 It's more common than you think — in fact, 1 in 6 U.S. children receive a diagnosis that falls under the umbrella of Neuro-Developmental Delay (NDD). This immaturity in the central nervous system is seen in such diagnoses as ADD/ADHD, Developmental Delay, Sensory Processing Disorder, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and many more. Addressing the Need A few years ago as a part-time pediatric occupational therapist at a local clinic, God showed Theresa Mitchell the incredible need for help existing in our homeschool community... That's when she created her sensory-motor class, Core Connections, to help fight the epidemic of delayed development and provide affordable help and support to homeschooled children. Core Connections is currently offered at our Summit T-38 campus.
The infant brain grows from the bottom up so that automatic, unconscious areas of the brain develop first. As an infant grows, connections (or pathways) are created between nerve cells in the lower regions of the brain up into the higher, specialized regions where willful, conscious movement and thought occurs. These connections are not present at birth, and it is the sensory and motor experiences of the infant and young child that cause them to form. In Core Connections, Ms. Mitchell uses developmental play mixed with therapeutic exercises to stimulate the brain to make new connections. During class, parents engage in structured play activities with their children. helping them advance through normal developmental stages as they gain control and coordination in their bodies, minds, and emotions. Social skills are fostered during group play. In these ways, Core Connections strengthens the neurological foundation on which all other developmental skills are built. What Improvements Will Parents See? After participation in a year of Core, children show improved self-control, less impulsivity, better balance and coordination, improved skills in sports and recreation, and more confidence to try new things. One 10-year-old boy in Core last year gained the confidence and coordination he needed to learn to swim for the first time! Parents love the ideas, information, and support they receive. One parent summed it up when she said, “It let me get to know that we are not alone.” Ms. Mitchell is grateful for the opportunity to serve your family through Core Connections! Also, check out her handwriting class, Doodle Shop.
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