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When parents talk to their toddlers, they are not only teaching them words, but may be shaping their developing brains, too, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that toddlers whose parents spent a lot of time talking to them day to day showed a particular brain characteristic: a greater concentration of myelin in language-related parts of the brain.

Myelin is a protective layer ...

As recreational marijuana use rises, some dispensaries are recommending it as a remedy for morning sickness, but new research warns that using it during pregnancy may significantly affect fetal growth.

While fetal exposure to cannabis in early pregnancy can reduce birth weight, those effects can become more severe if use continues throughout the pregnancy, according to researchers at Cen...

It's easy for kids to get drawn into Instagram, Snapchat or TikTok, and a leading U.S. psychologists' group warns they need some training in social media literacy beforehand.

The American Psychological Association on Tuesday issued 10 science-based recommendations for teen and preteen social media use, the first time it has done so. The APA compares training in social media to getting a ...

About a third of children with autism aren't able to speak -- but that doesn't mean they're unable to listen and comprehend, a new study reports.

About 1 in 4 kids and teens who have autism and are minimally verbal understand significantly more language than they're able to produce, said lead researcher

"Mindfulness" practices may help parents of young children with autism manage their daily stressors, and it could benefit their kids in the process, a preliminary study suggests.

Parenting is stressful, and studies show that parents of kids with autism often have particularly high stress levels.

Autism is a developmental brain disorder that, to varying degrees, impairs communication...

Half of U.S. parents think social media is bad for their kids' mental health, a new survey reveals.

The finding highlights growing concerns about how these platforms affect children's and adolescents' well-being, according to the On Our Sleeves Movement for Children's Mental Health, which had the Harris Poll conduct the survey.

The program encourages parents to help their kids by t...

In U.S. states that provide financial assistance for low-income families, the difference is evident in children's brains, researchers report.

Their study found disparities in brain structure between children from high-income households compared to low-income households. However, the disparity was more than a third lower in states offering greater cash assistance to low-income families, c...

Children are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of climate change, a new report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows.

Climate change can affect learning, physical health and housing security, which can last throughout the child's life, according to the report.

“Understanding health risks to children is critical for developing effective and equitable strategie...

Researchers have long tried to pinpoint a reason that some people have autism or autistic traits.

A new study from the United Kingdom builds upon evidence about one potential factor, finding that young children with ear, nose and throat problems were more commonly diagnosed with autism later.

This isn't to sa...

A leading doctors' group recommends that toddlers get screening for autism at 18 months old. That may not be a moment too soon — and earlier may be even better, researchers say.

A new randomized clinical trial, the gold standard for studies, backs up the recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Intervention at 18 months for children on the autism spectrum led to bet...

As summer nears, teens may want to apply for their first job or try to boost their hours for the season.

Not all parents think this is such a good idea though, according to a new C.S. Mott Children's Hospital poll.

“Teen jobs can be super positive and I think we see that in...

Children whose mothers took antiretroviral medication for HIV while pregnant may have higher risks for developmental delays at age 5, according to new research.

Nonetheless, researchers said it's important for women with HIV to take antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy to prevent HIV transmission to their fetus. Women who have HIV and know it should start on antiretroviral therapy in c...

It's important for children to learn about body safety and boundaries.

Empowering them with information can help them recognize unsafe situations and may help protect them from abuse.

“Children and teens who feel in control of their bodies are less likely to fall prey to sexual abusers,” said

Does it sometimes feel like your young picky eater is turning every meal and snack into an epic power battle — and you're just not sure how to get them the nutrition they need?

If so, you're not alone.

According to an article published recently in the journal