children – Page 18 – Stepping Stones Center

October 20, 2026· Sensory Processing

Therapists and Educators Leverage Autumn Themes to Target Fine Motor Skill Development in Children

As the crisp autumn air settles in, educators, parents, and occupational therapists are turning to seasonal staples like changing leaves, pumpkins, and apples to support child development. Rather than relying on fall-themed crafts merely for seasonal amusement, professionals are utilizing these familiar materials to address specific fine motor milestones, ranging from fundamental hand strength and…

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October 20, 2026· Inclusive Education

FDA Clears Biometric Tool to Assist Clinicians in Diagnosing Autism in Children

Federal regulators have granted clearance to a new diagnostic tool designed to assist healthcare professionals in identifying autism spectrum disorder in children, marking another step forward in the integration of biometric technology into pediatric care. The Food and Drug Administration cleared the tool, known as Neurora, to inform clinical decisions regarding children ranging from 18…

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October 20, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

Children’s Defense Fund to Convene National Forum in Washington to Address Urgent Challenges Facing America’s Youth

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the nation navigates a complex and fraught political landscape, the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) is preparing to host a major national gathering focused entirely on the well-being of the nation’s youth. In November 2026, the prominent national youth advocacy organization will convene the American Youth Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., bringing…

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October 20, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

Children’s Defense Fund Action Launches Campaign to Put America’s Youth First Ahead of 2026 Midterms

WASHINGTON, DC — Emphasizing that every policy shaping the daily lives of minors is crafted by adults who hold political power, Children’s Defense Fund Action (CDF Action) has officially launched its sweeping new nonpartisan initiative, "Voting Rights are Children’s Rights." As the grassroots lobbying and advocacy arm of the renowned national child advocacy organization Children’s…

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October 20, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

Hundreds of Faith Communities to Mobilize Children’s Rights During CDF’s Annual National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths®

The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF)—the nation’s prominent multi-issue advocacy organization operating uniquely at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice—is overseeing the nationwide event known as The National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths®. Designated by CDF as the third weekend of October, this annual mobilization serves as a dedicated time for diverse faith traditions to…

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October 20, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

Children’s Defense Fund to Host 2026 American Youth Policy Forum at Howard University

The high-stakes national gathering, officially titled “Doing Our First Works Over: The New State of America’s Children,” comes at a critical juncture for the 73 million children and youth living across the United States. Set against the backdrop of an evolving political landscape, the two-day forum is designed to bring together leading child advocates, policy…

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October 19, 2026· Child Development

Walking Away from Alzheimer’s: New Research Reveals How Movement Protects the Aging Brain

A groundbreaking study has provided fresh insight into the relationship between physical activity and Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that even modest levels of movement can serve as a powerful shield for the brain. Contrary to long-standing hypotheses in the scientific community, the protective mechanism appears to operate through biological pathways that are distinct from the reduction…

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October 19, 2026· Pediatric Healthcare

WHO Launches SCORE Technical Package to Bolster Global Health Data Systems

In a major push to modernize how nations track, analyze, and utilize health data, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially unveiled the "SCORE for Health Data Technical Package." This initiative, announced today, represents a strategic response to the systemic vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to provide countries with a standardized, actionable framework…

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October 19, 2026· Speech and Language Therapy

Empowering Non-Speaking Children: New AAC Resources Aim to Simplify Communication Therapy

In the evolving field of pediatric speech-language pathology, the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) has emerged as a cornerstone for supporting children and teens who are non-speaking or have complex communication needs. As clinicians and caregivers look for more accessible, evidence-based methods to facilitate language development, new resources are being introduced to help…

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October 19, 2026· Child Welfare and Advocacy

Children’s Defense Fund to Host 2026 American Youth Policy Forum at Howard University

The upcoming gathering, officially titled “Doing Our First Works Over: The New State of America’s Children,” comes at a critical juncture. Scheduled for November 4 and 5, 2026, at Howard University’s Blackburn University Center, the forum is designed to provide a space for deep reflection, strategic planning, and the charting of a concrete path forward.…

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