Introduction Imagine entering a room full of colors, objects, and sounds. For most of us, processing this environment is something we do without a second thought. But for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or those with high autism-like traits (ALTs), this experience might be drastically different. Have you ever wondered why? At the core […]
Tag: Families
Bridging Minds and Hearts: Unraveling the Psychological Threads of Adolescence
Introduction Adolescence is often painted as a whirlwind of emotions and change—a period where young hearts seek to find their rhythm in an often-chaotic world. But did you know that beneath the surface of those roller-coaster emotions lies a fascinating psychological puzzle involving one’s ability to mentalize, the quality of communication, trust, and feelings of […]
When Parents Are Ill: Illuminating Effective Ways to Inform and Support Children
Introduction: The Unspoken Impact of Parental Illness Imagine being a child and noticing something is off with your parent — they’re not the vibrant, lively person they once were. No longer are there shared smiles over breakfast or energetic weekend outings. Instead, there’s confusion and fear because no one has explained what is happening. This […]
The Emotional Blueprint of Motherhood: Milk, Cortisol, and Mental Wellness
— Introduction Mothers often hear the phrase, “breast is best,” emphasizing the importance of breastfeeding for an infant’s health. But what if this time-honored advice goes beyond mere nutrition and delves into the intriguing interplay of stress, hormones, and immunity? A recent research paper titled “Human milk cortisol and immune factors over the first three […]
Exploring the Mind: How Personality and Executive Functions Influence ADHD in Adolescents
— Introduction Imagine a teenage world where thoughts race at lightning speed, emotions feel like a roller-coaster ride, and concentrating on daily tasks can seem as tricky as solving a complex puzzle. This is often the reality for adolescents grappling with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The interplay of ADHD symptoms with personality traits and […]
Unraveling Family Dynamics: The Impact of Child and Family Factors on Care Intensity
Introduction Imagine navigating a maze where at each turn, the path changes based on the music playing in your headphones. Now, visualize this as the constantly shifting challenges faced by families with children who have complex needs. In our fast-paced world, understanding how and why certain care services are utilized intensively, or not at all, […]
Unraveling the Mysteries of Autism Detection: Insights from Bosnian Saliva
Introduction Imagine a world where a simple saliva sample could unlock the mysteries hidden in our genetic code, revealing critical insights into developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While this might sound like the stuff of science fiction, a groundbreaking research paper has shown promising results in achieving just this. Autism, a complex neurodevelopmental […]
Anticipating Adolescence: The Future of Mental Health Prediction with Machine Learning
Introduction Imagine being able to predict a storm before a single cloud forms in the sky. Now, picture applying that foresight to the emotional tempests teens often face during adolescence. This is precisely the ambition of a groundbreaking research paper titled ‘Predicting mental health problems in adolescence using machine learning techniques’. With adolescence being a […]
Exploring Participation Through the Eyes of Children with Developmental Disabilities**
Introduction: Journeying into the Minds of Young Explorers Imagine seeing the world through the lens of a child’s camera, capturing not just sights and sounds but also feelings and experiences. Now, visualize this lens as belonging to a child navigating life with developmental disabilities such as ADHD, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), or Autism Spectrum Disorder […]
Curious Minds: Exploring Self-Concept and Life Circumstances of 13 Year Olds in Ireland
Introduction Imagine a world where every child’s journey into adolescence is a mystery waiting to be unraveled. What are the factors that shape their perception of themselves and influence their life’s path? In our quest to understand these mysteries, a recent research study titled “The characteristics, life circumstances and self-concept of 13 year olds with […]