Story at-a-glance The gut-brain axis represents a powerful influence on children's cognitive function and behavior, offering crucial insights for those with learning, attention, and emotional regulation challenges. The digestive tract contains its own complex neural network—the enteric nervous system (ENS)—with over 500 million neurons, leading scientists to refer to the gut as a "second …
Sensory Processing Disorders: Identifying and Supporting Children with Sensory Challenges in the Classroom
Story at-a-glance Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) affects how the brain receives and responds to sensory information, impacting 5-16% of school-aged children and often underlying academic difficulties that are frequently misdiagnosed as behavioral problems. Our sensory systems extend beyond the traditional five senses to include proprioception (body awareness), vestibular sense (balance …
Retained Primitive Reflexes: Understanding Their Impact on Children’s Academic and Physical Development
Story at-a-glance Primitive reflexes are automatic, stereotypic movements directed from the brainstem and developed in utero that help infants survive birth, assist in early development, and form the foundation for later voluntary movement patterns. These reflexes are designed to naturally integrate (or "disappear") within the first year of life as higher brain centers develop, but when …
Vision Beyond 20/20: How Visual Processing Issues Impact Reading and Learning
Story At-a-glance Vision is far more than 20/20 acuity—it's a complex system involving the integration between eyes and brain that significantly impacts reading and learning. The visual system requires coordination of multiple skills: oculomotor function (eye movement control), binocular vision (eye teaming), accommodation (eye focusing), and higher-level visual processing skills. Common …
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Nutritional Approaches to Supporting Children with ADHD, Dyslexia and Other Learning Differences
Story at-a-glance Nutrition plays a significant but often overlooked role in supporting children with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences, serving as a valuable complement to traditional educational interventions. The brain consumes 20% of daily calories despite making up only 2% of body weight, requiring specific nutrients for optimal development and function. Children with …