News, Advocacy, and Research about Our Beautiful Minds
Teen Brains Vulnerable but Wired to Learn
January 2015: An author of a new book about the teenage brain discusses the special hazards and opportunities for learning during this important phase ofdevelopment.
Museums Tone Down Lights, Sounds for Visitors with Autism
January 2015: Some museums now provide special days and hours for visitors with autism to experience their exhibits without so much sensory overload.
Electronic Screens Inhibit Sleep
December 2014: A recent study reinforces previous research that the light from electronic screens, even e-readers, make it more difficult to fall asleep.
"Empathy is the App"
December 2014: Raising Digital Natives founder Devorah Heitner discusses apps proposed by tweens to solve some common social media problems.
New Study Finds Correlation Between Fast Food and Slower Academic Growth:
December 2014: A study conducted by The Ohio State University found that students who ate the most fast food showed the slowest academic progress in all subjects from kindergarten to 8th grade.
September 2014: New research published in the journal Pediatrics finds that physical movement improves mental focus, mental flexibility, and memory. Exercise is especially helpful for kids and adults with ADHD.
Click here to read a summary from TheAtlantic's website:
September 2013: Tablets, such as iPads and Kindles, can make reading easier for people with dyslexia by allowing them to make the font larger. (NPR's All Things Considered program)
Rethinking Dyslexia
October 2012: Famous adults and ordinary kids with dyslexia discuss the struggles and misconceptions about this learning difference. (from The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia by HBO Documentary Films)
We Are What We Think
June 2012: More inspiring discussion about the many ways we can keep shaping our brains at any age. (from the On Being radio program)
What is Autism?
December 2009: People with autism talk about what it means to be "on the spectrum." (from Autism Reality, a documentary by Alex Plank)
Reading Practice Builds "Internet" of Brain
September 2009: This report explains how practice adds helpful "white matter" to our brains to help us read -- or do anything else -- better. (from NPR's All Things Considered)
The Adolescent Brain
2002: As a middle school teacher, I'm often amazed by the mysterious ways of teenagers. Perhaps you are too. Here's a primer for teens and parents about this important and emotional time. (from PBS Frontline: Inside the Teenage Brain)
