Released on = March 4, 2007, 4:26 am

Press Release Author = Dance to Health

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = How your child moves can tell you if he or she has
developmental problems.

Press Release Body = THE CONNECTION BETWEEN MOVEMENT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

The connection between movement and child development is completely obvious to all
parents. We eagerly watch for and rejoice over each new physical achievement.

The 4 to 5 year old should have acquired the co-ordination and balance of an adult.
Children should be able to confidently walk and run, negotiate stairs in safety,
stand on tiptoes, and spin in circles for example. By this age children should be
strong enough to do somersaults and high and long jumps.

This may be the point in time when it becomes increasingly clear to some parents
that all is not well with their child. They may notice that their offspring walks
stiffly or awkwardly, that he or she appears less physically strong than other
children of the same age. The child may be unaware how much energy to use to
accomplish a task e.g doing up buttons, playing with Lego, writing with a pencil.
Although not personally aggressive the child may push, hit, or bang into other
children. Possibly the child avoids or needs to jump, push, pull or bounce on
things, or chews on clothes and/or objects more than their peers. Does your child
always need to look at what he/she is doing , for example when walking or running?

If the answer to some or all of these questions is \"yes\" your child may have a
problem with Proprioception. What does this mean? Proprioception is our interior
sense that tells us where our body parts are without our having to look at them.

What can we do to help children who have Proprioception problems and therefore
Special Needs?

I am a Dance Movement Therapist whose main area was working with children who had
multiple Special Needs. I am all in favor of therapies like Dance and Movement
which aim to harmonize and strengthen the Mind-Body-Spirit connection. Dance and
Movement Therapy is a subtle, non-threatening treatment which benefits not just the
individual but the group.

My method of Improvisational Dance Movement Therapy can help parents, teachers and
carers find a new and ever deepening bond with children who have special needs.

Valerie Richey a medical doctor interested in autism writes that the manual \"Dance
to Health\" is a necessary asset for anyone interested in a fun yet effective
therapy for pediatric disabilities.\"

Dr Judith Lynne Hanna, Senior Research Scholar at the University of Maryland also
endorses this view. She writes \"Trying Dance Movement Therapy at home or forming
groups that meet outside is feasible for any parent. Dance Movement experience is
not needed. Cudjoe\'s rich experience and sensitivity in working with children with
special needs shines throughout the valuable manual\". If you would like further
details please visit http://www.dance-to-health-help-your-special-needs-child.com or
email info@dance-to-health-help-your-special-needs-child.com

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Hoping that this information will be useful to you and your child.





Web Site = http://www.dance-to-health-help-your-special-needs-child.com

Contact Details = Dzagbe Cudjoe