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By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on November 13, 2009

An award winning new study from a health economics professor examines the effects of adolescent health on educational outcomes.

Queen’s University researcher Steven Lehrer and Jason Fletcher of Yale University recently published their paper in the journal Forum for Health Economics & Policy.

“Our study shows that poor mental health in children and teenagers has a large impact on the length of time they will stay in school,” says Dr. Lehrer.

He notes a large number of school-based programs have recently been introduced to prevent childhood obesity through lifestyle changes, but suggests the net should be cast more widely.

“It’s important for policymakers to target health conditions that are not the easiest to identify – like inattention – but may have larger impacts on one’s future.”

The findings provide strong evidence that inattentive symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in childhood and depression in adolescents are linked to the number of years of completed schooling.

Read in Full:  http://psychcentral.com/news/2009/11/13/teen-mental-health-linked-to-educational-success/9550.html

Focused Education For Autism, ADHD

By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on November 13, 2009

Emerging research suggests structured and concentrated teaching can improve literacy and comprehension in challenged school-aged children.

Experts call for teachers and parents to be vigilant in detecting difficulties with language comprehension, reading and spelling in children and young people with autism, Asperger’s syndrome and ADHD.

“It is important that pupils are offered the support to which they are entitled,” says Jakob Asberg in a new thesis at the University of Gothenburg.

“Pupils with these neuropsychiatric disorders are often reported as having problems with spoken and written activities. However, relatively little research has been carried out within the field.

“Considering how important such skills are for coping independently in school and in working life and society in general, it is of great importance that we become better informed about these issues,” Åsberg, who is publicly defending his thesis in psychology, said.

Read in Full: http://psychcentral.com/news/2009/11/13/focused-education-improves-autism-adhd/9556.html