A new study published in PLOS Genetics found that lithium can improve fear memory and hippocampal neurogenesis in mice with symptoms similar to Bardet-Biedl Syndrome. The researchers suggest that this may be an effective treatment for intellectual disability caused by the disorder.
A recent study investigates the association between eczema severity and risk of learning disabilities in children. The study found a significant link between the two, highlighting the importance of addressing eczema in pediatric care.
Researchers highlight the effectiveness of music-based interventions in neurorehabilitation, including improvements in sensorimotor, speech/language, and cognitive functions. Studies show that music therapy can enhance executive functioning, affective responding, and motor skills in patients with post-stroke cognition and autism.
Dr. Olga Boukrina receives a $10,000 grant to study reading deficits in stroke survivors and develop personalized treatment for aphasia. Her ongoing research aims to identify markers that can help clinicians detect reading problems early in rehabilitative care.
Marci Jerome will receive $663,443 in funding from the US Department of Education to produce and deliver accessible instructional materials to local education agencies. The Virginia Accessible Instructional Materials Center will also provide training and technical assistance to support LEA adoption and implementation of NIMAS regulations.
Researchers at George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development will provide professional development to English language professionals worldwide through an 8-week Global Online Course. The course, launched in August 2020, aims to improve teaching practices for young learners.
The University of Kansas will develop and deliver new generation of testing technology with a $29.9 million contract. The partnership aims to improve teaching and assess student learning for all students, including those with disabilities.
New research from the University of Cambridge suggests that parents of children with genetic learning disabilities are at risk of mental health problems. The study found that social factors do not predict a parent's risk of low mood and stress, instead highlighting the impact of the child's genetic disorder and behavior on family life.
Researchers at UTSA found that AR programs are best delivered using controller commands, followed by programs that communicate with age-specific language. This approach resulted in reduced time and error among elementary school students. The study aims to improve immersive learning tools for classrooms.
A unique training programme co-created by people with learning disability has been launched to improve staff attitudes and empathy. The Who's Challenging Who training course was developed in partnership with people with learning disabilities whose behaviour had previously been labelled as 'challenging'.
A new study found a sharp increase in medical students disclosing disabilities, leading to more accommodations and a potential improvement in patient care. Despite the rise, students with disabilities still represent less than 5% of future physicians.
Researchers at KU will test and design new models to give students with disabilities skills to set and achieve their own goals. The program aims to combine two successful interventions to help students take charge of their education and transition to life after high school.
A new PSU study finds that children's disability statuses depend on their school and peer group. The study discovered inconsistent disability classifications across schools and highlighted the subjective and socially rooted nature of these determinations.
Researchers have created a synthetic image generation system using AI that overcomes the limitations of traditional experiments. By analyzing neuronal responses, they discovered that certain neurons prefer specific shapes, colors, and silhouettes, which could help understand cognitive issues like autism spectrum disorders.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 31.7% in March 2018 to 31.1% in March 2019, while labor force participation rates also showed decline. This suggests a tapering off of engagement of people with disabilities in the labor market.
The nTIDE report shows a slight decline in economic indicators for Americans with disabilities, while those without disabilities experience improvements. This trend is consistent with the leveling off of gains for this population over the last year.
Researchers from University of the Arts Helsinki recommend incorporating dance into schools' curriculum to boost cognitive performance, social interaction, and group cohesion among children. The study highlights dance as a valuable tool for learning, especially for children with kinaesthetic and creative learning styles.
A new Portland State University study suggests that racial minorities are less likely to be labeled with learning disabilities despite facing greater challenges in education. The research highlights the need for early childhood programming and clear definitions of learning disabilities to address systemic inequalities.
A recent study at Boston Children's Hospital found that parents of children with learning disabilities experience significantly more stress and anxiety related to academics, affecting their quality of life. The study reveals a dramatic difference in the impact on families compared to general education groups.
A study led by NYU School of Medicine researchers found that mice genetically engineered to lack the gamma-CaMKII shuttle protein took twice as long to form a memory needed to complete a simple task. The team restored learning ability by re-inserting the human version of the shuttle protein into mice.
The brain uses a two-step process to categorize both visual and auditory inputs, increasing sensitivity to acoustic features in the lower-level auditory cortex. This discovery has important implications for understanding individual differences in language learning and developing treatments for people with learning disorders.
Research finds IEPs are often aligned to general education curriculum, lacking guidance on providing special education supports. Despite this, IEPs play a role in shaping educational supports for students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms.
A three-year study introduced interactive online science units to 13 middle schools in two US states, resulting in significant gains for underachieving students. Students with learning disabilities improved 18 percentage points on assessments, while English language learners increased 15 percentage points.
The National Trends in Disability Employment - Monthly Update shows a 9.3% increase in employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities, outpacing those without disabilities. Effective practices and processes for inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace are identified as key factors.
The University of Houston-led Texas Center for Learning Disabilities will tackle the issue of adolescents struggling to read with an $8.4 million grant. The team, led by experts in psychology and education, aims to develop effective interventions to help English learners and students with reading difficulties.
Research in rural Kenya finds that cultural beliefs about disability are being replaced by medical explanations, leading to reduced stigma and improved understanding. The study reveals that increased contact with disabled individuals can help break down stereotypes and promote inclusivity.
A Tel Aviv University study found that infants fed thiamine-deficient formula suffered from severe motor function difficulties, with long-term consequences for their health. The researchers emphasize the critical role of vitamin B1 in child development and stress the need for regulatory control of breast milk substitutes.
A University of Iowa study found that only one third of students with learning disabilities receive accommodations, with wealthier students being more likely to access these resources. The disparity may be attributed to a desire for independence and financial constraints.
A new social robot from MIT offers personalized learning experiences for students through emotional interpretation and customized motivational strategies. The system was tested in a preschool classroom, showing increased student engagement and positive attitudes towards the robot.
Children leverage their early world knowledge to help unlock language skills, recognizing links between new word meanings. The study found that children recognized new words more easily when they already knew many related words.
A pilot study in 51 N.C. classrooms shows the Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP) to be a reliable instrument assessing quality practices in inclusive preschools. The ICP reveals types of inclusive settings best serving preschoolers with disabilities, including Head Start and public pre-k programs.
A new study by UC Irvine neurobiologists suggests that multiple, short learning sessions can strengthen memory formation in fragile X syndrome. Trained using this method, fragile X model mice performed as well on memory tests as normal mice.
Researchers discovered that statins can reverse the learning deficits caused by Noonan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting 1 in 2,000 people. The treatment works by reducing Ras activity, allowing brain cells to communicate properly and enabling normal learning to take place.
Researchers used EEG to track emergence of rule structures in frontal cortex and predict behavior. Participants tended to infer cues of context and rules, with individual variation in structure-forming activity correlating with application in subsequent tasks.
A recent study found that preschoolers who struggled with estimating quantities were more likely to have mathematical learning disabilities later on. Parents can help by emphasizing numerals and encouraging children to think about quantities in everyday situations.
The article highlights the need for a national 'Mental Health Pathway' to enable paramedics to provide appropriate care for patients with mental health issues. The proposed pathway aims to reduce admissions and re-attendance while improving care for patients.
Menstrual problems among adolescents with learning and physical disabilities are more common than in the general population. A new review highlights the need for individualized care and multidisciplinary teams to manage symptoms such as restlessness, aggression, and self-mutilation.
A new study found that 91% of Alberta child-care centres have provided inclusive care in the previous two years. However, many still face challenges, with 36% turning away children with special needs due to capacity issues or inadequate staff training.
A Tel Aviv University study found that teenagers with learning disabilities often have less secure attachments to their mothers and teachers, leading to increased depression, anxiety, and isolation. Strengthening these relationships can improve socioemotional experiences and reduce behavioral problems.
Animal studies suggest that type of anesthetic used, number of exposures and age contribute to risk of inflammation, cognitive deficits. Research findings indicate potential safer alternatives for young children.
A study by NIH-funded researchers found that people's ability to estimate quantities improves across the first 30 years of life, with a sharp decline after age 30. The study suggests that environmental factors, such as education, can shape this intuitive number sense and improve math skills.
A medical student with a severe reading disability overcame his condition through determination and hard work. This experience makes him more compassionate towards patients struggling with similar challenges.
The University of Houston has been awarded a $9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study and treat learning disabilities in children and adolescents. The grant will support five years of research on reading comprehension difficulties, brain function, and diagnosis, intervention, and treatment.
Researchers found that adults with moderate to profound learning disabilities have a higher likelihood of having autism. The study revealed that about 60% of men and 43% of women with severe learning disabilities have autism, emphasizing the need for improved services and training for staff.
Researchers found that children exposed to general anesthesia and surgery before their second birthday were approximately three times as likely to develop speech and language problems compared to those who never underwent procedures. The study, published in Pediatrics, suggests that anesthesia exposure may affect brain development and ...
A study from North Carolina State University reveals that a simple teaching tool improves fundamental reading skills, particularly fluency, in struggling readers without requiring significant program changes. The HELPS program demonstrates significant advances in reading comprehension and basic reading skills.
A study reveals that a poor intuitive sense of numbers can lead to math learning disabilities and difficulty achieving basic math proficiency. Children with math learning disability perform significantly worse on number tasks compared to their peers, highlighting the complexity of determining the underlying causes of math difficulties.
Scientists have successfully developed a technique to decode brain signals associated with speech and movement. By analyzing frequency of brain wave activity, patients can learn to control a computer cursor by thinking or saying specific sounds, marking the beginning of 'reading minds' technology.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have found that deleting a certain gene in mice can improve their learning and memory abilities. The RGS14 gene, which is primarily active in one region of the hippocampus, appears to limit some forms of learning and memory when present.
Research shows two major federal programs, TANF and WIA, inadequately assist people with physical or mental health impairments. Counselors lack training to help clients with disabilities, perpetuating low self-esteem and disempowerment.
A series of studies published in Neuropsychology found that Arabic's visual complexity affects the right hemisphere's role in decoding text. Reading acquisition in Arabic is harder due to its unique script, requiring more practice and pedagogic effort.
Researchers at UC's College of Education will develop an interactive software suite called iFIG to enhance student learning in science. The system features three components: digital handbook, digital notebook, and assessment system, designed around Universal Design for Learning framework.
A study by UCLA researchers found that NF1 genetic mutations disrupt working memory in the brain's prefrontal cortex, hindering communication between brain cells. The excess GABA release hampers neural activity, leading to reduced success rates in memory tasks.
A novel brain receptor, alpha4-beta-delta, emerges at puberty and impairs spatial learning. However, reversing this effect with a stress steroid may facilitate learning, offering new strategies for adolescents with learning disabilities.
Research suggests that adult learners can easily recognize and identify words in a second language when spoken in the accent of their native speaker, not the 'original' accent. This challenges traditional teaching methods used in many adult schools.
A study of over 2,000 identical twins found that early-life medical problems are associated with an individual's risk for developing learning disabilities, rather than anesthesia exposure. The research suggests that screening for learning problems should take place before surgery.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that children exposed to general anesthesia during C-section delivery have no higher risk of learning disabilities. Babies delivered via Cesarean with epidural anesthesia had a reduced risk of learning disabilities compared to those delivered vaginally or with general anesthesia.
Researchers discover synaptotagmin-IV (Syt-IV) regulates synaptic plasticity, keeping connections between nerve cells optimal for learning and memory. The study's findings may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
A study of over 200 families with learning disabilities has discovered nine new genes on the X chromosome associated with the condition. The research highlights the challenges of identifying genetic causes and cautions against assuming that a knocked-out gene is causing a disease.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that children who require multiple surgeries under anesthesia during their first three years of life are at higher risk of developing learning disabilities later. The study, which analyzed data from over 5,000 children, suggests a possible link between anesthetic exposure and brain development.