This Week in Pediatrics
Immunization News | Red Book Online | American Academy of Pediatrics
More than 230 medical and public health groups, including the American Medical Association and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, announced support for the American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 vaccine schedule, calling it science-based ...
New Jersey Health Commissioner: Evidence for childhood vaccines is unchanged - NJTODAY.NET
Accordingly, the NEPHC reaffirms its earlier endorsement of the 2026 childhood and adolescent immunization schedules issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which have also been endorsed by numerous other medical organizations.
Professional Corner: Pediatricians Call for New Border Protections, AMA Awards $1 Million in Grants and More
The AHA opens its health tech competition, AMA awards $1 million in community grants, and pediatricians call for stronger protections for children at the US border.
Research of the Day
Early Antibiotic Exposure and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: A Population-Based Cohort Study
This large population-based cohort study examined over 1.2 million children to investigate the association between antibiotic exposure in the first year of life and subsequent neurodevelopmental outcomes. The researchers found a modest but statistically significant association between early broad-spectrum antibiotic use and increased risk of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder diagnoses, though the absolute risk increase remained small.
Key findings include: (1) Children exposed to antibiotics in the first year had a 12% increased relative risk of ADHD diagnosis; (2) The association was stronger with repeated courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics; (3) The effect persisted after adjusting for maternal infections and other confounders.
While the study shows an association, causation is not established. The findings support judicious antibiotic use in infants—prescribing when clinically indicated, but avoiding unnecessary courses.
Popular Beliefs
Too many vaccines overwhelm a child's immune system
What the evidence shows: Children's immune systems handle vastly more antigens daily from the environment than from vaccines. Today's vaccines contain far fewer antigens than older versions despite protecting against more diseases. Studies show no increased infection rates in vaccinated children—vaccines strengthen, not weaken, immunity.
Eating carrots dramatically improves vision
What the evidence shows: While carrots contain vitamin A important for eye health, eating extra carrots won't improve normal vision or eliminate the need for glasses. Vitamin A deficiency can cause vision problems, but this is rare in developed countries with varied diets.
Children outgrow ADHD
What the evidence shows: While symptoms often change with age, approximately 60% of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms into adulthood. Hyperactivity typically decreases, but inattention and impulsivity often persist. Ongoing monitoring and treatment adjustment is important across the lifespan.
Behaviors
Growth Mindset and Academic Resilience in Middle School
This school-based intervention taught growth mindset principles to 4,000 middle schoolers. Students who internalized growth mindset showed improved grades, greater persistence, and reduced anxiety around academic challenges.
Key findings: (1) 0.3 GPA improvement in intervention group; (2) 25% reduction in test anxiety; (3) Effects largest for initially low-performing students. Teacher reinforcement of messages enhanced effects.
Praise effort over ability when discussing academics with patients. Encourage families to use growth mindset language. Struggle is part of learning, not a sign of inability.
Genetics
Polygenic Risk Scores and ADHD: Clinical Utility Analysis
Large GWAS analysis demonstrates polygenic risk scores for ADHD have limited current clinical utility for diagnosis but may help identify children at risk for severe or persistent symptoms. Environmental factors remain critically important.
Key findings: (1) Polygenic scores explain ~10% of ADHD variance; (2) Higher scores associated with earlier onset and persistence; (3) Not useful as diagnostic test—clinical evaluation remains gold standard.
Genetics is one piece of the ADHD puzzle but doesn't replace clinical assessment. Avoid overinterpreting direct-to-consumer genetic tests. Family history remains the most useful genetic 'test' for ADHD risk.