The Homeschool Counseling Network

By Stephanie Buckwalter of Arts of Special Needs Parenting and ELARP Learning Homeschooling presents a unique opportunity to propel your special needs child forward in achieving therapy goals while fostering neurological organization. Understanding the essence of therapy and its correlation with the brain's need for organization is pivotal in this journey. Decoding Therapy Therapy essentially entails training the body to perform tasks that come naturally to individuals with neurologically organized brains. When there's a disconnect between the body and the brain, leading to dysfunction, therapy becomes imperative. It aims to address this discrepancy and move the child along the spectrum towards normalized function. Unveiling the Brain's Role in Therapy Neurological organization in therapy revolves around three fundamental components: Sensory Input: This encompasses both external (the five senses) and internal (proprioceptive and vestibular senses) stimuli. Brain Processing: It involves storing, recalling, and processing information, along with memory retention and sequencing. Motor Output: This includes various physical actions such as speech, movement, and coordination. Therapeutic interventions should target one or more of these components to enhance neurological organization and facilitate smoother functionality, aligning with everyday life. Crafting a Therapy Routine Crafting an effective therapy routine involves manipulating sensory input, processing, and motor output. For profound disabilities or when commencing therapy, initiating activities with high frequency, intensity, and short durations is advisable. Over time, as skills are honed, the frequency can remain high while intensity lessens, and duration increases. Identifying and Addressing Sensory Input Negative sensory input can often manifest as behavioral issues triggered by environmental factors. Identifying and mitigating these factors, such as temperature, sound, or lighting, is crucial. Keeping a diary of incidents and patterns can aid in pinpointing underlying triggers. Nurturing Motor Output Familiar therapies like Physical Therapy (PT), Speech Therapy (ST), and Occupational Therapy (OT) play pivotal roles in enhancing motor output. Consistent practice and varying intensity can yield desired outcomes, alongside incorporating daily homework assignments from therapists. Focusing on Brain Processing Brain processing, often overlooked, is vital for efficient neurological functioning. Therapies designed to integrate and balance brain functions, such as rhythmic movement therapy or Brain Gym®, are instrumental in addressing underlying processing issues. The Role of Homeschooling in Therapy Homeschooling provides the flexibility to tailor therapy sessions according to your child's needs. You can seamlessly integrate therapy exercises into daily routines, focusing on frequency, intensity, and duration. Additionally, incorporating developmental movements and motor output training fosters holistic development. Never Lose Hope Regardless of age, persisting in improving neurological organization can significantly enhance your child's quality of life. By prioritizing therapy and embracing the principles of frequency, intensity, and duration, you pave the way for remarkable progress and growth. In conclusion, homeschooling emerges as a beacon of hope, offering unparalleled opportunities to nurture your special needs child's development and empower them to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience. Free Crash Course Check out Stephanie's free 39-page ebook: How to Teach Your Special Needs Child at Home

By Peggy Ployhar As teens progress through junior high and high school, they often outgrow the traditional therapy model. However, it's crucial to ensure that they continue developing and practicing skills learned in therapy. Transitioning ownership of this growth process to the teen themselves is key to fostering independence and continued progress. Here are some practical ways your teen can integrate therapy goals into their daily routines without regular therapy sessions. Speech Therapy Ideas: Read Out Loud: Encourage your teen to read books, articles, or scripts aloud to practice articulation and fluency. Real-Life Scenarios: Engage in activities like ordering food at restaurants or asking for directions, providing opportunities to practice communication skills in authentic settings. Creative Expression: Singing, memorizing jokes, storytelling, and creating videos or voice recordings can all enhance speech and language skills. Occupational Therapy Ideas: Life Skills: Involve your teen in everyday tasks like cooking, yard work, house maintenance, auto repair, assembly of purchases, laundry, house cleaning, and gardening to develop fine motor skills and coordination. Physical Therapy Ideas: Sports and Recreation: Encourage participation in activities like martial arts, swimming, golf, tennis, rollerblading, ice skating, biking, running, and walking to promote physical fitness and motor coordination. Social Skill Therapy Ideas: Community Engagement: Joining clubs or special interest groups, volunteering at local events or churches, assisting as a mother's helper, and participating in organizations like 4H or book clubs can foster social interaction and communication skills. These suggestions provide a starting point for integrating therapy goals into your teen's everyday life. Encourage creativity and adaptability, and invite your teen to share their own ideas and experiences. By empowering your teen to take ownership of their therapy journey, you're equipping them with valuable skills for lifelong success. Feel free to share your own ideas in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!