Summer is a great time to think outside the box and try new ways to improve learning and health. Kids Enabled researched six unique therapies that might be new to parents. Remember, not every treatment or therapy is right for everyone.
Play therapy
Play therapy is a unique approach to psychotherapy specifically designed for children and based on the fact that a child’s most natural form of self-expression is through play. Play therapists focus on “hearing” the messages found in a child’s play and on facilitating progress of certain skills and expression of feelings. Play therapy allows for a natural sense of pace since it is child-directed and encourages a trusting and workable relationship with the therapist. For children with learning differences, play therapy can help with skill deficits such as problem solving, critical thinking, understanding social cues, as well as identifying and appropriately expressing feelings. Play therapy toys are usually similar to those found in the classroom or at home such as puppets, play food, dolls and games.
As a parent, how do you make sure your child’s therapist is qualified? According to the Association for Play Therapy, registered play therapists and registered play therapist-supervisors are licensed or certified practitioners who have earned a master’s degree or higher mental health degree, have 150 or more hours of specialized play therapy training, have substantial clinical and play therapy experience and supervision, and at least 36 hours of continuing education during subsequent three year renewal cycles. For more information visit the Georgia Association of Play Therapy Web site, www.gapt.org and the Association for Play Therapy Web site, www.a4pt.org.
Acupuncture
Simply put, acupuncture is the ancient Chinese practice of inserting needles into the skin to relieve pain and treat diseases. The theory is that energy flows through channels between the surface of the body and internal organs, and that pain and disease are the result of these channels becomingblocked. Western medicine’s theory is that the placement of acupuncture needles at specific pain points releases endorphins and opioids (the body’s natural painkillers), and perhaps immune system cells, neurotransmitters and neurohormones in the brain. By placing needles at one end of the channel or the other, healthy energy can be restored. The idea of your child cooperating while someone places needles into their skin may make you laugh, but acupuncture has been shown to be helpful in treating a variety of conditions in children. The needles used in acupuncture are small, and very fine and solid, unlike the hollow needles used for vaccinations. While children can feel the needle pierce the skin, they cannot feel any pain. Acupuncture is often used to treat chronic pain, but has also been known to help with the overall health of children with learning differences. A good starting point for research and finding a licensed acupuncture physician, is the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture Web site, www.medicalacupuncture.org. Other articles of interest can be found at www.healthlink.mew.edu/article/991233942.html and www.umm.edu/pediatrics/acupuncture.htm.
Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy uses the multidimensional movements of a horse to address developmental issues. Specially trained physical and occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, use horses as “mobile therapeutic treatment tools.” A horse’s rhythmic, repetitive movements while walking allow a child to receive sensory input through the proprioceptive, tactile, auditory, visual and vestibular systems. In addition, maintaining balance while adjusting to and accommodating for the horse’s movements increases sensorimotor integration. Therapists have children ride in different positions (backwards, sideways, standing in the stirrups), and they encourage the child to stretch and play games. Hipppotherapy usually takes place inside a covered ring thereby allowing the child to participate no matter what the weather.
Each child should be evaluated before starting hippotherapy. Parents should look for a program where the therapists are licensed or registered to practice physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech-language pathology; have received training in the principles of hippotherapy, equine movement and equine psychology; are the equivalent of a North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) registered instructor (or have an NARHA registered instructor assisting with the horse at all treatment sessions); and maintain current professional and general liability insurance. Please visit the American Hippotherapy Association Web site for more information, www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org
Yoga
For children with learning differences, yoga can be a source of self-esteem and increased concentration. Because yoga improves self-awareness, self-realization and self-acceptance, children more fully experience who they are and this confidence may bring positive changes in the classroom. Yoga also provides time for self-reflection, helping students to become less influenced by their weaknesses and more aware of their strengths. Since frustration comes along with nearly every learning disability, with some students succumbing to aggravation which hinders even further their ability to learn, the breathing techniques taught in yoga can help people to relax, rejuvenate and try again. Yoga often helps children increase concentration skills, which are crucial for learning. Yoga practice requires students to focus on their breathing as they move through the poses, which strengthens the ability to stay on task. Through the exercise of focusing on a certain spot for an extended period of time, yoga can offer increased efficiency of the optic nerve, more relaxed facial muscles and increased functionality of certain areas of the brain. These benefits all work together to improve a child’s ability to focus visually. Yoga also increases the circulation of oxygen and blood to the brain and stimulates the central nervous system. Look for a yoga studio that has experience working with kids, especially those with learning issues. Some children may need more attention or one-on-one help during their yoga sessions. Also, if your child has physical concerns, please check with his doctor before beginning a yoga program. You can learn more by visiting www.ezinearticles.com/?Yoga-and-Learning-Disabilities&id=363339 and www.healthandyoga.com/HTML/news/therapy/rtherapy73.asp.
Adapted swimming
For many children who struggle with motor planning and processing, traditional swimming lessons can cause frustration, fear of the water and a sense of failure. Adapted swimming teachers know how to modify lessons and progression plans so that the child effectively learns to swim. For example, a child who has poor motor planning skills may work on just one aspect of a swimming stroke at a time. Until that skill is mastered, the teacher will not add a new task. Also, since learning new physical skills is challenging for some children, fatigue can influence how learning actually gets accomplished.
Ann Leverette, an adapted swimming instructor in the Atlanta area with more than 25 years experience, says, “For the child to fully experience the effect of the water on her body, skills may need to be taught with more emphasis on play than drill and practice.” An effective adapted swimming teacher can teach swimming skills in a way that incorporates games and fun. With appropriate support, almost all children can learn to swim and gain a lifetime leisure skill. For more information about adaptive swimming visit, www.at4learning.org.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment is a specialized therapyin which the air pressure in the environment is increased. When a person’s body is placed in a more pressurized environment (a hyperbaric “chamber”), it absorbs more oxygen molecules per volume of compressed air. By increasing the air pressure, oxygen is then driven into the body’s fluids, allowing a super-saturation of tissues and organs with oxygen. The increased pressure infuses the body with oxygen, even reaching injuries with damaged circulation. Traditionally, HBO treatment has been used for stroke recovery, diabetic foot wounds, decompression sickness, brain injuries, thermal burns, wound healing, crush injuries and bone grafts, just to name a few. Many elite athletes use HBO to improve their workouts. Current medical theory holds that because HBO increases the blood flow to the brain, it may offer benefits to those with neurological conditions.
A recent study entitled, “Hyperbaric treatment for children with autism: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial,” was conducted by lead physician and researcher, Dr. Daniel Rossignol. From six centers in the United States, Dr. Rossignol and colleagues studied 62 children with autism, ages 2-7 years, to assess the efficacy of hyperbaric treatment. The study, published in BMC Pediatrics, found that 30 percent of the treatment group was rated by doctors as “very much improved” or “much improved.” The best place to start researching HBO treatment (and reputable treatment centers) is your child’s pediatrician. Visit the International Hyperbaric Association at www.ihausa.org, as well as www.news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7940149.stm and www.foxbusiness.com/story/autism-study-finds-significant-benefit-hyperbaric-treatment/ for more information.
Archives:
Kids and Chiropractors - December 1, 2008
Music Therapy: Seeing – and Hearing – is Believing - June 1, 2008
Connecting the Dots: Finding the Best Brain Therapy - March 1, 2008
