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The world today can be a tumultuous place for the younger generation, who are often bombarded with daunting visuals and discussions of global conflicts, the implications of climate change, and political division in their own community. A recent survey of over 10,000 Ontario students in grades 7 to 12 found that more than half are experiencing significant psychological distress—a figure that has doubled over the past decade.

Comorbidities are common in autism. Some data suggest that almost 78 percent of autistic children have at least one co-occurring condition (and nearly half of children have two or more). The likelihood of experiencing comorbidities increases with age.

For autistic adults and children, a comprehensive approach to patient care can enhance individual strengths, provide tools to overcome challenges, and improve long-term outcomes. As the prevalence of autism has increased, so has the recognition of the value of occupational therapists (OTs). In an engaging conversation on the “Navigating Autism, Transforming Lives” podcast, guest Shelley Hughes, an occupational therapist and director of portfolio management for Pearson Assessments, called OTs “integral members of the autism care team.”

As society continues the shift toward embracing diversity and inclusive practices, the need to understand and accommodate individual sensory preferences is becoming increasingly recognized in mental health settings. Dr. Elana Moore, an expert in sensory processing and mental health, took some time to highlight the critical role that sensory environments play in the therapeutic process.

In the evolving landscape of educational support, Ontario's Policy/Program Memorandum 169 (PPM 169) represents a critical step toward comprehensive mental health and learning needs strategies for school districts. One solution to help bolster this transformation is the Digital Assessment Library (DAL), a powerful technological solution designed to not just meet but exceed the memorandum's rigorous requirements.

As educators anticipate the opportunity to rest and recharge over the holiday break, they are also mindful of the potential for an academic “slide” that can accompany an extended pause, which can be troubling because they’ve just re-established momentum post-summer. 

However, the holiday season, with its focus on quality family time, can also allow caregivers to take more active roles in their children’s literacy. A report prepared by consulting firm Deloitte for the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation,  “An Economic Overview of Children’s Literacy in Canada,” found that an estimated one million Canadian children under the age of 15 have below grade-level literacy skills. 

Modeling the importance of reading at home can be a powerful way to build confidence and instill a lifelong affinity for literacy. As the holiday season approaches, here are some ways you can help your school community harness family time to boost literacy skills.