Rosemary Murphy Developmental Learning developlearning.co.nz

In a recent workshop for RTLBs I discussed all of the different diagnoses which are given to children today with learning or behaviours difficulties.

We now have ADHD, ADD, GDD, PDD, ODD and PDAD together with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and Aspergers. The list seems to be endless and no doubt there will be more added as time goes by. However it has been my experience that these are just descriptions of symptoms. it is only in recent years that any real understanding of underlying causes has emerged. 

Development disruption

These ‘alphabet kids’ are all struggling with a neuro developmental delay which began in the first four months of life. Dr Robin Puac, a functional neurologist, has found that at four months of age there is a sudden change in brain development, with the sudden growth of spindle cells, heralding the unfolding of the frontal cortex. The alphabet kids almost all show a disruption at this crucial stage of development.

Audrey McAllen, who developed “The Extra Lesson” intervention programme for these children, also noted that the underlying faculties required for learning (spatial orientation and body geography) also begin to develop in this crucial period of life.

Sally Goddard, in “Reflexes Learning and Behaviour” found that the primitive reflexes babies are born with (to ensure survival after birth) should all be suppressed by the baby’s own movement on the floor in these crucial first four months. When these remain they interfere with the processes of thought and memory. A direct cause and effect relationship can be seen between specific symptoms and specific retained reflexes.

Learning struggles

So what has happened to our beautiful children? they are all struggling with their learning equipment. they are asking the question “how do I get into my body and make it work well for me?”

The Extra Lesson intervention, which I have used now for 11 years, effectively, gently and holistically removes the neuro developmental delay and restores to these children their true learning potential. how? by revisiting the entire sequence of early childhood movement patterns for the moment of birth.

For more information on Extra Lesson email or visit developlearning.co.nz