Motor Stereotypies

A literature review was performed on motor stereotypies defined as “diverse range of movements, behaviours, and/or vocalizations that are repetitive, lack clear function, and sometimes appear to have a negative impact upon an individual’s life”. Motor stereotypies commonly occur in children with autism. The review indicated that the purpose of motor stereotypies remained unknown but […]

Build A Bear Grant Money

What child does not like Build A Bear? Well, now therapists might like Build A Bear even more than the children. They are offering grant money for: “direct support for children in the areas of health and wellness such as childhood disease research foundations, child safety organizations, and organizations that serve children with special needs” […]

Functional Performance and Achondroplasia

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology published research on the functional performance of 35 Australian children, ages 3-7, with achondroplasia. The Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM-II) was used at 3, 5 or 7 years old. Improvements in function were noted from 3-5 years of age. Milestones were delayed across all ages and domains. The children […]

Unsung Heroes Grant

ING has started accepting applications for the ING Unsung Heroes Awards Program. This application is due on April 30, 2012. Here is some info from their website: “The ING Unsung Heroes® program recognizes those classroom heroes who take teaching to new heights and make learning fun. Each year, ING presents 100 grants totaling $240,000 to […]

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Gait Assessment and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Journal of Child Neurology published research on the gait assessments of children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy with long distance walking. Overall, the children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy exhibited significantly lower stride velocity and a less smooth trunk movement. When comparing the children with milder symptoms of Duchenne’s to children with more moderate symptoms, the milder […]

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Neurofeedback and Autism

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology published a review of current studies on neurofeedback and autism. The results indicated that the evidence does not support the use of neurofeedback in the treatment of autism. The researchers also found that any improvements noted from neurofeedback may have been addressing a co morbid diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity […]