Researchers identify a significant expansion in the genetic landscape of obsessive-compulsive disorder and tic disorders, revealing potential common roots with autism and schizophrenia, and emphasizing the need for inclusive medical testing. Researchers have identified 36 genes that appear to carry…
A new study suggests that combining physical activity with psychoeducation and skills training can significantly alleviate anxiety and depression in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, highlighting a potential avenue for enhanced family-supported interventions. A parent-led exercise programme combined with psychoeducation may…
Implementing early and connected occupational therapy within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is reshaping how schools identify and address students’ developmental needs, potentially preventing long-term difficulties. In schools, occupational therapy works best when it starts early and stays connected to…
Brendan Mahan highlights the importance of recognising the ‘wall of awful’ – an emotional barrier rooted in repeated struggle – to improve responses to challenging tasks and foster resilience in families. Brendan Mahan says the best way to understand the…
Early discussions about race within families are increasingly recognised as vital in fostering resilience and preventing racial trauma among young people, prompting calls for honest conversations to promote safety and belonging. For many young people, the first lessons about race…
A comprehensive review of 61 studies across five countries reveals that schools enhancing communication with families and implementing targeted mentoring are more effective at increasing student attendance than blanket policies or campaigns, particularly post-pandemic. A new review of randomised trials…
Research from the University of Michigan reveals that children aged six to nine are not only aware of punishment but also scrutinise whether consequences are applied fairly, showing an early grasp of fairness and emotional impact of unequal treatment. Young…
Puberty in boys typically begins between ages 9 and 14, but recent insights highlight the importance of recognising delayed development and addressing emotional as well as physical changes during adolescence. Puberty in boys is a normal part of growing up,…
Snoring and breathing pauses in children may signal obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition increasingly associated with rising childhood obesity and environmental factors, demanding greater clinical vigilance. Loud, habitual snoring in a child is not just a noisy nuisance. When it…
A sharp rise in young children in distress attending emergency departments in England highlights a growing mental health crisis, with experts urging the government to prioritise early support and trauma-informed care. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has…
A significant increase in urgent mental health cases among children as young as six has overwhelmed emergency departments across England, exposing critical gaps in community support and early intervention services. Children as young as six are increasingly arriving at accident…
HealthHub’s Screen Use Buddy encourages parents to initiate a gradual, practical approach to managing children’s screen time, emphasizing family involvement and customised routines over one-off restrictions. Screen Use Buddy is best seen as the starting point for a family reset,…
