Mental, Behavioral and Development Health

Analysis of nearly 900 million hours of monitored infant sleep shows rapid stabilization of sleep patterns in the first year of life.

A large 2026 meta-analysis found no association between prenatal paracetamol (acetaminophen) use and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children.

Get caught up with Contemporary Pediatrics! This list helps you navigate our top stories from the week, all in one place.

Young adult and adolescent survivors of childhood cancer exhibit accelerated epigenetic aging associated with worse neurocognitive outcomes.

Multiple adverse prenatal exposures have been linked to lasting behavioral problems and altered brain development through adolescence.

Prenatal exposure to hot, humid conditions was associated with significantly reduced child growth, with effects far greater than heat alone.

Teen use of alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine remained stable in 2025, while daily energy drink use rose and heroin and cocaine use showed small increases.

The investigational compound centanafadine to treat ADHD in children, adults, and adolescents, is a first-in-class NDSRI.

The CDC website now claims "studies supporting a link [between vaccines and autism] have been ignored by health authorities."

National CPS data from 2012-2023 show declines in confirmed child maltreatment, but disparities remained, particularly among Black and female children.

New research shows an increase in neurodevelopmental disorder risk among children exposed to maternal COVID-19 infection in utero.

Children face increasing eco-anxiety due to climate change, impacting their mental health. Pediatric healthcare providers play a crucial role in supporting their resilience.

The AAP encourages pediatricians to use shared decision-making with families inquiring about leucovorin while providing clear information about available evidence and potential risks.

Donna Hallas, PhD, PPCNP-BC, CPNP, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN, shares her thoughts on a featured article from the October 2025 issue of Contemporary Pediatrics.

Integrating health care and behavioral science transforms experiences for neurodivergent children, reducing anxiety and fostering confidence during medical procedures.

Explore effective techniques for gathering psychosocial histories from adolescents using the HEADS FIRST Checklist to enhance mental health interventions.

Ellen Fremion, MD, outlines strategies to support smooth transitions from pediatric to adult care, stressing early planning and strong collaboration.

Pediatricians can use structured visits, rating scales, and AAP guidelines to improve ADHD diagnosis, follow-up, and care coordination.

Youth suicides by sodium nitrite/nitrate are rising, highlighting prevention gaps and opportunities for early medical and public health intervention.

Try to diagnose this patient with a history of receptive-expressive speech disorder and anxiety.

A study of 1.2 million children found no causal link between prenatal opioid use and autism or ADHD.

Richard A. Bermudes, MD, underscored the need for pediatricians to integrate ongoing conversations into well visits in this video interview.

“It’s not just about screen time—it’s about context,” says Richard A. Bermudes, MD, on guiding conversations in pediatric well care visits.

AAP issues new report urging early, routine screening for mental, emotional, and behavioral problems in pediatric care to improve outcomes.

A recent study found child depression predicted later maternal depression, highlighting the need for family-centered care.