AAP Public Affairs Contacts:
- Lisa Robinson: lrobinson@aap.org
- Alex Hulvalchick: ahulvalchick@aap.org
- Jenn Nimke: jnimke@aap.org
- Commun@aap.org
- AAP Public Affairs: Press office: Colorado Convention Center (CCC) 705/707
- On-site phone number: 303-228-8338.
Media: Journalists covering the conference must be registered as members of the press. Reporters must apply for press credentials in advance of the conference and meet criteria of Media Guidelines. Attendees can pick up their badge at the Colorado Convention Center registration desk with photo ID. All conference attendees must wear a badge at all times. Masks are optional and are not provided on site. For more information about covering the conference, contact AAP Public Affairs. Information will also be available in the AAP News Room. All attendees must adhere to AAP’s Health & Safety and Code of Conduct policies.
News Releases: Journalists may obtain embargoed news releases on these presentations and selected abstracts by contacting AAP Public Affairs. Embargoed news releases are also posted on www.EurekAlert.org and linked below in this press kit (media log-in required).
Embargos: Research abstracts are embargoed until 1:05 a.m. MDT Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. Other news releases are embargoed to the times and dates marked.
Abstracts
- Journalists can access abstracts during the embargo period by contacting AAP Public Affairs staff.
- All abstracts will be posted publicly.
AAP News: The Academy’s member news magazine, has developed a collection of articles describing themes and sessions from the AAP National Conference & Exhibition. See below for articles exploring sessions on immigrant care, mental health and adolescence.
Follow AAP at @AmerAcadPeds on social platforms. #AAP2025
Helpful meeting links:
- National Conference Website: www.AAPexperience.org
- National Conference Planner: https://aapexperience.org/schedule/
- Special Events: http://www.aapexperience.org/special-events/
- American Academy of Pediatrics hosts 2025 National Conference & Exhibition in Denver
Press office: Colorado Convention Center (CCC) 705/707. Phone number: 303-228-8338.
Hours:
- Friday: 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. MDT
- Saturday: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. MDT
- Sunday: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. MDT
- Monday: 7:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. MDT
- Tuesday: 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. MDT
Breakfast and lunch will be provided in the press office Saturday to Monday.
MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
AAP PRESS CONFERENCE: Soundbite Session
Noon- 1 -1:30 p.m. MDT, Saturday, Sept. 27, Colorado Convention Center, Press Office, 705/707
Authors of select abstracts being presented at the conference will offer brief remarks and be available for individual interviews. Attend this session to learn more about new research, which is described in news releases below. The embargo on abstracts lifts at 1:05 a.m. MDT Friday, Sept. 26. Lunch is provided.
ADDITIONAL DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
FRIDAY Sept. 26 Highlights
Session: What Pediatricians Need to Know About Development and Digital Media in Early Childhood
1 p.m.-2 p.m. MDT- Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom 2GH
This session explores early childhood development in the context of an increasingly wired and connected digital world. Faculty will review recent evidence based on young children’s development, digital media, and tips for pediatric providers on how to counsel families.
Session: Why Fad Can Be Bad: Navigating the Dietary Landscape
4 p.m.-5 p.m. MDT- Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom 1C
(Repeated Saturday, Sept. 27 from 7:30-8:30 a.m. MDT in Bluebird Ballroom 3B-D)
As families seek an optimal diet to manage physical symptoms or promote health, their dietary choices increasingly are being influenced by nonmedical sources, including social media. This session is designed to help pediatricians navigate the vast landscape of diets to determine what is fad and what is evidence-based.
SATURDAY, Sept. 27 Highlights
Opening Session LIVESTREAM
10:30 a.m. to noon MDT- Colorado Convention Center, Bellco Theater
AAP President Susan J. Kressly, MD, FAAP, opens the conference with the President’s Address to discuss the challenges facing our nation’s children and pediatricians. The session is hosted by Elizabeth Murray, DO, FAAP, and features on-stage and a keynote address by Will Flanary, MD, an ophthalmologist and part-time comedian. He moonlights in his free time as “Dr. Glaucomflecken,” a social media personality who creates medical-themed comedy shorts for an audience of over 5 million across social media.
AAP PRESS CONFERENCE: Soundbite Session
Noon- 1 -1:30 p.m. MDT, Colorado Convention Center, Press Office, 705/707
Authors of select abstracts being presented at the conference will offer brief remarks and be available for individual interviews. Attend this session to learn more about new research, which is described in news releases below. The embargo on abstracts lifts at 1:05 a.m. MDT Friday, Sept. 26. Lunch is provided.
Session: Unveiling the Hidden Threat of Emerging Pollutants: Counseling Families About PFAS and Microplastics
9 a.m.-10 a.m. MDT- Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom 3E-G
Concern is increasing about the prevalence of a large group of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics and nano-plastics, the tiny particles dispersed from weathering of plastics. This session will examine sources, exposure routes, and health effects of these pollutants as well as how to counsel families on decreasing their exposure.
Session: From Flavored Vapes to Viral Challenges: What to Know About Inhaled Substances
2 p.m.-3 p.m. MDT- Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom 2A
This session will describe inhalants used by youth, including combustible cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, glue, gas fumes, whippits (nitrous oxide), and viral trends such as the “cinnamon challenge.” Faculty will discuss what is known about the short- and long-term effects on pulmonary health and how to counsel youth.
SUNDAY, Sept. 28 Highlights
Plenary Session: LIVESTREAM
Dating Violence; Partnering with AI; and Elevating the Arts to Improve Mental Health
10:30 a.m. to noon MDT Colorado Convention Center, Bellco Theatre
Speakers present on these topics:
- Dating Violence: Should We Be Screening Our Adolescents?
- Smarter Content, Less Time: Partnering With AI to Create Educational and Advocacy Media;
- Elevating the Arts to Improve Youth Mental Health
Session: Safety and Efficacy of Herbs and Supplements in Children and Adolescents
9 a.m.-10 a.m. MDT Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom 1C
(Repeated 5 p.m.- 6 p.m. Sunday MDT Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom 2GH)
Integrative medicine includes the use of herbs and supplements in pediatric and adolescent populations for health promotion and as a therapeutic intervention. This session will review evidence-based literature on herb and supplement efficacy in children and adolescents as well as safety, adverse effects, and interactions with drugs.
Session: Marijuana and High-Potency THC Products: What Pediatricians Need to Know
2 p.m. - 3 p.m. MDT Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom 1B
This session reviews cannabinoid use, including higher-potency products available in many states, Canadian provinces, and European countries. Faculty will highlight the growing number of over-the-counter tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products, risks for young children and THC-impaired driving, and strategies for clinical practice and advocacy.
MONDAY, Sept. 29 Highlights
Session: Friend or Foe? Educating Patients on Staying Safe on Social Media
9 a.m. - 10 a.m. MDT Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom 1A
This session will describe social media trends and challenges that led to youth injury and death, and evolving data on social media and youth mental health, including self-harm and risk-taking behaviors. Attendees will leave with concrete strategies to educate patients on safe behaviors when using social media.
Plenary: LIVESTREAM
10:30 a.m. – noon MDT Colorado Convention Center, Bellco Theatre
Topics covered are:
- Let's Get SMART About Asthma
- Legal Aspects of Providing Health Care to Adolescents
- The Pediatrician Shortage: How Did We Get Here and How Do We Find Our Way Out?
- The Power of the Pediatrician
Session: To Ban or Not: Pediatrician’s Role in School Cell Phone Policies
2 p.m.- 3 p.m. MDT Colorado Convention Center, Meeting Room 501/502
Student smartphone use in schools is associated with distraction and bullying. In response, states and school districts have implemented policies about phone use during school, including bans. This session provides evidence and expert recommendations for pediatricians who are consulted on such policies and related advocacy.
TUESDAY, Sept. 30 Highlights
Session: Ankyloglossia and Other Ties
9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Colorado Convention Center Bluebird Ballroom 2B-D
(Repeated 5:00 p.m.-6 p.m. MDT Monday Bluebird Ballroom 2B-D)
Ankyloglossia has been associated with a variety of infant feeding issues, including disruption of successful breastfeeding. Faculty will present evidence-based practices to help pediatric providers meet parental expectations; provide high-quality, effective care; develop a differential diagnosis for breastfeeding problems; and prevent unnecessary procedures.
HIGHLIGHTED RESEARCH ABSTRACTS
ABSTRACTS AND NEWS RELEASES BELOW ARE EMBARGOED TO 1:05 a.m. MDT FRIDAY, Sept. 26, 2025
Pediatric Golf Cart Injuries on the Rise
Pediatric golf cart injuries have steadily increased over the past three years. Researchers found that children under the age of 12 represented nearly half of all reports of pediatric golf cart injuries with a majority (53%) being white and an overwhelming majority (90%) being males.
Over 20% of Sexual Health-Related TikToks Contained Inaccurate Information
Young adults turning to TikTok for sexual health information are being confronted with misinformation. Researchers created a TikTok account representing a 15-year-old and examined the top 10 videos that appeared under 10 keywords related to sexual and reproductive health. Data showed that 21.4% of the videos created by non-medical professionals contained inaccurate information.
Meta-Analysis: COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy is Safe and Beneficial for Mother and Infant
An analysis of data from over 1.2 million pregnant individuals found that those who received a COVID-19 vaccination had a 58% lower risk of being infected with the virus, as well as a lower risk of experiencing a stillbirth or preterm birth.
A 2018 federal mandate to equip all new vehicles with a backup camera has led to a significant decrease in severe injuries and death in small children, who otherwise can be overlooked by drivers, research finds. Backover trauma refers to injury sustained when a pedestrian is struck by a motorized vehicle in reverse. These incidents disproportionately affect small children.
Stricter Gun Laws Associated with Decreased In-Home Pediatric Firearm Homicides
States that have adopted stronger gun control legislation experience lower rates of in-home pediatric firearm homicides, according to research. Authors examined data from the National Violent Death Reporting System and U.S. Census Bureau from 2005 to 2021, focusing on pediatric in-home firearm homicides.
Sodium Nitrite and Nitrate Increasingly Used in Youth Suicide Attempts
Young people are increasingly turning to sodium nitrite and nitrate as a method of suicide after buying the products online, according to research. Both chemical compounds are salt derivatives most commonly used in food preservation, especially in the meat production industry. They can be easily purchased in powder form online as curing ingredients.
Majority of “Eco-Influencer" TikToks Contain Contradictory Medial Information
Researchers reviewed 120 videos centered on the “eco-influencer” movement, which emphasizes natural living, holistic health, and other alternative medical and parenting methods. They found that of the videos examined, 61% contradicted established pediatric health guidelines. These videos, which often promote vaccine hesitancy and unproven natural remedies, were mostly (80%) created by self-identified parents and influencers rather than healthcare professionals.
Expecting Mothers Increasingly Turn to At-Home Births: New Research
More pregnant people are turning away from hospital births and instead choosing their homes, according to research. Researchers tracked out-of-hospital births in the Cincinnati area and found that the numbers doubled in the region from April 1, 2020 - December 31, 2023, compared to births from January 1, 2018 - February 29, 2020. The trend was seen most in young, highly educated mothers who were also more likely to have higher body mass index and fewer prenatal visits.
Period Preparedness: Research Shows Education Helps Teens Feel Informed, Confident
Hands-on education such as practiced tampon use on fruit can help better prepare adolescents for the changes taking place in their bodies during menstruation, according to research. Authors found that lack of practical knowledge about menstruation can negatively impact teens’ body image and reinforce stigma around the topic.
COVID Pandemic Disrupted Sex Ed for Middle School Students
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in students being less engaged and open about sexual education when compared with other middle school classes. Comparing two groups of students, the resesarchers found one group reported more negative feelings and beliefs regarding sexual education than their peers.
Research Shows Parent-Owned Guns Most Often Used in Youth Suicide
Most children and teens between ages 10 to 17 who died by firearm suicide used a firearm that belonged to their parent, and often the firearm had been stored unlocked. Compared to suicides by young adults (ages 20-24 years), the gun used in child suicide (ages 10-17) was 10 times more likely to be owned by a parent, the study found.
Food Outreach Specialists Make Positive Impact on Childhood Food Insecurity
One effective way of tackling childhood food insecurity could be hiring and collaborating with food outreach specialists in pediatrician offices, according to research. Researchers followed results of placing a food outreach specialist from a local community organization in an urban Midwest clinic to serve as a liaison for connecting families in need with available resources.
Maternal Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences Raises Risk of Preterm Birth
Preterm birth, or birth before 37 weeks' gestation, can in some cases be linked to the mother’s exposure to adverse childhood experiences, or ACE’s, research finds. Adverse childhood experiences are defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as potentially traumatic incidents that happen during childhood such as abuse, neglect, and household instability.
Unintentional Marijuana Ingestions Rise Sharply in Tennessee
Unintentional pediatric marijuana ingestions in children under the age of 5 have gone up more than 1,000% in the past seven years, according to a Tennessee research team that reviewed over 2,300 pediatric emergency cases from 2016 to 2023.
Researchers Find Benefit in Routine Asthma Screening in Communities with High Asthma Prevalence
Researchers were able to identify more patients with asthma in specific communities by screening all children during routine wellness visits and asking about potential home environmental triggers, according to new research. Authors identified a community that already showed a high prevalence of asthma cases and started universally screening all pediatric patients, describing their results.
Smoking Decline Leads to Fewer Newborns with Gastroschisis, Research Finds
A decline in smoking in the general population, including pregnant people, over the last few decades corresponded with a decline in infants born with a birth defect called gastroschisis. Gastroschisis, a condition in a baby is born with their organs outside of their body due to their abdominal wall not forming completely in the womb, according to the study.
Emergency Calls for Pediatric Opioid Exposure on Rise: New Research
Years after the opioid epidemic began in the 1990s, emergency medical services are seeing increases in emergency calls for pre-teens and adolescents. Authors reviewed the data from 2019 through 2023, breaking it down into two categories: middle school aged children and high school aged teens.
Safe Gun Storage Program Gives Pediatricians a Guide for Preventing Suicide by Firearms
Discussion around safe firearms storage could be the key to preventing both unintentional and intentional firearm injuries and death, according to research that describes a “Store it Safe” program launched in Ohio. The program was developed in 2015 to train healthcare providers to screen for depression and suicide, discuss lethal means, distribute safe storage lock boxes, and provide resources for families.
One in four patients treated in an emergency department for firearm injuries had been treated in a prior visit for injuries caused by a motor vehicle crash or other violent incident, according to new research. The significant association between types of injuries could indicate a pattern of risky behaviors.
Benadryl Challenge Encouraging Adolescents to Engage in Dangerous Over-the-Counter Drug Use
Adolescents and young adults are misusing common over-the-counter antihistamines, putting them at risk of severe health outcomes including heart arrythmias, seizures or death, according to research. Trends such as the “Benadryl Challenge” circulating on social media are fueling the rise in these dangerous activities.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org.
Subject of Research
Animals
Article Title
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS 2025 NATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION MEDIA KIT
Article Publication Date
26-Sep-2025