Depression in Adolescence Can be Prevented by Physical Fitness

School Psychologist Inspiration -  Be Kind...

Thank you to Toby Mac for this beautiful sentiment and graphic that is sadly too appropriate today.

Attention School Psychologists:  This is fantastic photo/message for a coffee mug or to frame on your desk at school.  

Similar Brain Deficits Impact ADHD, Addiction, Conduct Disorders  

[Source:  Psych Central]

Emerging research has discovered that many common behavioral problems stem from the same neurocognitive deficits.

The finding suggests that disorders may be detected, and cared for early in the spectrum of care by focusing on a few critical behaviors.

Investigators from the University of Montreal and CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre traced the origins of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance abuse, and conduct disorder, and found that they develop from the same neurological deficits - which in turn explains why they often occur together.

Concussions From Top-of-Head Impact 'More Severe' 

[Source:  Medical News Today]

As we head into the start of the new school year, many young people will begin signing up for the football team. Though team sports are a great way for kids to boost their self-esteem and increase physical activity, there are certain risks involved with contact sports, including concussions. Now, a recent study from the American Academy of Pediatrics investigates how the location of impact could affect concussion severity.

Prior to this study, published in the journal Pediatrics, very little research had focused on how location of impact on the head could yield different concussion outcomes.

'Love Hormone' Not Responsible For Autism, Study Finds 

While some children with autism may benefit from taking oxytocin, low levels of the so-called "love hormone" do not appear responsible for causing the developmental disorder, researchers say.

In the largest study yet to look at oxytocin levels in children with and without autism, researchers found that kids on the spectrum are no more likely to have low, medium or high amounts as compared to their siblings or those without autism in their families

Involuntary Eye Movement an Indication for ADHD Diagnosis  

[Source:  Science Daily]

Placement of the Week: PT Renewal in Oregon Schools  

Job of the Week: Sign Language Interpreter, New Mexico  

Our client is a public school in Northern New Mexico.  We are seeking a school experienced Sign Language Interpreter for the SY14/15.

Qualifications: Must be nationally certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) plus a valid New Mexico license OR hold a provisional license in accordance with the state of New Mexico licensure law.

Pay is between $25-35.00/hour based on your level of relevant experience and your taxable status.  If you meet the qualifications for per diem, some portion of your pay will be non-taxed to assist in housing. 

Resource of the Week: 61 Photos for Figurative Language  

Book Review: Preschool Stuttering: What Parents Can Do  

[Source:  Twin Sisters Speech and Language Therapy]

The author of the book that we are reviewing today is, Mirla G. Raz.  She is a certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who has been working as a clinician for over 40 years. She has said, "I have been keenly aware of the significant role parents play in the progress of their children during therapy.  When parents understand their child's disorder and commit to doing their part to help their child, their child's progress is positively affected. When it comes to helping the preschool child who stutters, the assistance of the parents is paramount." This advice is an example of why she wrote the book, Preschool Stuttering: What Parents Can Do, and her 40 years of personal experience helps to illustrate why we feel that she has the background and knowledge to do so.

Freebie Time:  Back to School Mini Book from Speechie Freebies  

Are you familiar with Speechie Freebies?  Well, if not, the beginning of the school year is the perfect time to start following them!   Here is a new freebie that could be a great first day of school activity.

[Source: Speechie Freebies]

The smell of new crayons is in the air and that can only mean one thing...it's time for school to start! This foldable mini book will provide you with an activity to get to know your new students and re-connect with your old ones.

Pinterest Pin of the Week: Bus Collage for Back to School  

Paper Tearing, Gluing (Hand Strengthening) Scissor Skills (cutting out wheels) and Handwriting fine motor skills all get work with this adorable bus collage printable.

Resource of the Week: Baby Sign Language Dictionary  

Thank You to Smart Apps for Special Needs for referring us to this free, online Baby Sign Language Dictionary