When therapists help children focus their awareness on sensations accompanying a movement, they become more able to repeat that movement pattern independently. Knowledge and learning occur through contrasts. Children understand flexion through its contrast with extension. As awareness of movement and sensation increases, children are more able to move toward what they wish. They are less dependent upon the guidance of another person.
Children learn to adapt to their anatomical structure and physiological abilities to function.
Therapists can observe functional changes that the child has discovered and attempt to understand how a specific movement pattern or adaptation supports current function. In the process of change some children may temporarily need adaptations such as neck hyperextension to assist breathing or a specific head position to protect the airway during swallowing. With this understanding, a therapist can explore treatment options that contribute to even greater functional abilities. If these are introduced slowly the child may discover a better or easier way. Home Copyright 1997-2000, The Resource Foundation for Children with Challenges .