Infant Development in the News: NSF Research: Baby Smiles Provide Clues to Healthy Development  

[Source National Science Foundation via RedOrbit.com]

For as long as parents and babies have been smiling, laughing and cooing at each other, scientists still have a lot of questions about just how these interactions help infants develop. With support from the National Science Foundation, University of Miami psychology professor Daniel Messinger and his colleagues want to learn more about child development by studying how moms, dads and babies respond to each other. "We believe that through interacting, babies learn early social rules, such as when to take turns with their vocalizations, when to smile at the same time, says Messinger. "It's by  

Motor Development in the News:  Starting To Crawl And Wakefulness Could Be Linked

Childhood Apraxia of Speech in the News:  The Relationship Between Treatment Intensity & Treatment Outcomes for CAS

NICU Physical Therapists in the News:  Physical Therapy Helps Premature Infants Thrive  

[Source:  St. Louis Post-Dispatch]

By Michele Munz

Reaching through two holes in the clear walls of the incubator, St. Louis Children's Hospital physical therapist Kelly Burgio gently pushed down the shoulder of 3-week-old Preston Jolly, born more than 10 weeks early.

She explained to the baby's mother, April Jolly, that premature babies often hold their shoulders up to their ears. "This just gives the baby that kind of rounded posture," said Burgio, while teaching Mom how to do the stretch.

Balance and Gross Motor Fitness in the News:  Bilinguals Have Faster, More Adaptive Brains When They Get Older, Study Finds 

Speaking two languages can actually help offset some effects of aging on the brain, a new study has found.

Researchers tested how long it took participants to switch from one cognitive task to another, something that's known to take longer for older adults, said lead researcher, Brian Gold, a neuroscientist at the University of Kentucky. As he spoke to ABCNews.com from his cell phone, he said he was also in a grocery store choosing between gala and granny smith apples - a perfect example of switching between cognitive tasks in everyday life.

Early Intervention in the News:  How U.S. States Decide Which Child Receives Early Intervention for Developmental Problems   

[Source: Science Daily.com]

A new study by researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine has found large differences in the criteria that U.S. states use to determine eligibility for Medicare Part C early intervention services for infants and toddlers who have developmental delays. A developmental delay is any significant lag in a child's development as compared with typical child development.

Pediatric Neurology in the News:  Brain Development May Be Hindered By Modern Parenting    

[Source: Medical News Today]

Social practices and cultural beliefs of modern life are preventing healthy brain and emotional development in children, according to an interdisciplinary body of research presented recently at a symposium at the University of Notre Dame.

"Life outcomes for American youth are worsening, especially in comparison to 50 years ago," says Darcia Narvaez, Notre Dame professor of psychology who specializes in moral development in children and how early life experiences can influence brain development.

Feel Good Story of the Week:  'Parents Magazine' Cover Feature Girl with Spina Bifida     

[Source: Washington Post]

by Mari-Jane Williams

This is just great news! Parents magazine, a mainstream publication, has opened its eyes and seen the light that children with special needs are CHILDREN! More of the world needs to begin seeing beyond disability.

The February issue of Parents magazine arrived the other day, and I couldn't help but smile when I saw the cover. Right there, front and center, is 3-year-old Emily Keicher, who has spina bifida.

Another Feel Good Story!:  Boy with Autism is Rubik's Cube Wizard      

[Source:  Fox 5 San Diego]

by Christian De La Rosa

One of the fastest Rubik's Cube players in the world is an 10-year-old boy with autism who lives in San Diego.

Max Park started playing with Rubik's Cube several years ago as part of his autism therapy.  "Initially, the reason to do it was to work with his motor skills," said Max's dad, Schwan Park. He became enthralled by the puzzle, and  he asked his parents to take him to Los Angeles to watch some of the  

Product Review:  In-Sync Activity Cards    

What can parents do to help children develop to their full potential? Remember Joye Newman and Carol Kranowitz and their highly regarded book, Growing an In-Sync Child: Simple, Fun Activities to Help Every Child Develop, Learn, and Grow? Now these experts in child development have just come out with   

SLP Resource of the Week:  Speech-Language Pathologists are Smart Cookies [Free Download]   

A new year is here and with this specific time of year often comes a time of reflection. In regards to being a practicing speech-language pathologist, what went right for you this past year? What didn't go quite as planned? What changes do you want to make during the next 365 days? These are just a few questions that I am sure you have had cooking in your brain over the last few days (I know I have!).

In an attempt to help YOU get ready for another successful SLP year that is filled with inspiration and learning, I have created some FREE materials that will make you squeal with happiness.

Free Video Seminar: Essential Social Media Tools for SLPs as Presented at ASHA 2012 to Teach Handwriting   

Pinterest Pinboard of the Week: Martin Luther King Day Themed Activities for Therapy    

Martin Luther King Day is a wonderful opportunity to get your kiddos talking about important issues.    Please check out our recently updated PediaStaff Pinterest Pinboard full of free pediatric and school based therapy activities that help teach the life and philosophy of Dr. King and his teachings through fun, engaging therapy lessons:

SLP Corner: Driving Lessons and AAC

OT/PT Corner: A Multi-Tasking Activity