New Hypothesis Posits Autism as Disorder of Prediction

[Source: Psych Central]

 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) neuroscientists have posed a new hypothesis for autism, suggesting that the disorder may be rooted in an impaired ability to predict events and other people's actions.

The researchers assert that, to an autistic child, the world appears to be a "magical" and random place, rather than one of order and predictability. Therefore, symptoms such as repetitive behavior and the need for a highly structured environment may be coping strategies in an unpredictable world.
 

"At the moment, the treatments that have been developed are driven by the end symptoms. We're suggesting that the deeper problem is a predictive impairment problem, so we should directly address that ability," said lead author Dr. Pawan Sinha, an MIT professor of brain and cognitive sciences.

Study Finds Chemical in Broccoli Sprouts Eases Autism

[Source: Psych Central]
 

A small clinical trial provides tantalizing evidence that a chemical derived from broccoli sprouts may mitigate behavioral symptoms in those with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
 

Researchers from MassGeneral Hospital for Children and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, studied 40 teenage boys and young men with moderate to severe autism. Subject ages ranged from 13 to 27.
 

Researchers discovered that many of those who received a daily dose of the chemical sulforaphane, best known for claims that it can help prevent certain cancers, experienced significant improvements in social interaction and verbal communication skills.

Teens With Cerebral Palsy Rate Quality Of Life High  

[Source: Disability Scoop]

Adolescents with cerebral palsy have a similar quality of life to others their age, a new survey suggests.
 

Despite the hurdles that can come with having a developmental disability, researchers say in a new study that teens with cerebral palsy reported similar overall satisfaction with their lives.
 

The findings published this month in the journal The Lancet come from a study looking at 431 Europeans ages 13 to 17 with cerebral palsy. The teens were asked to complete a survey inquiring about their quality of life and their physical and emotional health. Their responses were then compared to those from a group of age-matched teens without cerebral palsy.

Scientists Identify Potential Cause of 40% of Pre-Term Births 

[Source: Medical News Today]

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and UCL (University College London) have identified what they believe could be a cause of pre-term premature rupture of the fetal membrane (PPROM), which accounts for 40 percent of pre-term births, and is the main reason for infant death world-wide.
 

The researchers, whose work was funded by the charity Wellbeing of Women, used bioengineering techniques to test the effect of repetitive stretch on tissues of the amniotic membrane which surrounds and protects the baby prior to birth.

Institutional Rearing May Increase Risk for ADD 

Over the past decades, we have seen numerous tragic examples where the failure of institutions to meet the needs of infants for social contact and stimulation has led to the failure of these infants to thrive.
 

Physical Activity and Executive Control in Children:  

[Source Pediatrics via Your Therapy Source]

Pediatrics published research on 221 children (7-9 years old) who were randomly assigned to either a 9 month after school physical activity program or a wait list group. Following the intervention various measurements were recorded: changes in maximal oxygen consumption, electrical activity in the brain and behavioral measures (accuracy, reaction time) of executive control.

The intervention was every school day for two hours. Each session included at least 70 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

 Hot Jobs of the Week:  Oklahoma! SLPs, OTs & PTs

The majesty of Oklahoma is calling!   PediaStaff has several immediate opportunities for SLPs, OTs and PTs in both Oklahoma City and and Tulsa.

These are exciting growth situations in therapy owned clinics in a multi-discipline environment.   Home based therapy and Head Start settings are also available with flexible hours and work situations (independent contractor, W2)    New grads with pediatric affiliations/clinicals will also be considered for some of these openings.

Interview TIp of the Week:  Presenting Your Very Best Self  

Hot SLP Jobs in Chicagoland:  Variety of Settings

Expressive Language Freebie:  Halloween Cards!

Halloween is rapidly approaching! It got me thinking about my preschoolers with apraxia other expressive language deficits. What can be done for the children who are unable to say "Trick or Treat?" A brief chat with one of my favorite #SLPEEPS on Twitter inspired me to compile a list of signs that our children can use on Halloween. These can be handed out or affixed to a costume. It also will help to bring awareness to apraxia and other speech disorders. 

Don't you just LOVE the internet?! So many great resources floating around!

OT Idea of the Week: Occupational Therapy Tip of the Month Board 

Editor's Note:  This is such a great idea.  Thank you to Cindy Karl Aubrey for permission to share her photo and post here.
 

At one of my schools we made an "OT tip of the month" in the hallway. Along with it we provide handouts of tips of general suggestions teachers can utilize in classrooms.

PT Idea of the Week: Gross Motor Bingo 

Pinterest Pin of the Week:  Mummy Quesadillas!  

[Source:  the Kids Activities blog]
 

Totally too cute for Halloween
 

Perfect for following directions work, cutting practice and other fine motor skills.  She used candy for the eyes, but you could also cut out circles from white cheese and use raisins for the pupils.