In the last decade, we’ve witnessed an alarming rise in mental health issues among young people. This includes increased levels of anxiety, sadness, low self-esteem, and feelings of hopelessness. An unprecedented increase in cases of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is also of huge concern.
This significant escalation in mental health issues among young people is a call to action for all of us. It requires urgent attention.
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Developed with the expertise of leading professionals in mental health, pediatrics, neuroscience and education, COGNITION® for Smart Kids & Teens is a ground-breaking program that offers the opportunity to reverse this worrying trend and help children and teenagers achieve their full potential in emotional, mental, and cognitive well-being.
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We want to help ensure children and teenagers live a life in which they are happy, healthy and achieve their full potential.
To achieve this, our goal at Food for the Brain is to equip children, teens and parents with the tools to assess cognition and behaviour, evaluate diet and lifestyle factors, and advise and encourage positive changes.
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Alarming Trends: According to The Good Childhood Report (2023) by the Children’s Society, in the last three years, the likelihood of a young person having a mental health issue has increased by 50%.
One in six chiIdren aged 5-16 are now likely to have a mental health problem.
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Here’s what some of our experts have to say about the program:
Professor Julia Rucklidge, Professor of Psychology and Clinical Psychologist at The University of Canterbury, New Zealand.“Mental health problems have been rising dramatically in children over the last few decades. As a child clinical psychologist, I am acutely aware we have been ignoring the food environment as a contributing factor to the statistics. It’s time for the landscape to change.“
Dr Rona Tutt OBE (for services to Special Needs education).“Over a lifetime in education, I’ve seen how the rise in social media has contributed to making pupils more anxious and less active. Cognition for Kids and Teens will set them on the path to a healthier lifestyle and a more fulfilling future.”
Tommy Wood, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Washington, Seattle.“We know that several aspects of health and lifestyle that support long-term cognitive function in adults are also critical for early brain development and brain health across the entire lifespan. Learning from our highly successful and practical COGNITION programme to prevent cognitive decline in adults, we’re applying these same principles to help children be as smart and happy as they can be.”
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Comprehensive Assessment: Utilise advanced tools to evaluate your child’s cognition and behaviour for a complete view of their well-being.
Personalised Feedback: Receive customised reports and recommendations to nurture your child’s cognitive abilities and overall physical and emotional health.
Nutritional Optimisation: Learn what’s behind optimising your child’s nutrition to allow them to be the best they can be.
Contribute to Research: Your participation supports crucial research in child and teen mental health, shaping future advancements.
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Children and Teens: Any child or teenager aged 5 to 17 years, including those looking to enhance cognitive skills or facing challenges of emotional or mental health well-being or conditions such as ADHD or ASD.
Parents and Guardians: Your involvement is vital, providing input, support, and encouragement for your child’s journey.
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We will be running two programs: Smart Kids and Smart Teens. The programs will be fully live from April 2025. Take the first step towards unlocking your child’s full potential.
Register your interest in joining our program by submitting your details on the form below:
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By donating to Food for the Brain Foundation, you directly contribute to pioneering research and educational initiatives that aim to improve the lives of children and adults. Your support is vital in our mission to create a healthier, happier, and more cognitively empowered society.
For any other questions, inquiries, or information not covered on our webpage, please don’t hesitate to contact us at smartkids@foodforthebrain.org
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