Welcome to the March 2026 issue of Learning Brain News.

As always, it is packed with ideas and links that you may find interesting.
Here are some that especially caught our attention:

• Boring content reduces students’ learning

• Childhood ADHD has implications for health in middle-age

• Science backed strategies for parents raising children

Enjoy,
The Learning Brain News Team

Boredom is More Distracting Than Background Noise During Learning

New research at Israeli and German universities reveals that a learner’s interest in a topic is a more powerful predictor of focus than distracting external noise.

This research indicates that while quiet environments are helpful, interesting, relevant content is the most effective way to ensure student focus in real-world, unpredictable settings.

Diagnosis of ‘Profound Autism’ Questioned by Australian Study

A category of "Profound Autism” proposed by a group of international experts describes autistic people, aged over eight, who have little or no language, have an IQ of less than 50, and who require 24-hour supervision and support.

This may help governments and service providers plan and deliver supports, so autistic people with the highest needs aren’t overlooked. 

Study: ADHD Traits in Childhood May Predict Poor Physical Health Later

ADHD traits in childhood may predict and even invite physical health problems, disabilities, and multimorbidity in midlife. However, mind-body exercises in adolescence may offset this risk, suggests new research.

9 Tips to Improve How you Learn & Your Learning Capacity

Benedict Carey’s book "How We Learn – The Surprising Truth About When, Where, and Why it Happens” has tips to help you improve your learning. 

How the Adolescent Brain Learns

Recent evidence shows that adolescence is the second period of brain plasticity and cognitive development, making those years a critical time for students and educators.
 
So what should secondary school educators know about their students' brain development to maximise achievement? Find out here.