Previous research has shown that physical activity is linked to better cognitive functioning, reading comprehensionand improved language skills in children. A new study further confirms that physically active children have higher academic performances compared to sedentary children.
The findings, published in PLOS ONE, reveal that physical activity during the school day is related to better reading skills and higher mathematical test scores in grades 1-3. And although both girls and boys were shown to benefit from physical activity, boys appeared to benefit more so when various factors were controlled for in girls
To test the relationships of physical activity and sedentary behavior to academic performance, the researchers assessed 186 children in the first grade. Children’s reading fluency, reading comprehension, and arithmetic skills were examined throughout grades 1-3.

The researchers gathered information on children’s participation in organized sports, physical activity during school hours, and whether they walked or biked to school. The various sedentary activities children engaged in during their leisure time, such as watching television or playing video games, were also recorded.
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New Research on Earlier Intervention in Autism : A Q&A with Dr. Lisa Shulmanby THE DOCTOR'S TABLET EDITORS on SEPTEMBER 18, 2014
Last week, findings from a small but notable University of California–Davis study showed that intervening earlier than usual with infants who show signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can help prevent them from developing the disorder by the time they reach age 3 or 4. For perspective, we spoke with Einstein’s Dr. Lisa Shulman, a neurodevelopmental pediatrician and featured contributor to this blog. She explains how the study’s findings mirror what she sees in clinical practice at Einstein’s Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center and offers takeaways for clinicians and parents. - 
What are some of the earliest signs that an infant may have ASD?

The symptoms that give rise to concern about ASD in infants (6 months or older) include:

• Unusual visual fixation (e.g., looking at a ceiling fan for long periods of time as a preferred activity)

• Unusual, repetitive patterns of object exploration (e.g., spending long periods of time spinning, tapping, or opening and closing things)

• Lack of communicative acts such as gestures (e.g., no hands being raised to be picked up by 9 months, no pointing by 12 months)

• Lack of sound and consonant production

• Lack of coordinated eye contact, smiling and reciprocal interaction during play with a parent

• Decreased eye contact and interest in social interaction

• Lack of response to name

• Reluctance to smile

• Lack of a tendency to imitate sounds or actions

• Tendency for a toddler to entertain himself or herself for long periods of time

- See more at: http://blogs.einstein.yu.edu/new-research-on-earlier-intervention-in-autism-a-qa-with-dr-lisa-shulman/#more-7232
For complete article See more at: 

Temple presses the importance of manners (from shaking hands to saying “please” and “thank you”) and developing a strong work ethic. She was taught these basic skills as a child, and she’s witnessed a decline in those niceties for people on the milder end of the spectrum. “So-called normal kids — they pick this up,” she says, “but autistic kids have got to be taught, and that’s not being done enough.”

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Watch the video to hear more from Temple!

By Richard McManus 
Posted Sep. 28, 2014 @ 1:00 pm 

HINGHAMs summer turns to fall, some students and parents have pounding headaches and worried demeanors all out of proportion to that change. The SAT's and ACT's are coming, and high school juniors and seniors and their anxious parents are going into overdrive worrying about these very important tests. I know because our schedule is filled with students cramming for these two tests. On the one hand, there are very few weeks left to feel confident and prepared to take them. On the other hand, students can do much now that will help them to prepare, and to feel considerably better about the challenge they face.

...remind your son or daughter, that these tests are not an assessment of intrinsic worth, and while important, are just pieces of paper with pencil marks on them.