Blog

The start of Dyslexia Awareness Month in October is a prime opportunity for educators to evaluate their school’s or district’s approach to working with students with dyslexia and, if needed, update their procedures to better support students on their journey to reading success.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed in Canada, affecting approximately 5% to 7% of children, according to the Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada (CADDAC). While it frequently manifests itself through challenges in maintaining concentration and managing impulses, ADHD can also impact the mental and emotional health of students; it can be associated with higher risks of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and other disorders and behaviours that can profoundly affect social relationships, behaviour and academic performance.

You don’t have to look far to find an article detailing the state of student achievement these days. Math and reading scores are down from where they were pre-pandemic and educators and parents alike are scrambling to find ways to close the gap. Unfortunately, academic scores aren’t the only concern in need of attention; an extraordinary percentage of our students are facing mental health challenges — many of them dire.

Strong reading comprehension is fundamental to success in today’s information age. From academics to professional pursuits to personal growth, the ability to understand, analyze, and interpret written material at a high level plays a pivotal role in achievement.

Efficient diagnostic tools can better address mental health in patients — and providers. Today, about one in four adults experiences a diagnosable mental health disorder in a given year. Many of these adults are your patients. And many others are your healthcare staff. This leaves healthcare organizations in the position of supporting patients who may struggle to get the care they need and supporting staff who may struggle to deliver proper care.  

When used responsibly, social media can provide a means for social connectedness, support, information, and entertainment for teens, all of which can be beneficial to their mental health and well-being. However, social media can also expose teens to anxiety, depression, body image issues, cyberbullying, peer pressure, racism, prejudice, sleep disorders, and addiction. These effects may be related to the amount and type of social media use, as well as the developmental stage of each teen.