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Leading ADHD medications found to be equally effective in children, with one key difference

A recent study published by the University of Sydney found that dexamphetamine and methylphenidate are equally effective in treating ADHD in children, with no significant differences in symptom improvement. However, children taking dexamphetamine experienced greater weight loss compared to those taking methylphenidate.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 15, 2026

People with disabilities are diagnosed with alcohol use disorder at much higher rates than non-disabled people

A new study found that adults with disabilities have more than three times the rate of alcohol use disorder diagnoses compared to adults without disabilities in the US. Adults with serious mental illness and acquired brain injuries had the highest rates of AUD, with men with disabilities having the highest rates.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2026

TikTok’s mental health ‘minefield’

A systematic review of social media platforms reveals that TikTok contains a substantial proportion of misleading information about mental health and neurodivergence, with higher rates of misinformation than other platforms. The study emphasizes the importance of credible sources and evidence-based content to combat spreading false ide...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Social Media Research·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 19, 2026

“My thoughts end up in the wrong place. They start to get all jumbled up where I should be concentrating.”

Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology conducted an interview study with two students with inattentive ADHD to understand their experiences with autonomous learning. The study found that despite challenges, both students reported increased motivation and joy when given the freedom to choose their learning activit...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2026

The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Women’s Health: Taking paracetamol during pregnancy does not increase risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities, confirms new gold-standard evidence review

A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 studies confirms paracetamol during pregnancy is not linked to increased risks of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. The findings suggest alternative maternal factors may be responsible for previously reported associations.

SourceThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 16, 2026

Omega-3 deficit linked to ADHD symptoms in Palestinian adolescents

A new study found a significant link between omega-3 intake and ADHD symptoms among Palestinian adolescents. Lower omega-3 consumption was associated with higher ADHD symptom scores, highlighting the importance of balanced nutrition in supporting cognitive health.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalInternational Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 12, 2025

A better vision test for toddlers

A new tool, WatDAT, measures vision equally precisely in younger toddlers by asking them to point out different shapes at progressively smaller sizes. This test can lead to earlier detection and treatment of vision problems in children under three, such as amblyopia or farsightedness.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalOphthalmic and Physiological Optics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 30, 2025

New study identifies distinct profiles of nonverbal learning disability, offering fresh insights for diagnosis and care

Researchers have identified four distinct profiles of Nonverbal Learning Disability, each with different strengths and challenges. The study suggests that current diagnostic criteria may be too broad, highlighting the importance of individualized approaches to care for children with NVLD.

SourceThe Child Mind Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateOct 8, 2025

People with self-diagnosed ADHD report more negative self-image and more internalized stigma than clinically diagnosed individuals, and are more likely to seek social validation, per analysis of 450,000 ADHD sub-reddit posts

A study analyzing 450,000 ADHD subreddit posts found that people with self-diagnosed ADHD experience more negative self-perception and internalized stigma than those with a clinical diagnosis. Clinically diagnosed individuals are less likely to seek social validation, highlighting the impact of digital age validation on mental health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateOct 1, 2025

Novel accurate approach improves understanding of brain structure in children with ADHD

Researchers developed a new method to correct for variations in brain imaging measurements, reducing bias and increasing the accuracy of studies on ADHD. The traveling-subject method demonstrated reduced measurement bias while maintaining sampling bias, revealing decreased brain volume in critical regions for cognitive functions.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 5, 2025

A nutritional epigenetics study protocol indicates changes in prenatal ultra-processed food intake may reduce lead and mercury exposures to prevent autism and ADHD

A new nutritional epigenetics study protocol aims to reduce lead and mercury exposures in pregnant women to prevent childhood autism and ADHD. The protocol provides a valid method for measuring changes in ultra-processed food intake and diet, which may impact child neurodevelopment.

SourceFood Ingredient and Health Research Institute·JournalWorld Journal of Experimental Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 26, 2025

Hidden potential in multiple disabilities

A UNIGE team used eye-tracking to improve social and emotional skills in nine young people with multiple disabilities. The personalized training showed promising results, enabling these individuals to exhibit visual preferences and strengthen certain socio-emotional skills.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalActa Psychologica·TypeNews article·DateApr 10, 2025

Providing educational support for children with severe illnesses: insights from the new Sunshine Hospital School program

The New Sunshine Hospital School Program provides flexible, adaptive education to hospitalized children, addressing the unique needs of those with severe illnesses. The program's innovative models and strategies have contributed valuable insights to global efforts in healthcare and education.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeCase study·DateApr 7, 2025

Guidelines for the creation of accessible consent materials and procedures: Lessons from research with autistic people and people with intellectual disability

The article presents guidelines for designing consent materials and procedures for autistic adults and people with intellectual disability, highlighting the importance of multiple modes to deliver content. These guidelines aim to improve accessibility and respectfulness in research with individuals on the autism spectrum.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAutism in Adulthood·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 27, 2025

Special needs children respond positively to new emotional literacy programme in new RCT

A new emotional literacy programme adapted for special schools has shown promising results, suggesting significant benefits for children with learning disabilities. The study found improvements in mental health and behaviour among participants, highlighting the potential of such programmes in improving quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPublic Health Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

Let sleeping babies lie: Scientists highlight negative impacts of sleep disruption on early brain development

Scientists found that sleep deprivation during early life can negatively impact key brain functions, leading to lasting effects on behavior and social skills. The study also suggests that genetic risk for autism spectrum disorder can interact with sleep disruption to cause long-lasting changes.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2024

Citizens’ panels help young people with SEND to make their voices heard on the policies that affect their lives, study shows

A new study shows participating in a citizens' panel can produce new policy ideas about school inclusion for young people with special educational needs/disabilities. The project also demonstrates how public dialogue processes can be modified to ensure young people at risk of marginalization fully participate.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Education·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2024

Gaining insights into the chemical basis of aversive learning

Researchers at Fujita Health University have discovered a key signaling pathway involved in aversive learning, which may help develop treatments for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. By identifying 221 candidate substrates of ROCK, the study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying aversive learning.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalScience Signaling·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

Study finds when self-determination model provided to schools with support, teachers and all students benefit

Researchers found that providing robust supports to teachers enables better educational outcomes for all students, including those with disabilities. The study showed that students who set goals under the SDLMI demonstrated improved motivation and academic achievement.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalTeacher Education and Special Education The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 4, 2024

Intervention based on science of reading, math boosts comprehension, word problem-solving skills

A culturally-responsive training intervention based on science of reading and math improved comprehension, visualization, and connection-making skills among 66 third-grade English language learners. The program enhanced students' performance in math by utilizing direct and explicit teaching methods, focusing on key cognitive concepts.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalLearning Disabilities Research and Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 29, 2024

Children with language disorders may fall victims to false friends, study warns

A study by the University of Exeter warns that children with language disorders are susceptible to making false friends due to a lack of awareness about peers' motives and thoughts. Children consider peers as friends because they play with them, without fully understanding what constitutes a good or bad friend.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Language & Communication Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 2024

Study eases concern at antipsychotics use in pregnancy

A new international study led by UNSW Sydney found no increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and learning difficulties after exposure to antipsychotics during pregnancy. The study tracked the long-term risk of intellectual disability, poor academic performance in maths and language, or learning, speech and language disorders.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 18, 2024