Stay informed with the latest public health research, insights, and evidence-based analysis from our team of experts.
At 8:17 a.m., a second grader melts down over a broken pencil. By lunchtime, a middle schooler snaps at a teacher for asking them to redo an assignment. By dismissal, a kindergartener refuses to get on the bus. We often call these “behavior problems.” But what if part of the story is happening at home—long […]
Read more →
Childhood trauma can have devastating effects on a child’s mental health, often leading to significant challenges that persist into adulthood. Recent studies continue to uncover the complexities of how early traumatic experiences affect school-age children and their psychological development. Understanding these effects is crucial not just for psychologists but also educators striving to create supportive […]
Read more →
Recent findings suggest that ADHD medications, commonly thought to function primarily by improving focus, actually operate by waking up the brain. This can have profound implications for both understanding ADHD treatments and aligning therapies more closely with individual needs. The Real Mechanism Behind ADHD Medications Traditionally, ADHD stimulants such as Ritalin were believed to work […]
Read more →
Introduction As school psychologists strive to create optimal learning environments, understanding the subtle yet significant influences on student mental health is crucial. Recent research suggests that nutrient deficiencies, particularly of choline, could be a hidden driver of anxiety and depression in children. This blog explores current findings, their real-world implications, and strategies to mitigate these […]
Read more →
Childhood anxiety is a growing concern in today’s society, affecting millions of children worldwide. Recent research has highlighted the complex interplay of various factors contributing to this condition, including stress, environmental influences, and biological predispositions. The Science Behind Childhood Anxiety Anxiety in children is often a combination of genetic and environmental factors. According to a […]
Read more →
The discovery of the GRIN2A gene as a direct cause of mental illness marks a significant breakthrough in our understanding of psychiatric disorders in children. Previously, mental illnesses were attributed to a complex interplay of multiple genes. However, recent studies, including findings reported by ScienceDaily, have identified that variants of the GRIN2A gene can lead […]
Read more →
Last year, a middle school teacher told me about a student who walked into class after winter break and announced, “I stayed up until 4 a.m. every night playing my new game. I’m basically nocturnal now.” Everyone laughed. But by February, the same student was falling asleep in class, missing assignments, and showing up without […]
Read more →
Two days after a seventh grader was discharged from a psychiatric hospital, his teacher noticed something odd. He wasn’t behind on work—he was terrified to ask what he’d missed. His classmates whispered. His counselor hadn’t been told he was coming back. No safety plan was in place. His parents thought the school “already knew.” The […]
Read more →
Childhood trauma, an often hidden facet of developmental challenges, is gaining recognition for its profound impact on mental health and educational outcomes. By understanding this intricate relationship, school psychologists can develop effective interventions to support affected students. This blog delves into the latest research insights and strategies for addressing childhood trauma within educational settings. Childhood […]
Read more →
A middle school counselor recently told me about a sixth grader who burst into tears during homeroom because her “brain felt too full.” No bullying, no family crisis, no dramatic event. Just life. School, sports, social media, friendships—all piling up until something snapped. If that stopped you for a second, good. Because this moment captures […]
Read more →