Articles category: adults
Learning & Sensory Processing: Insights from Marlo Payne
Marlo Payne Thurman, M.S., nationally recognized educational consultant, is well known for her work in both public and private schools, and has served in a variety of learning and mental health centers. She founded the Brideun Learning Communities and The Center for Education Enrichment, a private educational consulting company specializing in meeting the needs of out-of-sync learner and Twice Exceptional children (gifted with learning disabilities). The mother of two, she works primarily with children known to have a higher Intelligence Quotient or IQ. She is based in Lafayette, CO.
Cara Lindell, Kinetic Konnections' founder, met with Marlo Payne Thurman earlier this year after an introduction by a mutual client. Cara found Marlo's integrated approach to understanding a child refreshing. Marlo determines how children best functions; how they are successful as opposed to focusing on what is broken or deficient. Marlo integrates several paradigms used in mental health to formulate her unique assessment approach for children struggling with learning. Marlo's experiences, along with numerous studies and experiences of colleagues indicate that the brain's ability to process and filter sensory information (visual, auditory, tactile, proprioceptive, etc.) impacts the ability of a child to learn. When the brain and body work harder to filter the sensory information the child is unable to concentrate on the task at hand such as reading or being attentive.
One reason a child's sensory processing system may be dysfunctional is that the body's neuromuscular system is not properly aligned, which is something that is often overlooked. Marlo emphasizes that body alignment may only be one key to the puzzle. "Every child needs a comprehensive assessment. Based on that assessment, you will find your starting point or points." she said.
Parents often bring their children to Kinetic Konnections seeking to
address learning challenges. Kinetic Konnections quickly builds key
brain-body connections to effect lasting changes in neuromuscular
pathways enabling sensory efficiencies. If the brain doesn't have to
work as hard to coordinate the muscular system, then there is more
energy for processing cognitive information. As a result, many children
that have worked with Kinetic Konnections experience significant
improvements in school work, behavior, social interactions and
extracurricular activities.
Marlo suggests a few steps parents and educators can take if a child
exhibits traits of a sensory processing dysfunction.
Evaluate Sensory Processing: First rule out a sensory integration disorder by seeing a occupational therapist (OTR/L) for an evaluation. Make sure the occupational therapist specializes in pediatrics.
Assess Cognitive Factors: Determine other factors that may be at play
including cognitive learning abilities, styles and disabilities, which
would include vision, auditory processing and more. This is often
covered by a complete neuropsychological evaluation.
Observe: Be your own detective and observe your child's energy levels.
Marlo suggests that a child who is hyperactive all the time may not look
tired, but may be exhausted. Other children are easier to read, they
are fatigued by the mere mention of school work.
Make a Change: Based upon observations and evaluations pick a starting point to implement changes. As you make a change continue to observe your child. You will likely need to incorporate additional changes. Marlo adds, "There could be allergies, a learning disorder, or maybe the hip/pelvic misalignment in the body."
For more information on Marlo's personal journey, visit her website http://www.2econsultant.com.
Emerson’s Coordination and Speech
Meet Emerson, a 4 ½
year-old with an autistic spectrum disorder called PDD-NOS (Pervasive
Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified). Emerson had significant
problems with communication and play, and some difficulty interacting
with others. However, as with others diagnosed with PDD-NOS, Emerson is
too social to be considered autistic. For Emerson, his affected areas
were slow motor skills and speech delays.
Emerson's mother, Josephine, heard about the Kinetic Konnections program from Emerson's eye doctor. "After we started the skills building sessions, we saw huge improvements in his language skills and his muscle coordination," Josephine says on Emerson's progression.
"The program works great for the child and the parents," Josephine says about Kinetic Konnections. "During the session, Emerson's arms and legs are physically moved to test them to see how his body would react to certain positions. At first, Emerson wouldn't let anyone near him. After several sessions, he was the complete opposite laying still and letting us work with him for 20 minutes at a time. One of the best things about the program is that we learned how to do the exercises with Emerson at home. We were given instructions with pictures to take home which told me exactly what I was supposed to be doing. That made it so much easier than just remembering on my own," Josephine adds.
"The great thing about the program is that Emerson has a session depending on his progression." To date, Emerson has had five skill building sessions in a five-month period. Overall, Josephine is thrilled with the program and how much it has helped Emerson. "It's a very reasonable program and the kids like it," Josephine says. Now, Emerson is able to run with a more even gait, his arm strength is improved, his fine motor skills are better and his talking skills have improved. "The Kinetic Konnections program was a really great experience, and Emerson made great improvements!" Josephine concludes proudly.
Jim & Brian’s “Friendly Competition”
One thing that keeps people going in terms of working out is having someone to help motivate them. Another way of looking at it could be friendly competition between friends. Meet Jim Maratea and Brian Ahern — workout buddies. Jim has been working out at Fully Fit for several months and Brian for several years. Both learned about the Fully Fit WorkOut program from their wives. Since they started working out on the same day, twice a week, they have become friends.
Brian
and Jim admit that having a little harmless competition when working out
is a good thing. Brian says "we egg each other on, as well as everyone
in the session. We hassle and tease in a good natured way." Jim, on
the other hand, says he competes with himself more than others. "When I
see Brian picking up a heavier weight, I see that as a challenge and
then I challenge myself too by picking up a heavier weight as well. A
little friendly competition never hurt anyone." Jim says with a chuckle.
Jim says, "In class we have a wide range of skill set and strength. It helps motivate you, but you also have to know your limitations. You have to push yourself."
Brian and Jim play golf and insisted that working out with Cara has helped improve their game. Brian says, "I have more stamina and can hit the ball a lot farther." Jim adds, "The core strengthening exercises help with my balance and weight shifting, which improved my swing."
With the demands of life, it can be hard to find time to work out, but Brian and Jim schedule it into their busy lives. "It is a matter of making it a part of your routine. Work is automatic and so is working out. You have to make it part of your schedule." says Jim. Brian has a similar response, "I schedule it twice a week no matter what. I also work out with my wife and she keeps me going."
Jim and Brian have noticed improvement in their strength. Brian feels he is stronger overall, has lost weight and has fewer back problems. Jim is dropping sizes, losing weight and his clothes fit better. He is converting fat into muscle and couldn't be happier. "Fully Fit is positive reinforcement!" Jim says cheerfully.