Welcome to the May 2026 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:

• Many teens are worried about becoming too dependant on AI Chatbots

• Rising temperatures make children less likely to meet reading and maths milestones

• Body-Mind Exercise Reshapes the ADHD brain

Enjoy,
The Learning Brain News Team

Blood Test Predicts Alzheimer’s Years Before Scans

A new study at Mass General Brigham, a  Harvard Medical University affiliate, has found an Alzheimer’s disease biomarker (pTau217), can predict cognitive decline in cognitively healthy older adults.

Rising Temperatures are Slowing Early Childhood Development

Researchers at New York University have discovered that unusually high temperatures can hinder early childhood development. Children living in hotter conditions were less likely to reach key learning milestones, especially in reading and basic math skills. 

Teens Concerned About Attachment to AI Chatbots

Researchers at Drexel University College of Medicine, USA found many teens who began using technology for emotional and psychological support evolved their use into dependency and addiction-like behaviour. 

Early Intervention Helps Most Autistic Children Acquire Spoken Language

New research reports that approximately two-thirds of initially non-speaking children with autism develop spoken language following evidence-based early intervention. The study identifies key factors, such as intervention duration and motor imitation skills, that influence success.

Combined Body-Mind Exercise Reshapes the ADHD Brain

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may benefit from exercise that challenges both body and mind.

A randomized clinical trial (RCT) found that a 12-week integrated cognitive-motor exercise program reduced core ADHD symptoms while also improving key executive functions, especially inhibitory control and immediate working memory.

Which One Is Correct? Speling? Spieling? Spelling? Spealing?

For some folk, these words: Speling, Spieling, Spelling, Spealing,  look so similar that it’s very confusing.

Good spelling is vital because it allows the writer to focus on what they want to say. It frees up brain space for their ideas to flourish. 

16 Terms to Help you Understand your Child's Learning Difficulties

If you have a child with language challenges, reading problems or learning difficulties, and you have sought help from their teacher, speech pathologist or other learning professional, you may have heard some unfamiliar terms.
Words like phonemic awareness, auditory processing, listening comprehension and working memory.

This eBook covers 16 common terms used in discussions about learning difficulties. Once you understand these, you should be able to have more productive discussions with your child's teacher or therapists.

Australia

Doing School Differently (DSD) Conference

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 4 - 5 June 2026

Australia’s premier national conference on flexible and inclusive education.