Center for Psychological and Educational Assessment

03/13/2026

03/13/2026

A pair of studies from Southern Methodist University examined how digital media use affects vocabulary development in toddlers ages 17–30 months. Researchers found that children who spent more time watching videos or TV tended to have smaller vocabularies by age 3, regardless of whether the content was educational or watched alongside an adult.

Caregiver personality also played a role — parents who scored higher in conscientiousness allowed less screen time, which correlated with higher vocabulary scores, while fussier children tended to get more screen time and show lower language development.

Experts recommend following American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines (no screens under 18 months, limited high-quality content for older toddlers), co-viewing and discussing content with children, and supplementing with real-world, conversational experiences to support early language learning.

In a survey of over 460 caregivers of children ages 17-30 months about word use and video consumption, Southern Methodist University found that spending less time with digital media was linked to higher vocabulary scores.

03/12/2026

03/11/2026

“We have fully bought into this idea that if we really want all of our kids to be readers, we need to hyper-focus foundational literacy efforts to ensure our kids are reading on benchmark at the end of first grade,” Nunziata said.

New research suggests virtual tutoring can boost literacy learning before kids begin to struggle.

03/11/2026

Is your child melting down, shutting down, or acting out, and you can't figure out why? The answer might be hiding in their sensory system, not their behavior.

03/07/2026

We often hear: “My child was diagnosed with ADHD but some things don’t fit...could it be autism or both?” At CPEA we explain how ADHD and autism can look similar on the surface but have different causes. That difference matters because it changes the right supports and interventions. Our comprehensive evaluations (history, testing, observations, and multi-informant input) look beyond behaviors to identify the underlying cause or causes. When both conditions are present, symptoms can amplify and the treatment plan needs to reflect that complexity. If you’re unsure whether a full evaluation is right for your child, we can help you decide and guide next steps. Visit the link to read the full article and learn more.

03/05/2026

Gifted children often experience anxiety differently: deeper, more intense, and sometimes quieter. Our latest blog outlines practical strategies for parents and educators to recognize signs, validate feelings, and offer the right support so these bright minds can thrive. Read more: https://wix.to/OxVUpfY

Anxiety can affect anyone, but gifted children often face unique challenges that make their experience with anxiety different from their peers. Their heightened sensitivity, intense curiosity, and deep thinking can sometimes lead to overwhelming worries and stress. Understanding anxiety in gifted ch...

02/28/2026

02/28/2026

Understanding autism evaluations for preschoolers can ease anxiety and empower parents. Our blog breaks down the steps, common tools (ADOS, DAS-2, Conners), and what to expect during the process so you can advocate confidently for your child. Read more: https://wix.to/JWPTKTg