Blogs - This Week In School Psychology

Academics

Montessori Education Explained: What It Is, How It Works, and What the Science Says

Parents hear the word Montessori everywhere—on preschools, toys, bookshelves, and Instagram reels. It’s often associated with calm classrooms, independent children, and beautiful wooden materials. But what is Montessori education really? And more importantly, does it work? This article explains the Montessori method in plain language and summarizes what decades of research—including studies published in Science […]

Read more →

Development

Four Types of Autism: Understanding the New Findings and Their Impact on School Psychology

Recent groundbreaking research has identified four distinct subtypes of autism, each with unique genetic signatures and developmental paths. Researchers from Princeton University and the Simons Foundation utilized a powerful new computational method to analyze data from over 5,000 children with autism. These discoveries promise a revolution in the way autism is understood, diagnosed, and treated. […]

Read more →

📝

Policy

What Happens if the Department of Education is Abolished? The Future of U.S. Schools

Education in America is at a crossroads. While schools should be spaces where all children can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally– the current federal policy agenda threatens to unravel critical federal protections, funding, and programs designed to support students’ well-being. Project 2025, spearheaded by The Heritage Foundation and a coalition of conservative organizations, presents a radical […]

Read more →

Mental health

Understanding and Addressing Depression in Children

The rising rates of depression among children and adolescents present a pressing challenge for parents, educators, and mental health professionals. Recent studies have shed light on the myriad factors contributing to this phenomenon, further paving the way for innovative treatment methodologies that address these mental health crises. Link Between Childhood Experiences and Depression A systematic […]

Read more →

Academics

Why Kids Prefer Robot Teachers Over Humans

Did you know that in a study involving 5- to 8-year-olds, children often chose a robot over a human instructor for learning tasks? This preference might just change how we view technology in learning environments. But wait—there’s more. Kids gazed more at the robot instructor and referenced the research assistant more frequently when interacting with […]

Read more →

Neurodevelopmental

Nuanced Approaches in ADHD, Eating Disorders, and Psychometrics

Profiles Within ADHD and Hidden Internalizing Challenges This week, psychological assessment research shed light on the complex interplay between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and co-occurring internalizing psychopathologies among adults. A recent study using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3) examined clinical profiles across groups, including ADHD alone, ADHD combined with internalizing disorders like anxiety or depression, […]

Read more →

Neurodevelopmental

Monitoring Mental Health through Physical Health

Did you know? Autistic young adults are nearly three times more likely to have diabetes than their non-autistic peers! This eye-opening discovery urges school psychologists and educators to rethink how they monitor and support autistic children’s health in schools. As school is often the first place where health issues are detected, this has big implications […]

Read more →

Mental health

Understanding the Link Between Loneliness and Learning

Recent findings are shedding light on how loneliness, a seemingly simple emotional state, can impact cognitive performance and learning in children and adolescents. Loneliness and Cognitive Performance A recent study has found that while loneliness may subtly affect how well older adults remember, it doesn’t directly accelerate cognitive decline as previously thought. Instead, loneliness affects […]

Read more →

Mental health

School Allies: Protecting LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health

LGBTQ+ youth are five times more likely to contemplate or attempt suicide compared to their heterosexual peers. Surprised? You’re not alone. This shocking reality highlights an urgent question: How can schools help make a life-saving difference? New research shows they can — with the right strategies. Understanding the Risks School can be challenging for any […]

Read more →

Mental health

Is Nasal Spray Addiction Real? What School Psychologists Need to Know

In a world where students are increasingly labeled with behavioral and psychological concerns, the question of what counts as an “addiction” is more important than ever. A recent commentary in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions challenges the idea that overusing nasal spray should be classified as a true addiction, raising important implications for how school […]

Read more →

Academics

How Kids Learn to Read: The Science Behind It

What if I told you that something as simple as learning letter sounds could light up your child’s brain like a New Year’s firework display? Through the lens of powerful new brain imaging techniques, researchers are revealing that when children connect letters to their corresponding sounds, multiple brain networks fire together, building the foundation for […]

Read more →

News

Shaping Youth Well-Being: Peers, Measurement, and School-Based Care

This week, we linger on smoking, teenage health literacy, and sleeping patterns. Influence of Friends on Adolescent Smoking Trajectories The social world of adolescents is a powerful arena for shaping health behaviors, as highlighted by recent research on smoking initiation and frequency. This longitudinal study tracked U.S. teens from ages 13 to 17, examining how […]

Read more →

Latest Insights & Analysis

Montessori Education Explained: What It Is, How It Works, and What the Science Says

Get the school-psych insightsyou need—every Wednesday morning.

Get the school-psych insights
you need—
every Wednesday morning.