Children who are firstborn or breech or whose mothers are 35 or older when giving birth are at significantly greater risk for developing an autism spectrum disorder, University of Utah School of Medicine researchers have reported in a new study with Utah children.
In the April 27, 2009, online issue of the journal Pediatrics, the researchers showed that women who give birth at 35 or older are 1.7 times more likely to have a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), compared with women between the ages of 20-34. Children diagnosed with ASD also were nearly 1.8 times more likely to be the firstborn child, the researchers found. [continue reading…]
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has redesigned its public website, TheBrainMatters.org, to provide a comprehensive resource for neurology patients and their families. The site is available for Academy members to refer patients, caregivers, health care organizations, and the public for the latest information and resources on specific neurologic disorders.
“I’m very excited about TheBrainMatters.org website,” said AAN.com Editor-in-Chief Orly Avitzur, MD, MBA, FAAN. “We’ve compiled patient education information that was previously scattered throughout AAN websites and certain Internet sites, including the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and streamlined it into a clean, organized, and user-friendly site designed specifically for the general public to become better informed about neurologic disorders. [continue reading…]
Eleven-year-old Jaheem Herrera woke up on April 16 acting strangely. He wasn’t hungry and he didn’t want to go to school.
But the outgoing fifth grader packed his bag and went to school at Dunaire Elementary School in DeKalb County, Georgia.
He came home much happier than when he left in the morning, smiling as he handed his mother, Masika Bermudez, a glowing report card full of A’s and B’s. She gave him a high-five and he went upstairs to his room as she prepared dinner read full article
 New research from Baylor College of Medicine indicates a positive effect of chewing gum on academic performance in teenagers.The study examined whether chewing Wrigley sugar-free gum can lead to better academic performance in a “real life” classroom setting. Major findings include:
The researchers found that students who chewed gum showed an increase in standardized math test scores and their final grades were better compared to those who didn’t chew gum.
Students who chewed gum had a significantly greater increase in their standardized math test scores after 14 weeks of chewing gum in math class and while doing homework compared to those who did not chew gum. Chewing gum was associated with a three percent increase in standardized math test scores, a small but statistically significant change.
Students who chewed gum had final grades that were significantly better than those who didn’t chew gum.
The American Academy of Neurology 
 New research from Baylor College of Medicine indicates a positive effect of chewing gum on academic performance in teenagers.The study examined whether chewing Wrigley sugar-free gum can lead to better academic performance in a “real life” classroom setting. Major findings include:
