The Origins of Speech in the News:  Talking Neanderthals Challenge the Origins of Speech    

[Source:  Science Daily]

We humans like to think of ourselves as unique for many reasons, not least of which being our ability to communicate with words. But ground-breaking research by an expert from the University of New England shows that our 'misunderstood cousins,' the Neanderthals, may well have spoken in languages not dissimilar to the ones we use today.

Pinpointing the origin and evolution of speech and human language is one of the longest running and most hotly debated topics in the scientific world. It has long been believed that other beings, including the Neanderthals with whom our ancestors shared Earth for thousands of years, simply lacked the necessary cognitive capacity and vocal hardware for speech.

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Autism in the News:  Biological Explanation for Gender Disparity in Autism  

[Source:  Psych Central]

Although professionals know that males have a higher incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders - such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - than females, the underlying reasons have been unclear. A new study provides an explanation for this observation.

Termed the "female protective model," researchers present compelling evidence that females require more extreme genetic mutations than do males to push them over the diagnostic threshold for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Nutrition and Autism in the News:  Causal Link indicated Between Vitamin D, Serotonin Synthesis and Autism 

Editor's Note:  Yet more evidence that nutrition may be a powerful combatant against ASD and ADD symptoms.  

[Source:  Medical News Today]

A new study by Rhonda Patrick, PhD and Bruce Ames, PhD of Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI) demonstrates the impact that Vitamin D may have on social behavior associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Dr. Patrick and Dr. Ames show that serotonin, oxytocin, and vasopressin, three brain hormones that affect social behavior, are all activated by vitamin D hormone. Autism, which is characterized by abnormal social behavior, has previously been linked to low levels of serotonin in the brain and to low vitamin D levels, but no mechanism has linked the two until now. 

Pediatric Social Psychology in the News:  Even Children's First Impressions Are Based on Appearance 

New research suggests children are similar to adults in judging an individual's character traits simply by looking at the person's face.

Psychological scientist Emily Cogsdill, Ph.D., of Harvard University determined that children as young as three make judgments on trustworthiness and competence from facial impressions.

And, the children show remarkable consensus in the judgments they make, the findings suggest.

The research shows that the predisposition to judge others based on physical features starts early in childhood and does not require years of social experience.

ADHD in the News:  Children with ADHD Have Higher Risk of Teenage Obesity and Physical Inactivity  

Editor's Note:  While this study is certainly not 'news' to those of us who live and work with children with ADHD, perhaps this empirical evidence would be useful to show parents and guardians so they can work extra hard to encourage their children with the disorder to be more active.  

[Source:  Medical News Today]

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to become obese and sedentary teenagers, according to new research.

Previous studies have suggested a link between ADHD and obesity, but whether one leads to the other is unclear. One way to better understand the link is to follow children through to adolescence.

Advocacy Alert:  Please Help Save Early Intervention in New York State!   

Editor's Note:  Please sign this petition co-sponsored by the New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the New York Physical Therapy Association, and the New York State Occupational Therapy Association - YOU DO NOT NEED TO LIVE IN NY TO SIGN!

[Source:  Change.org]

Infants & Toddlers with disabilities need your help before it is too late!

As of April, 2013, NY State made significant administrative changes to the Early Intervention Program making it extremely difficult for children born with developmental delays to continue to receive much-needed therapies that can compensate for their issues, allowing them to thrive and grow to their full potential.

PediaStaff Therapy Placement of the Week:  Carolina on My Mind 

Featured Job of the Week:  Early Intervention in New Mexico  

OT Activities of the Week:  Fun with Mini Sponge Blocks  

Pinterest Pin of the Week:  Snowman Snowball Game  

Book Review:  Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets 

Apps/Tech of the Week:  St. Patrick's Day Fun  

[Source:  Technology Rocks Seriously]

Looking for some fun activities for the iPad to use in therapy for St. Patrick's Day?    The 'Technology Rocks Seriously' blog has a new post featuring over 30 apps, online games and even a few printables (most of them free) that can be adapted for therapy.

Features include (but are not limited to) links to a leprechaun shapes app, a coloring app that turns completed artwork into a slider puzzle, interactive story books, a mad lib type activity, a visual discrimination shamrock find puzzle, and even St. Patrick's Day Mahjong Matching game. 

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