(NewsUSA) - OLD WESTBURY, NY - 30 de Marzo de 2026 (NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE) - Abril es el Mes de la Aceptación del Autismo, y los expertos estiman ahora que uno de cada 31 niños en Estados Unidos tiene un trastorno del espectro autista.

Para ayudar a los padres a comprender mejor cómo apoyar a los niños dentro del espectro, Alexander Lopez, J.D., OT/L, profesor asociado de terapia ocupacional en el New York Institute of Technology, comparte orientación práctica y consejos—incluido cómo el ejercicio puede mejorar la función motora (coordinación muscular) y el rendimiento cognitivo.

Los niños con necesidades especiales suelen tener pocas oportunidades de hacer ejercicio y desarrollar las habilidades fundamentales necesarias para participar en actividades convencionales. Por ejemplo, aprender a balancear un bate de béisbol puede mejorar la coordinación, el equilibrio, la atención y la planificación. Estas habilidades esenciales pueden transferirse luego a la mayoría de las actividades diarias.

Lopez, terapeuta ocupacional licenciado, ha desarrollado programas deportivos específicos diseñados para ayudar al cerebro del niño a procesar la información sensorial, favoreciendo cambios estructurales y funcionales en el cerebro.

“El cerebro y el cuerpo son excepcionalmente maleables, y las intervenciones de terapia ocupacional que utilizan deportes y ejercicio pueden mejorar el rendimiento cerebral y ayudar a los niños a desarrollar estrategias para minimizar o controlar los efectos de la información sensorial desagradable o confusa”, explica Lopez, quien también es fundador del gimnasio sin fines de lucro Inclusive Sports and Fitness, Inc., que recientemente abrió una sede en el campus de New York Tech en Old Westbury, Nueva York.

Además de mejorar sus habilidades físicas, los niños que participan en el programa basado en ejercicio de Lopez desarrollan amistades duraderas y confianza en sí mismos, beneficios que se reflejan en casi todos los aspectos de sus vidas. Las familias reportan mejores resultados en el hogar y en la escuela, incluidos avances emocionales, conductuales y académicos. Por supuesto, las lecciones y experiencias que los niños adquieren fuera del gimnasio también son importantes. Lopez invita a los padres a presentar un frente unido, lo que incluye ofrecer mensajes coherentes, hacer cumplir reglas y límites, y animar a sus hijos a alcanzar su máximo potencial individual.

“A pesar de enfrentar ciertos desafíos del desarrollo, un niño con autismo no está definido únicamente por su condición”, explica Lopez. “Ese niño sigue siendo una persona completa, con sus propias habilidades, potencial y fortalezas. Con recursos de apoyo, una crianza afectuosa y terapias específicas, muchos niños dentro del espectro autista desarrollan mayor independencia, confianza y una participación significativa en la vida cotidiana. Pero la base de ese éxito comienza en casa. Cuando los padres brindan estructura constante y utilizan el refuerzo positivo, crean un entorno donde su hijo puede desarrollar habilidades, sentirse exitoso y prosperar.”

Lopez también enfatiza la importancia de establecer expectativas, mantener rutinas diarias desde edades tempranas, usar horarios estructurados y listas visuales para actividades como cepillarse los dientes o vestirse, lo que puede ayudar a los niños a volverse más autosuficientes con el tiempo. Al aplicar las mismas estrategias fundamentales —consistencia, estructura y refuerzo positivo— los padres pueden fomentar la autonomía, el desarrollo de habilidades y un sentido de logro que crece junto con el niño.

Lopez es uno de los muchos profesores de New York Tech que aportan su experiencia para ayudar a enfrentar retos del mundo real. Visite nyit.edu para obtener más información.

Título de la imagen: Alexander López (izquierda), terapeuta ocupacional licenciado en el Instituto de Tecnología de Nueva York, ha desarrollado programas deportivos diseñados para ayudar a los niños con autismo.

(NewsUSA) - April is Autism Acceptance Month, and experts now estimate that one in 31 children in the United States has autism spectrum disorder. 

To help parents better understand how to support children on the spectrum, Alexander Lopez, J.D., OT/L, associate professor of occupational therapy at New York Institute of Technology, shares practical guidance and tips—including how exercise can improve motor function (muscle coordination) and cognitive performance.

Children with special needs often have few opportunities to exercise and develop the foundational skills needed for mainstream activities. For example, learning how to swing a baseball bat can advance coordination, balance, attention, and planning. These essential skills can then be transferred to most daily activities.

Lopez, a licensed occupational therapist, has developed targeted athletic programs designed to enable a child’s brain to process sensory information, supporting structural and functional brain changes.

“The brain and body are exceptionally malleable, and occupational therapy interventions that use sports and exercise can improve brain performance and help children develop strategies to minimize or control the effects of unpleasant or confusing sensory information,” says Lopez, who is also the founder of the nonprofit gym Inclusive Sports and Fitness, Inc., which recently opened a location on New York Tech’s Old Westbury, N.Y., campus.

In addition to increased physical abilities, children in Lopez’s exercise-based program gain lasting friendships and confidence, benefits that spill over into nearly all aspects of their lives. Families report improved outcomes at home and school, including enhanced emotional, behavioral, and academic performance. Of course, the lessons and experiences children gain outside the gym are also important. Lopez urges parents to present a united front, including providing their child with consistent messages, enforcing rules and boundaries, and encouraging their child to reach their full, individual potential.  

“Despite having certain developmental challenges, a child with autism is not solely defined by their condition,” Lopez explains. “That child is still a whole person with their own abilities, potential, and strengths. With supportive resources, nurturing parenting, and targeted therapies, many children on the autism spectrum develop greater independence, confidence, and meaningful participation in everyday life. But the foundation for this success begins at home. When parents provide consistent structure and use positive reinforcement, they create an environment where their child can build skills, feel successful, and thrive.” 

Lopez also emphasizes the importance of setting expectations, sticking to daily routines as early as possible, structured schedules, and visual checklists for activities like tooth brushing and getting dressed, which can help children become more self-reliant over time. By using the same foundational strategies with consistency, structure, and positive reinforcement, parents can help foster self-reliance, skill development, and a sense of accomplishment that grows with the child. 

Lopez is one of many New York Tech faculty members lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

Image caption:  Alexander Lopez (left), a licensed occupational therapist at New York Institute of Technology, has developed athletic programs designed to help children with autism.

(NewsUSA) - Between deciding where to apply, visiting campuses, and completing financial aid forms, October can feel like crunch time for college-bound students, with more than half ranking college applications as their most stressful academic experience.

“Families often tell us that while the college search process is exciting, it’s also overwhelming. However, with the right mindset and strategy, it becomes easier, and you can enjoy it,” said Marcelle Hicks, dean of admissions and financial aid at New York Institute of Technology.

Whether you’re a high school senior or transferring from another university, Hicks shares these tips for navigating the college application process.

Plan and Build Your List

List your most important criteria and research which colleges and universities check those boxes. This can be as simple as choosing a location and exploring which institutions offer your anticipated academic major. Remember, your interests could change, so explore universities with additional majors to consider. Similarly, students undecided on a major should seek universities with a wide array of programs. Other considerations include affordability, preference for large lecture halls or intimate settings, campus activities, and whether the university’s values align with yours. Your plan may change along the way, and that’s okay.

Visit and Connect

This is the most exciting step! Campuses come to life, and you can envision what it’s like going to class or getting pizza in the dining hall. Today, there are more options than ever to connect with universities, which include both in-person and virtual options. At New York Tech, we offer campus tours, information sessions, and one-on-one appointments to help students make the most of their time with us. These interactions show your demonstrated interest in schools, so do your research and come prepared with questions.  

Understand Application Requirements

Universities have different requirements and deadlines, so be sure to consult with admissions officers and review websites. While some institutions accept the Common App, allowing students to apply to multiple universities through one platform, others have separate applications. Plan to submit transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements; test scores and other materials also vary. Many universities, including ours, offer test-optional admissions, meaning you can choose not to submit SAT or ACT scores; however, strong scores could boost scholarship chances. While AI is useful for brainstorming, your essay should tell your story in your own words. Follow these essay prompts and take time to plan, edit, and review before submitting.

Enjoy the Journey!

Throughout the process, you’re in the driver’s seat. Attending college is a major step toward greater independence, allowing you to explore potential career paths and gain opportunities that are building blocks to your future. Don’t let the application process stop you from enjoying all that college has to offer.

Hicks is one of many New York Tech experts tackling real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Cybercriminals send 3.4 billion phishing emails daily, aiming to steal sensitive information from unassuming victims. Cyberattacks like these are on the rise, posing increased long-term risk to consumers’ data, reputation, credit, and financial standing.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Michael Nizich, Ph.D., a New York Institute of Technology professor and cybersecurity expert, shares tips to help protect your information and identity.

Keep passwords strong. “Never reuse passwords,” Nizich emphasized. Also, avoid information that could be easily guessed, including your name, relatives' names, pet names, or birth dates. Instead, use a combination of letters (upper and lower), numbers, and special characters. One idea he suggests: write a sentence and use the first letter of each word and punctuation. For example, the phrase “This password is very hard to guess!” becomes “Tpivh2g!”

Use password managers. Tools like the iPhone Passwords app and Samsung Pass for Android devices generate and automatically store complex, unique passwords on your device. “Some password managers also notify you if your account is potentially compromised. Of course, change your password immediately if that happens,” says Nizich.

Lock your credit. Major credit monitoring agencies, such as Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, offer online tools for locking your credit. This allows you to access active credit lines but prevents hackers from opening credit cards or loans in your name. When you need to allow legitimate creditors access, you can temporarily unlock it—just be sure to lock it again when the transaction is complete.

Enable multifactor authentication (MFA). When you sign in, you will receive a second passcode—typically via text, call, or email—to verify your identity. This added protection is especially important for banking and financial accounts, as well as email. “If hackers access your email, they can reset passwords and break into other online accounts, but MFA helps keep unauthorized users out of your inbox,” Nizich says. “Always take advantage of MFA solutions offered by your organization or financial institutions, even if they are optional.”

Steer clear of scams. Scammers may claim to be from an organization you know and demand immediate payment in a hard-to-trace manner—like gift cards, prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or cash—to resolve an urgent “account issue.” Be wary of communication you did not initiate, Nizich urges. “With artificial intelligence, hackers can now even disguise their voice to sound like a friend or family member. Remain vigilant and extra cautious of unexpected communication,” he says.

Shift your attitude. While security measures like MFA and changing your password regularly might be time-consuming, they’re minor inconveniences compared to having your data stolen, Nizich emphasizes. These steps can help protect you from being a cybercrime victim.  

Nizich is one of many New York Tech faculty members lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Whether for work, fun, or both, most people spend long periods sitting or slouching in front of a screen. Excessive sitting can lead to poor posture, which in turn increases the risk of a range of problems including muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, fatigue, altered digestion and respiration, and even nerve tissue compression, according to Mark Gugliotti, D.P.T., an associate professor of physical therapy at New York Institute of Technology.

“Good posture is important because it establishes a musculoskeletal balance within the body. This balance enables the body to move more fluidly and functionally while conserving energy and avoiding undue stress,” said Gugliotti, a practicing physical therapist.

“Many of our general day-to-day aches and pains, especially if you're working at a desk or workstation regularly, come from those prolonged habitual positions of posturing,” Gugliotti explained. For example, tension, tightness, or the position of a laptop or other device can promote headaches, neck pain, and shoulder rounding. “There is always the possibility of nerve tissue compression through the shoulders, or at the wrist and hands if you're not careful. Slouching into the chair could also put undue stress and strain on the lower back,” he added.

Gugliotti advises changing positions frequently during the day and taking breaks to get up from your workstation and walk around. “One recommendation is to set a timer to do this every 30 minutes,” he said.

Also, choose your furniture wisely. A properly fitting chair that adjusts to you and fully supports your spine can make the difference between comfort and back pain. Gugliotti recommends looking for a chair with adjustable height and the ability to recline.

Other tips for better workstation posture include keeping arms, hips, and knees positioned at a 90-degree angle while seated, and positioning the laptop or monitor directly in front of you on a sturdy surface. Ideally, “The screen should be an arm’s length away with a preferred height that aligns your eyes with the upper third of the screen. At home, this could easily be achieved with a few books placed under the monitor,” said Gugliotti. An ergonomic mouse or a small footrest under your desk are other small aids that can improve posture and reduce pain, he added. 

Gugliotti also noted that frequent smartphone use can lead to “tech neck,” when additional stress is placed on the neck because users are frequently bending down to view the screen.

“Having your phone more towards the front of your face would be the best scenario,” he advised.

Gugliotti is one of many New York Tech faculty lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Counting steps as a measure of exercise is misleading, and not a useful indicator of daily exercise goals, according to exercise physiologist Alexander Rothstein, Ed.D.

“Hitting 10,000 steps a day helps to prevent long sedentary periods, which are associated with health risks like blood clots and heart disease, but society tends to overestimate the fitness benefits of taking 10,000 steps,” said Rothstein, an assistant professor of exercise science at New York Institute of Technology.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio exercise five days per week, or 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity cardiorespiratory exercise three times per week for most adults, Rothstein said. A combination of the two (moderate and vigorous) at least three to four days a week would also meet these guidelines.

However, nearly half (46%) of American adults do not meet guidelines for aerobic or muscle-strengthening activities, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On its own, a daily step count goal has a minimal impact on physical fitness. Although everyday walking qualifies as physical activity, it typically lacks the intensity needed to significantly improve cardiovascular or muscular fitness, Rothstein said. “During routine walking, we’re usually not reaching an intensity that sufficiently elevates heart rate or oxygen demand to drive meaningful physiological adaptations,” he explained.

For a more accurate measurement of exercise intensity, Rothstein advises checking your heart rate rather than your step count. “Heart rate is a better measurement tool. The time spent in certain heart rate zones can be counted towards the recommended exercise guidelines. In general, the higher your heart rate, the higher the exercise intensity,” he said.

You can raise the intensity and elevate your heart rate while walking by increasing your pace (power walk) or adding some hills, which requires you to work against gravity to propel yourself upward, Rothstein noted. “These factors challenge the body much more than walking at a slower pace or on a flat surface. Walking on an incline activates muscles in the calves, glutes, and hamstrings, especially if you’re moving faster.”

Steps are a great way to track physical activity and prevent sedentary behavior, but be sure to plan time for purposeful exercise that challenges the body and elevates the heart rate, Rothstein added.

Rothstein is one of many New York Tech faculty lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Exercising in the warmer weather is a welcome respite from winter, but summer workouts bring their own challenges, including dehydration.

For most people, 64 ounces of water each day is recommended for good health, but this varies with activity level, climate, and individual needs, according to sports medicine physician Hallie Zwibel, D.O.

However, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American adults average a daily water consumption of just 44 ounces, while children and adolescents average only 23 ounces.

“Being dehydrated is more than just feeling thirsty—it means your body doesn't have enough water to function properly,” said Zwibel, an assistant dean and director of the Center for Sports Medicine at New York Institute of Technology’s medical school. “It’s important to listen to your body's signals and adjust your water intake based on factors like activity level and weather conditions.”

Signs of serious dehydration include extreme thirst, dark urine, dizziness, confusion, and rapid heartbeat, according to Zwibel. “If you experience these symptoms, drink water immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms persist,” he said. Chronic dehydration, or when dehydration appears for longer periods, may indicate serious underlying health issues such as diabetes, kidney problems, or certain medications affecting your body's fluid balance, he added.  

Zwibel emphasized that while electrolyte packets can help replenish essential minerals lost through sweat, they should not replace daily water intake. Electrolyte-infused water should be consumed in addition to the daily recommended amount.

For those ages 21 and older, alcohol can contribute to dehydration as well, because it strips the body of fluids, Zwibel said. “To counteract these effects, I recommend having a glass of water every 30 minutes, which will help continually replenish any fluids lost,” he advised.

“This summer, whether you’re playing an outdoor sport like pickleball or beach volleyball, or headed out for a run, it's essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after the activity,” said Zwibel.

The physician noted that wearing sunscreen, a hat, and light-colored clothing can also protect against the sun’s rays and reduce the risk of overheating, while taking regular breaks in the shade can help you stay cool and safely maintain exercise performance. “On the hottest days, try to schedule your workout or activity for the early morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler,” he added.

Zwibel is one of many New York Tech faculty lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Recent news has raised concerns about the safety of items that may be in your kitchen, including plastic utensils and nonstick cookware (commonly made with Teflon).

“The concerns about Teflon primarily relate to PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), which was historically used in manufacturing Teflon coatings until 2013,” said David Nadler, Ph.D., a professor in the Occupational Health and Safety graduate program at New York Institute of Technology.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. These coatings can be in a variety of products, such as clothing, furniture, food packaging, and non-stick cooking surfaces, among others.

“PFAS are getting a lot of attention right now, but they are just a few of many chemicals in our environment that can cause health issues,” said Nadler, who previously worked as a director within the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and at New York Tech is researching the breakdown of forever chemicals.

PFAS exposure has been linked to certain health effects, including cancer, developmental and reproductive problems, and immune system dysfunction. However, Nadler noted that more research is needed to determine how the potential effects of PFAS compare to other more prevalent chemicals.

Meanwhile, Nadler explained that newer Teflon cookware is safe to use.

“Modern Teflon cookware is produced without PFOA, using alternative manufacturing processes. But when using any non-stick cookware, it's important to avoid overheating and replace pans when the coating shows significant wear,” Nadler said. He suggests examining your Teflon cookware for signs of scratching, peeling, or other blemishes, and replacing it if you see damage. He also recommends keeping Teflon cookware in good shape by eliminating abrasive cleaning products and avoiding use of the cookware in extremely high temperatures (such as 500 degrees Fahrenheit or higher).

In addition, while plastic kitchen tools are generally safe, it is important to know what they are made of. For example, black utensils can contain potentially carcinogenic hydrocarbons. “Silicon and nylon are high-quality, stable, and safe for contact with food. Lower quality plastics, especially those containing Bisphenol A (BPA), have the potential to leach out chemicals, particularly when exposed to higher heat or highly acidic ingredients,” said Nadler.   

“Manufacturers have phased out much of the BPA in plastic utensils after public concern over the past decade,” he added. The best way to choose a utensil is to check for food-grade certification by the manufacturer. Metal, silicon, nylon, and wood are all better than black plastic utensils, Nadler states.

Nadler is one of many New York Tech researchers tackling real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Most Americans spend hours each day scrolling through their phones, but an expert at New York Institute of Technology warns this habit may lead to smartphone addiction—releasing the same neurochemicals as hard drugs.

“Smartphones have the same chemical reaction in the brain as drugs and alcohol,” said Melissa DiMartino, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at New York Tech. “Getting ‘likes,’ messages, and notifications from your phone releases dopamine, which makes us feel good, and in turn, we want to repeat these feel-good behaviors. However, when we don’t get them, we feel depressed and lonely, which creates an adverse effect,” she said.

If you feel anxious without your phone and can’t go anywhere without it, these are signs you may be using it too much, noted DiMartino. For others, the continuous stream of updates and being at someone’s beck and call can generate a sense of urgency, leading to increased anxiety and stress.

DiMartino conducted a study analyzing the impact of smartphones in the college classroom. Specifically, she analyzed how mindfulness and attention, as well as anxiety levels, are affected when students’ smartphones are present vs. removed.

In four classes, half of the students turned in smartphones, while the other half kept their phones and used them without restrictions.

After six weeks, students self-reported scores on course comprehension, mindfulness, and anxiety levels. Those who handed in their smartphones reported much higher comprehension and mindfulness scores and lower levels of anxiety compared to the students who kept their phones.

“While our research focused on a younger age group, people of all generations can benefit from routinely unplugging from their smartphones, from improved sleep to relieving the stress that comes with always being ‘on,’” DiMartino said.

DiMartino offers this guide to healthy separation from your smartphone:

Separate to sleep. Mental health and sleep are closely tied together. Leaving your phone outside of your bedroom has been found to significantly improve sleep quality. If you need an alarm, swap out the phone for a traditional alarm clock.

Schedule breaks. Try taking scheduled time apart from your phone, perhaps 30 minutes or one hour to start, gradually extending the length over time.

Do not disturb. Turn off notifications to create limits. Update your smartphone settings to “do not disturb” between certain hours, which can ease the anxiety that a constant stream of text messages, notifications, and alerts brings.

DiMartino is one of many New York Tech researchers who are tackling real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.