Message from Misti
This month I’m using a different format than I usually use, I’d like to talk about HOW therapy can be delivered. With over 30 years’ experience as an occupational therapist and teacher, I have trained in a multitude of methods to work with children and families. One of my strongest skills is teaching parents, teachers, and other caregivers about the why of what we do, not just the what or how of an activity. I know when a caregiver understands why something is important or why something works, they are much more likely to follow through on the activities at home. Caregiver participation in therapy is a keystone of my therapy practice. With that in mind, I have been working the past few months to create a more organized way to present all my years of learning to parents so they can understand and move with me through the therapy experience with confidence. This month, I’d like to lay out a shift in service at Peppler Occupational Therapy to offer more choices to parents and caregivers.
Introducing
The Neuro Foundations Program!
Movement is the cornerstone of brain development and growth. Purposeful movement creates the ideal neural conditions for neural plasticity or the ability of the brain to grow and change. Movement, rhythm, balance, and sensory input allow the brain to create new neural pathways needed to improve attention, coordination, reflex and sensory integration, regulation, motor skills and behavior.
Over and over research demonstrates how moving bodies are learning bodies. Brain research shows that movement ignites areas of the brain, improves neuron connections, and helps to develop different areas of the brain.
Movement can make learning more interactive and enjoyable, leading to increased engagement and motivation
Physical activity can improve focus and concentration, making it easier for students to absorb information.
Movement helps to activate different areas of the brain, which can lead to improved memory and retention of information
Movement can help relieve stress and improve mental health, creating a more positive and conducive learning environment.
Movement can help develop various cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and spatial reasoning.
Research in embodied cognition suggests that the body plays a crucial role in thinking and learning, and that movement can activate and open up the mind for learning
What happens when a child has difficulty with emotional regulation and motor control? Learning is more difficult, more cognitive effort is put into attempting to gain control of emotions or motor movements, neurosynaptic connections for memory and new learning are impaired.
This is the point at which intervention is needed – this is where I work in the nervous system. Using primitive reflex integration exercises and techniques, brain balance techniques, and various sound/proprioception-based tools the brain can grow improved neural networks. With improved brain functioning life is easier, with less breakdowns and improved learning.
Three Phases of Growth
In reviewing my tool bag of methods, techniques, and programs I realize neural growth follows a progression. The progression is always the same regardless of diagnosis as it follows the natural progression of brain development. For intervention purposes I have outlined this progression into 3 phases:
Phase 1 – Calm and Connect: Bringing basic regulation to the nervous system
Phase 2 – Integrate and Focus: Using movement experiences and listening program for neural plasticity
Phase 3 – Grow and Thrive: Skill development and social/emotional learning
Each stage builds the foundation for the next, allowing optimal growth in the shortest amount of time. The tools and methods utilized in each phase are specific to the goals of that stage. There are not exact markers for achievement in each stage so higher-level tools will be introduced and used based on an individual’s needs when they are ready and prepared for them. I have developed informational booklets for each stage which discuss the theories, methods and specific tools that may be used in that stage to help parents better understand the what and why of the activities we are using.
Who benefits from the Neuro Foundations Program?
There are many reasons and diagnosis which cause disruption to typical development in the brain. We know that the progression of brain development is related to strengthening neural connections between different areas of the brain with a strong foundation of sensory and motor development. So many individuals who experience ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, genetic disorders, and early trauma display signs that these foundational pieces are missing. The Neuro Foundations program offers help to individuals – children and adults alike – that need to develop and strengthen neural pathway communication in the brain.
Now offering 4 ways you can help your child achieve the Neuro Foundation they need to succeed in daily life
1. Virtual Coaching : For highly motivated families that feel confident in following through on daily activities. Included is the initial evaluation (completed in person), a robust home program, two 15 minute virtual consultations a month, and basic materials and one year subscription to Unyte platform for auditory and proprioceptive sensory stimulation and integration.
2. Hybrid Therapy and Coaching: For families that need a little more support, add one 60 minute in person session a month.
3. Weekly Therapy and robust home program: For individuals with higher needs and families that need more support. Weekly therapy can be in person or virtual in Illinois. This path includes the robust home program, as well as the tools and subscription for Unyte modalities.
4. Intensive Therapy Sessions – A concentrated amount of time providing more time for focused work and potentially faster progress compared to weekly therapy. It involves working for 3-5 hours, potentially several days in a row.
Meeting a family where they are - from the overscheduled, exhausted parent who can’t take in one more piece of information, to the parent seeking the latest research and techniques – means providing services in a variety of ways. Hopefully by ushering families through the 3 phases of progress, with concentration on the end goal in each phase and education around the tools and techniques utilized parents will feel more confident and in control of their child’s progress. Offering a variety of pathways to achieve that progress will allow more families the opportunity to engage in important neuro-developmental growth. The life of a child and family shouldn’t be difficult and hard, together we can change that trajectory to a life that is easy and fun.