Clinical disorders in children, including symptoms, behavioural conditions and developmental concerns, helping parents better understand challenges and seek appropriate support.
Autism remains an intricate mix of genetic and environmental factors, with experts emphasising early assessment and support over seeking a cure, while dispelling longstanding misconceptions about its causes. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction, communication and behaviour,…
New research indicates children with autism show reduced activation and coordination in key prefrontal regions during language tasks, offering insights into core cognitive challenges. A new Frontiers in Psychiatry study suggests that children with autism spectrum disorder show weaker activity…
A US cohort study highlights cerebellar abnormalities and placental inflammation as early indicators that may help identify very preterm children at risk of autism-related screening concerns by age 5, potentially allowing for earlier intervention. A new US cohort study suggests…
Experts reveal how everyday parenting behaviours, from overprotection to modelling anxiety, can contribute to increasing distress in children and offer strategies to foster resilience and open emotional dialogue. Parents can unintentionally feed a child’s anxiety in everyday moments, from stepping…
As the back-to-school season begins, new resources and practical tools are empowering parents of children with special needs to manage logistics, advocate effectively, and prioritise self-care, creating a more manageable start to the academic year. Back-to-school season is often framed…
A family in Atlanta faced legal consequences after a six-year-old’s playground trip, highlighting broader debates on childhood independence, overprotection, and evolving laws to protect children’s right to autonomy. A six-year-old’s scooter trip to a nearby playground ended with an accusation…
Scientists in South Korea have identified a potential new drug target, SLC6A20, that may help restore disrupted neural pathways associated with autism, showing promising results in mice and human brain models. Scientists have identified a possible new way to restore…
Psychologists and paediatric sleep specialists recommend families begin gradually shifting children’s bedtimes and wake-up routines weeks before the new school term to reduce stress and improve alertness. Parents should start nudging children’s sleep schedules well before the first school bell…
As more teenagers turn to AI chatbots for emotional support, experts warn about the risks of relying on untested tools for mental health advice and crisis intervention, underscoring the need for parental guidance and safety measures. Teenagers are increasingly turning…
As debates grow over child mental health diagnoses, experts call for a re-evaluation of social, cultural, and medical factors shaping perceptions and treatment, highlighting potential risks of overdiagnosis and stigma. Child mental health is now a subject of public debate…
Research from NYU reveals early pregnancy metabolic patterns associated with behavioural differences in children, highlighting potential biological markers for developmental outcomes. Researchers at New York University used repeated urine samples taken during pregnancy to examine whether maternal metabolic patterns were…
Guidance from paediatric experts emphasises early planning, routine building, and open communication to help children manage anxieties as the new school year approaches, with special attention for those with medical needs. As the new school year approaches, many children feel…
