Posts by anchen
What is muscle tone and why is it important for movement?
DefinitionMuscle tone refers to the natural stress in the muscle when at rest. It is not the same as muscle strength.A child with a natural lower tone in his muscle will use his muscles with more effort than a child with normal muscle tone.Children with low muscle-tone therefore tire easily, or they move about the…
Read MoreThe facts about autism spectrum
It is believed that 1 in 68 children suffer from autism and the numbers are rising. Autism has increased more than all the other childhood diseases combined.Autism is 5 times more prevalent in boys than girls. Autism doesn’t discriminate between race or socio- economic status.The exact cause of autism is still unknown, but it is…
Read MoreGetting little hands ready for writing
Which skills are important for writing? o Postural controlBeing able to keep my body upright in the chair and to sit still o VisionTo be able to see what I am writing o Eye musclesThe muscles of my eyes should be able to work together or my writing will blur o In-hand manipulation skillsTo be…
Read MoreTell me more about sensory integration…..
We all know what vision/hearing/tasting/smelling and touching is all about but what about the other 3 senses…….. THE MOVEMENT SENSE (Vestibular sense) • Balance • Gravity THE BODY SENSE (Proprioceptive system): INTEROCEPTION: • Senses the interal signals from our body So why is sensory integration important? It forms the basis of all learning….. Let’s look…
Read MoreWhy do some kids struggle with impulse control?
It is normal for kids to have impulse control issues as they have not yet learned how to control/inhibit their emotions and actions. The moment these impulse control issues are out of sync with the peer group or causes behaviour/discipline problems then it has to be addressed. This could also be called self-control issues. This…
Read MoreExercises to do before writing tasks/table-top work
Exercises to do before writing tasks/table-top work. Download the Full PDF with images The following exercises provide vestibular (movement) and proprioceptive (deep pressure input/resistance) input that is the 2 systems under-write postural control. Postural control is necessary for stability of the shoulder, elbow and wrist and thus influences fine eye-hand coordination. This also helps the child…
Read MoreGetting little hands ready for writing
Getting little hands ready for writing Download the Full PDF Which skills are important for writing? o Postural control Being able to keep my body upright in the chair and to sit still o Vision To be able to see what I am writing o Eye muscles The muscles of my eyes should be able to…
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