the involuntary gesture, a phenomenon known as social yawning.

Language Development in the News:  Responsive Interactions Key to Toddlers' Ability to Learn Language   

The study, by researchers at the University of Washington, Temple University, and the University of Delaware, appears in the journal Child Development.

Language Development in the News:  Bone Hormone Influences Brain Development and Cognition    

PediaStaff Therapy Photo Share:  What's Your Favorite Fall / Harvest Therapy Activity? Share it with Everyone!   

PediaStaff Featured Job of the Week:  School Based OT - Washington, DC   

Our client is a clinic in the DC area that is looking for an Occupational Therapist to start immediately servicing children for 8-10 hours a week in DC area schools. The therapist would be servicing a diverse student population, and pediatric experience is required.  This is a direct-hire opportunity.

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

Activity of the Week:  Sticky Tongue Frog Craftivity - Great for Oral-Motor!  

[Source:  Kids Activities Blog]

My daughter and I were reading about frogs and she thought the idea of their sticky tongue was really funny.  She ran and found a blow out party favor and showed me how the frog's tongue pops out to catch flies.  And so this silly frog craft was born.

App Review of the Week:  Social Adventures   

by Debra L. Kerner M.S. CCC/SLP

Collaborative Book Review:  Schuyler's Monster 

by Kristin Cummings and  The SLP Book Club

I am so glad that Schuyler's Monster was chosen for July's book for the SLP Book Club! This is a book that I have already passed on to friends and parents to read. Schuyler's Monster is a father's story about his journey with his daughter. Schuyler (pronounced Skyler) was 18 months old when her pediatrician became concerned about her communication development. After many tests and doctor's appointments, Schuyler was finally diagnosed with bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria (an extremely rare

On the Sweeter Side:  A Perfect Illustration  

This is wonderful!  If you ever wanted a single illustration that could show your colleagues how a child with autism might think differently about certain things - and be 'spot on' in his own way - this would be it!

This photo appeared on the social media site Reddit with the following title:  "2nd Graders homework. My friend's (awesome) 6 yr old son is autistic and takes instructions literally"   It has received over 5000 "upvotes" so far on Reddit and over 1000 likes on our blog!  Where is the "Love" button?