Story at-a-glance Bilateral integration is the brain's ability to coordinate both sides of the body, essential for activities from tying shoes to reading and writing The corpus callosum, the bridge connecting the brain's hemispheres, facilitates communication for efficient bilateral movement and learning Children with bilateral integration challenges often struggle with reading (tracking …
Supporting Brain Health
The Hidden Impact of Environmental Toxins on Children’s Brain Development and Learning
Story At-A-Glance Children's developing brains are uniquely vulnerable to environmental toxins due to rapid neural growth, synaptic pruning, ongoing myelination, and physiological factors like higher absorption rates and immature detoxification systems. Common neurotoxins include heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic), endocrine-disrupting chemicals (BPA, phthalates, flame retardants), …
The Sleep-Learning Connection: How Sleep Disorders Impact Cognitive Function and Academic Performance
Story at-a-Glance Sleep is not simply a period of rest but an active, highly organized process essential for brain development, learning, and memory consolidation, yet it's often overlooked when addressing learning challenges. Sleep architecture consists of distinct stages (N1, N2, N3, and REM), each serving specific functions for learning and cognitive development, from memory …
The Gut-Brain Connection: How Digestive Health Affects Learning and Behavior in Children
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 …
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 …