Uneven or Spiky Developmental Stages in Children with NeuroDevelopmental Conditions
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN MOVEMENT, BALANCE, ABILITY TO SELF-REGULATE, DIFFICULTY AT SCHOOL, AND ANXIETY IN CHILDREN WITH NEURODIVERSITY
Do you have a child with poor balance, clumsiness, inattention, explosive behaviour, or anxiety? Did you know that these "symptoms" are common in children with ADHD and Autism? The inability to balance one's body often coincides with difficulties in focusing and regulating emotions, explosiveness, and anxiety. It might surprise you that addressing these issues through the right physical activities, movement, and exercises can be very effective. In fact, it's one of the safest and most sustainable ways to help our children.
Many neurodevelopmental challenges in children are due to unrealistic expectations for their developmental stage. When a child is expected to sit still and pay attention before they are developmentally ready, it negatively impacts their development, self-worth, and self-esteem.
NEURODIVERSITY AND SPIKY DEVELOPMENTAL PROFILE
Did you know that only 30% of neurodiverse children receive the proper support they need to succeed in traditional school settings? This startling statistic reveals a critical gap in our education system, leaving many parents frustrated and helpless.
We live in a time when more and more children are diagnosed as neurodivergent, with an increasing number demonstrating a variety of learning difficulties and disabilities. Research suggests that 1 in 6 children has a developmental disability, 5-10% of the general population has Dyslexia, and 1 in 54 children has been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Supporting these children’s development becomes challenging for parents, professionals, and educators.
UNDERSTANDING SPIKY DEVELOPMENTAL PROFILES
Traditional educational systems often rely on expectations based on a child's age, assuming that all children develop skills in a predictable, step-by-step manner. However, this approach doesn't always capture the unique ways some children grow and learn.
A "spiky developmental profile" refers to the uneven development seen in some neurodiverse children. Instead of progressing smoothly across different areas, these children may excel in some skills while struggling significantly in others, regardless of their age. For example, a child might read at an advanced level but have difficulty with basic math, or they might be very good at art but struggle with social interactions.
This pattern of strengths and weaknesses creates a profile that looks "spiky" when charted out, with peaks in some areas and valleys in others. Understanding this can help parents and educators provide the right support, focusing on both the child’s strengths and the areas where they need more help, rather than expecting them to develop uniformly across all skills.
Let's examine some of the well-known theories of child development. By understanding these theories, we can create an environment that supports the holistic development of our children. This approach can help bridge the gap between their expected developmental stage based on their chronological age and their actual stage, thereby reducing stress.
PIAGET'S STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT
Jean Piaget, a renowned developmental psychologist, in his theory of cognitive development, outlined four primary stages:
Sensorimotor Stage (0-2 years)
Preoperational Stage (2-7 years)
Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 years)
Formal Operational Stage (11 years and up)
Neurodiverse children may not progress through these stages in a linear or age-typical manner, resulting in what is often referred to as a "spiky developmental profile." Identifying where a child is on this journey allows parents and educators to provide appropriate support.
THE LEARNING PYRAMID
The Learning Pyramid, developed by Mary Sue Williams and Sherry Shellenberger, illustrates the foundational skills required for academic learning. These foundational skills include sensory processing, attention, and emotional regulation, and they form the base of the pyramid, which must be sturdy before higher-level academic skills can develop.
Key Components of The Learning Pyramid:
The first and foremost - well established Nervous System
Neuro or Primitive Reflexes
Sensory Processing
Attention and Emotional Regulation
Cognitive Skills
Academic Skills
IMPORTANCE OF LOWER DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES
Without well-established and sturdy foundational developmental stages developing higher learning skills may take longer and will not be sustainable. For children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Special and Developmental delays, ensuring that lower developmental stages are well-established is paramount. Here's why:
Retained Primitive Reflexes: These reflexes, ideally being integrated during early development, can persist and interfere with motor control, sensory processing, and cognitive abilities. As a result, children may experience difficulties with coordination, attention, and academic tasks such as reading and writing. Emotional regulation can also be affected, leading to increased anxiety, frustration, and behavioural issues. These reflexes can hinder the development of more advanced neural pathways, thus complicating the child’s overall development and ability to engage with their environment and peers effectively.
Learning Ability: Understanding and mastering base skills like sensory processing and basic motor skills is crucial. Without a firm foundation, children may struggle with more complex tasks, which can impact overall learning and academic success.
Attention and Retention: Attention is the gateway to learning. If foundational skills like sustained attention are weak, children may find it challenging to retain information and stay focused during tasks.
WHY MANY EDUCATORS FAIL TO UNDERSTAND
Standard education systems often emphasise chronological age achievements, leading to a misunderstanding of neurodiverse children's needs. Educators may need more training in recognising spiky developmental profiles. They may appreciate the necessity of reinforcing lower developmental stages before progressing to higher-level academic skills. This gap can result in inadequate support for neurodiverse children.
SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE SKILL DEVELOPMENT
While numerous fantastic tools and programmes are designed to recognise children’s strengths and individual weaknesses, such as the Lindamood-Bell approach and the Arrowsmith Program, combining these with a supportive home environment is crucial. Sustainable positive changes in behaviour and development can be achieved using research-based therapeutic approaches, such as neuroplasticity therapies (nutrigenomics, neurofeedback, TOMATIS), behavioural therapies (DIR/Floortime, SCERTS, CBT, Sunrise), and traditional techniques like speech and occupational therapies.
ASSESSING YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENTAL JOURNEY
To effectively support neurodiverse children:
Regular Assessments: Conduct regular assessments to identify the child's current stage of development, focusing on skills across the Learning Pyramid.
Customised Support: Tailor educational and developmental support based on the child's unique profile, ensuring foundational skills are fully developed before advancing.
Collaboration: Work closely with occupational therapists, special educators, and other professionals who understand the importance of developmental stages and spiky profiles.
Parental Involvement: Stay engaged with your child's learning process, advocating for assessments and resources that align with their developmental needs.
THE RIGHT ATTITUDE AT HOME
Having a clear strategy, an appropriate support system and tools are essential. However, the right attitude throughout the process is even more crucial. This means fostering a "Healthy Growth" attitude at home, where the focus is on foundational development—think of it as nurturing the roots and core of a tree before expecting it to bear fruit.
ROOTING GROWTH IN ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS
For neurodiverse children, the establishment of root elements is critical to the development of advanced skills.
These fundamental components include:
Healthy Lifestyle of a Family
Appropriate Support Network
Balanced Nourishment (diet)
Detoxification
Good Sleep Routine
Positive Attitude
These root elements support the development of core skills:
Independent Self-Care
Self-Regulation
Social Interaction and Awareness
Effective Communication
Learning Skills
These core skills are prerequisites for achieving more advanced skills and becoming well-rounded, self-sufficient individuals.
WHERE CAN YOU START
Developmental Assessments, Assessment of Retained Primitive Reflexes and Movement-based Therapies:
Utilising thorough developmental assessments, integrating primitive reflexes, employing movement-based therapies, and adjusting the environment are essential components of nurturing holistic development in children, especially those who are neurodiverse.
Developmental Assessments:
Thorough developmental assessments, such as PAGS and TEACCH, provide valuable insights into a child's developmental trajectory and unique profile. These tools help identify specific developmental gaps and needs, guiding parents and educators to tailor interventions supporting each child’s individual growth. PAGS (Profiling and Goal Setting Assessments) offers detailed frameworks for recognising and supporting developmental milestones. At the same timeTEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children) provides structured strategies that promote learning and independence, particularly for children on the autism spectrum. When the gap between the chronological age and actual development is too wide, we would need to look at the base of the Learning Pyramid and investigate where the developmental stage was compromised and not yet fully integrated.
Primitive Reflexes Integration:
Primitive reflexes are foundational movements that infants naturally exhibit, which should mature into more sophisticated motor patterns as a child develops. When these reflexes are not properly integrated, they can create barriers to sensory processing, motor skills, emotional regulation, and cognitive functions. The recognition and structured integration of these reflexes are key in addressing many neurodevelopmental challenges, ensuring that children have a robust foundation for further development.
Movement-based Therapies:
Movement-based therapies, such as Rhythmic Movement Training, take a holistic approach to promote the integration of these primitive reflexes. By incorporating specific and rhythmic movements, these therapies stimulate the brain and enhance the body's natural developmental processes. This not only improves physical coordination and balance but also supports emotional well-being and cognitive development. Regular, intentional movement can significantly mitigate challenges related to balance, attention, and emotional regulation.
Synergising These Approaches for Optimal Development:
Combining primitive reflexes integration, movement-based therapies, and a nurturing environment with a well-rounded support system ensures that foundational skills are developed appropriately, tailored to each child's needs, and consistently nurtured within both educational settings and at home.
Root Skills Development:
Root skills development, like the roots of a tree, is not always visible, but it is essential for bearing fruit. When all systems are established in the correct order, our children can achieve balanced development and reach their maximum potential.
By focusing on these fundamental aspects and fostering a supportive environment, we can help our children build stronger roots, enabling them to grow, flourish, and reach their fullest potential. Remember, the journey to nurturing your child’s holistic and balanced development starts with nurturing strong roots at home.
So, what can you do today to start incorporating these strategies into your child's development plan? Remember it is not what you know, but what you do makes the difference.
To learn how to empower your child with neuro-movement techniques for balanced emotional and cognitive development, check out our upcoming interactive training here ➡️ From Obstacles to Opportunities: Emotions-Brain-Body Balance.
