#Childhealth

A growing number of parents are finding themselves overwhelmed and exhausted by the search for the “right” therapist for their children—especially for conditions like ADHD, where behavioral outbursts can create urgent family stress. This was the central story in a recent episode of Slate’s “Care and Feeding” parenting podcast, where hosts responded to a mother tired by seemingly endless therapy trials and the ongoing struggle to find support for her daughter’s behavioral needs. Her dilemma reflects a wider phenomenon now drawing attention in new research and news: ‘therapy shopping’—the often stressful, confusing, and time-consuming search for effective mental health care—is exacting a heavy toll on families everywhere (Slate Podcast).

A wave of new research is sending shockwaves through the pediatric and parenting communities worldwide, revealing that many babies and young children may be routinely exposed to harmful chemicals while they sleep—potentially threatening their brain development. Studies published by the University of Toronto, widely reported by leading outlets such as Medical Xpress, CNN, and NDTV, found that children’s mattresses often emit worrying quantities of phthalates, flame retardants, and other substances linked to a host of neurological and developmental disorders, triggering calls from scientists for urgent action by manufacturers and regulators (MedicalXpress, CNN, NDTV).

Recent international research warns that many babies and young children could be exposed to harmful chemicals while they sleep. Findings from Canadian studies indicate that bedrooms near a child’s bed contain elevated levels of substances linked to neurological and developmental issues, while most newly purchased children’s mattresses release phthalates and flame retardants, especially in warm conditions. Scientists are urging manufacturers and regulators to act promptly, and parents to take practical steps to minimize exposure.

A small American town’s resistance to childhood vaccinations has turned into an international public health warning, as a measles outbreak sweeps through the community, resulting in the deaths of at least two children and serious illness for many more Mirror, Apr 15, 2025. The outbreak inundated local hospitals, rekindled global debates about vaccine misinformation, and now stands as a sobering lesson for countries like Thailand, where vaccine confidence is increasingly challenged by online conspiracy theories and social media rumors.

A small town in the United States is facing a severe measles outbreak after rising vaccine skepticism. The crisis has put hospitals under pressure, claimed the lives of young children, and rekindled global debates about misinformation and public health. This incident serves as a timely reminder for Thailand, where vaccine confidence faces renewed challenges from online rumors and social media.

Measles remains one of the world’s most contagious diseases. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that a single case can spread to many others in communities without immunity, making herd protection essential. In places where vaccination rates dip below about 95 percent, outbreaks can surge quickly, threatening both individuals and the broader community. In the current case, vaccination skepticism and uneven funding for programs have contributed to lower uptake in the affected area, amplifying the outbreak’s impact.

A Canadian study has raised global concern by showing that many children’s mattresses may release chemicals associated with brain development risks during sleep. Experts urge parents and regulators to act, noting flame retardants and phthalates found in mattresses can pose potential harm, even as manufacturers defend safety standards.

The findings matter for Thai families because children spend a large portion of their early years in bed, a period crucial for brain development and overall growth. Thai parents traditionally emphasize safe, peaceful sleep environments and may use practices such as gentle rocking and careful bedding choices. Yet evidence shows that some mattresses, even those sold in Thailand, can contain chemicals that are insufficiently regulated in the country and many others.

A recent Canadian study has sounded a global alarm by revealing that millions of children’s mattresses—commonplace items in bedrooms around the world, including Thailand—may be leaching hazardous chemicals linked to brain damage during sleep. Experts are now urging urgent action from parents and regulators everywhere, highlighting the dangers posed by flame retardants and phthalates found in these products, even as manufacturers claim compliance with safety standards (Daily Mail).

This discovery matters deeply to Thai families because a significant proportion of children and infants in the kingdom spend roughly one-third of their lives sleeping, a period critical for both brain health and overall development. Culturally, Thai parents take great care to provide safe, peaceful sleeping environments—sometimes including traditional practices such as “luk khoon” (rocking the baby to sleep) and being careful about bedding materials. Yet, research reveals not all mattresses are as safe as they appear, especially when manufactured with chemicals regulated only loosely in Thailand and many other countries.

In a startling revelation, a recent study by child health experts underscores the gravity of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with more than three million child deaths attributed to drug-resistant infections in 2022 alone. This surge in fatalities starkly illustrates AMR’s role as a formidable global health menace, uniquely threatening children in Africa and Southeast Asia. AMR occurs when microbes adapt, rendering antibiotics ineffective, a scenario that significantly imperils public health worldwide.

A new study highlights a stark truth: more than three million child deaths in 2022 were linked to drug-resistant infections. The finding underscores antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a major global health threat that disproportionately affects children in Africa and Southeast Asia. AMR occurs when microbes adapt and antibiotics fail to work, risking public health worldwide.

The analysis draws on data from trusted institutions, including the World Health Organization and the World Bank. It shows a troubling rise in AMR-related infections among children over just a three-year window, a trend that may have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts describe a tenfold increase in AMR cases, calling for immediate action. Contributing factors include the widespread misuse and overuse of antibiotics. Antibiotics are frequently prescribed to prevent infections ahead of surgeries or chemotherapy, even though they do not treat viral illnesses such as colds, flu, or COVID-19.

A Brazilian study suggests cannabidiol (CBD) may help ease autism symptoms in children and young adults. Researchers from the University of São Paulo reported that oral CBD led to improvements in social skills, fewer tantrums, and reduced aggression in participants. Presented at the 2025 European Congress of Psychiatry, the findings indicate CBD could complement traditional therapies, though experts urge larger trials to confirm results.

Interest in CBD arises from its role in supporting the body’s endocannabinoid system, which influences mood and stress. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a high, making it a more acceptable option for neurological conditions beyond autism, such as epilepsy, while avoiding psychoactive effects.

In an exciting development, a Brazilian study has highlighted cannabidiol (CBD) as a potential supplement in easing autism symptoms in children and young adults. Researchers from the University of São Paulo have found that oral CBD intake led to significant improvements in social skills, reduced aggression, and eased tantrums among young participants. This promising research, presented at the 2025 European Congress of Psychiatry, suggests that CBD could be incorporated into autism treatment plans alongside traditional therapies. However, experts remain cautious, calling for larger trials to confirm these findings.

The threat of measles is looming larger than ever with rising unvaccination rates posing significant public health risks worldwide. An enlightening report by The New York Times describes the grim reality of measles infection, specifically targeting unvaccinated children. Given the highly infectious nature of this virus, the findings are particularly poignant for Thailand, where vaccination campaigns have been critical in the past.

Measles, known as one of the most infectious viruses globally, requires no direct contact to spread. A simple stroll through a room where an infected individual was present could lead to transmission through inhaled droplets. The report highlighted that 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles will contract it. For Thailand, where public spaces such as markets and schools are pivotal in daily life, understanding this transmission dynamic is crucial in preventing outbreaks.

Measles remains highly contagious, and unvaccinated children are especially at risk. A recent analysis highlights how quickly measles can spread in communities with low vaccination coverage, a situation that could affect Thailand’s crowded markets, schools, and festivals.

Measles is one of the most infectious viruses, spreading through airborne droplets. Research shows that among those exposed who lack immunity, a large majority can become infected. For Thailand, understanding transmission in public spaces—markets, schools, and transport hubs—helps families and local authorities plan effective safeguards.

A new wave of research shows a troubling consequence of measles: immune amnesia. After a measles infection, the body’s immune memory can be erased, leaving a child more vulnerable to other infections for years. This challenges the belief that catching measles builds broader immunity and reinforces why vaccination matters for Thai families.

The topic is especially relevant as outbreaks persist in various regions. The virus’s danger goes beyond the immediate illness. Studies indicate that measles can erase immune cells that remember past infections, reducing protection against pathogens a child has previously fought. In effect, the immune system’s memory can reset, forcing families to contend with repeated illnesses.