Amazing Things Happen

Simple but effective video explaining how a person with autism's brain works. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7JdCY-cdgkI&feature=youtu.be

Social and Emotional Skills: What to Expect at Different Ages

How to get your children reading

http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/how-to-get-your-children-reading-1.3004325#.WMKLT93TOAA.facebook

One in six primary schools have no psychology access

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/one-in-six-primary-schools-have-no-psychology-access-440121.html

Empathy: the building block to a close bond

The final article in David Coleman's series on communicating with teenagers. This week he talks about empathy and outlines some useful strategies to help parents show empathy to their teenagers. One such strategy-reflecting- is particularly helpful especially when confronted with anger, frustration or sadness. This strategy is often used by psychologists when in consultation with young people, parents and teachers. http://www.independent.ie/life/family/parenting/empathy-the-building-block-to-a-close-bond-35477769.html

Sleep deprivation handicaps the brain's ability to form new memories, mouse study shows: Chemical recalibration of brain cells during sleep is crucial for learning, and sleeping pills may sabotage it

Here's one for the parents of kids who refuse to go to bed on time! Research showing that natural sleep is essential for effective learning. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170202141916.htm

David Coleman's simple rules on seeing eye-to-eye with our teens

Great advice again from David Coleman- this time on listening. I think this could be applied to all communicating and not just with teens! http://m.independent.ie/life/family/parenting/david-colemans-simple-rules-on-seeing-eyetoeye-with-our-teens-35457998.html

Premature babies don't use sensory-prediction brain process that may be key to development

The cognitive effects of prematurity are something that many people are unaware of. Very premature babies are at risk of learning and behavioural difficulties and also may have attachment difficulties. This research suggests that the brains of premature babies are different to babies born at full term. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170126132612.htm

David Coleman: Simple rules on seeing eye-to-eye with our teens

Part two of David Coleman's series on communicating with teenagers. http://m.independent.ie/life/family/parenting/david-coleman-simple-rules-on-seeing-eyetoeye-with-our-teens-35439636.html

Gifted students benefit from ability grouping

Gifted students are often given independent or project work as a means of differentiation and challenging them in the mainstream classroom. This research suggests that ability grouping may be beneficial for gifted children. However, with less than 2% of the population falling in this category, this may not be a working option in many Irish schools. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170113094017.htm

David Coleman: How to effectively communicate with your teenager

Psychologist David Coleman is currently writing a series of articles for the Irish Independent on how to effectively communicate with teenagers. I will share the articles on this page as I think he has some lovely advice. Here is the link to the first article: http://www.independent.ie/life/family/parenting/david-coleman-how-to-effectively-communicate-with-your-teenager-35419515.html

11 tips to help your child gain some independence

Something I hear frequently from parents and teachers of younger children is "No they can't (dress themselves, tidy up, write independently etc.), I always do that for them". While it might be more time consuming, it's important for so many aspects of their development for children to learn these simple skills for themselves. Here's a nice article on some simple tips on helping your child gain some independence. http://www.independent.ie/life/family/parenting/11-tips-to-help-your-child-gain-some-independence-35390919.html