One of the biggest challenges when working with various groups of stakeholders lies in different ways of approaching problems and interests. Some people want to dive right in and get things done, without discussion. Some want to get to know one another and figure out the best approach. Others just want to listen and be told what to do.
Friendship and belonging are essential for middle school students (grades 6-9), shaping their well-being, identity formation, and academic engagement (Tsou et al., 2024). For neurodiverse youth, including children with autism, ADHD, and other developmental disabilities, structured opportunities to connect meaningfully with peers can reduce loneliness and enhance participation in a variety of activities (Hassani et al., 2022; Zanuttini & Little, 2022). Educators can foster belonging by embedding peer-mediated interventions, creating inclusive routines, and elevating student voice in the daily routines that are present in most middle schools (Biggs et al., 2023; Littlefair et al., 2024).
Amid the day-to-day demands of military service and family life, estate planning can easily fall off the radar. But taking time to plan now can prevent unnecessary stress later and give families the confidence that their wishes will be honored, even in unexpected situations.
Good communication is more than just talking. It’s about listening, expressing yourself clearly, and showing respect. In the workplace, strong communication builds trust with coworkers and supervisors. It also helps reduce misunderstandings that can cause stress.
Friendship in the elementary years is more than just playing together; it is the foundation of feeling included and valued. Research shows that intentional opportunities for connection help all children, including neurodiverse students, build friendships while developing socially and academically (Biggs et al., 2023, 2025; McFadden et al., 2014).
As the landscape of youth dating culture continues to shift, sexting has become an increasingly prevalent practice amongst adolescents (Madigan et al., 2018). As sexting becomes more common practice among younger groups, it is important to note that associations between sexting, sexual behavior, and other mental health vulnerability factors were stronger in younger ages compared to older adolescents (Mori et al., 2019). Thus, early education around healthy technology use is an important preventative measure to cultivate safety across the span of child to youth development. Factors for providers to consider include technology use trends, risks of technology use, and how to promote healthy youth use of and experiences with technology.
Military spouses stationed overseas or navigating life in a new country face complex, often overlooked employment barriers. With the proper tools, strong partnerships, and effective programming, we can turn these trends around and create clear pathways to career success for every military spouse. Seize this chance to play a role in creating meaningful change.
Every October, National 4-H Week brings attention to the positive impact 4-H has on youth, families, and communities across the nation. Rooted in leadership, service, and hands-on learning, 4-H equips young people with the skills they need to thrive. For military families, this mission carries an even deeper meaning.
Conversations around autism and neurodiversity continue to take place among researchers, practitioners, family members and the broader community. With this comes increased interest in having information that is thoughtful, accurate, and grounded in research. Over the years, we have highlighted different aspects of autism, and in this blog post we share resources and recommendations from leading scholars.
How do you solve problems when working with people who have different goals? Discover unexpected solutions through co-creation.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy, U.S. Department of Defense under Award Number 2023-48770-41333.
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