My Child is constantly making noises.

Last week I saw a student who's mom reported that her son is constantly making noises.

Brain Balance

Dr. Melillo has recently published an excellent book called Disconnected Kids.  His website  has a couple of wonderful videos on the right side of his website. I strongly encourage parents to make an effort to watch the second one, Dr. Melillo on Everyday with Marcus and Lisa.  Dr. Melillo covers key aspects of brain imbalance on this video.  As you watch the first video, KCAL9 Features Brain Balance,  you will notice that part of the brain balance program seems to implement Interactive Metronome.  At IM Focused, brain balance has for years been a focus of  IM training in addition to connecting various pathways and improving the timing and synchrony of the neuronal activity in each pathway.

Weak Right Hemisphere or NLD

Your child's brain is marvelous, fascinating and has TWO hemispheres - both hugely important. Some times I will notice weakness in one or the other hemisphere during IM training. Extreme right brain hemisphere weakness can sometimes be seen in attention issues, understanding the big picture, and what is often referred to as non verbal learning difficulties. Here you'll find one of the best descriptions I've found of what this looks like in a child.  A must read if I've said your child has a weak right hemisphere. Note - not all children will have all of these symptoms - some may have very few, but typically the right hemisphere is in charge of these mental processes.

Toe Walking

Persistent Toe Walking may be a sign of neurological challenges. Many of the students that I see have a history of toe walking. Here are some links to check out on the subject.

Balance.... So important

I'm reading a book, Balance:  In Search of the Lost Sense, about the vestibular system or--in layman's terms--balance. (This book is also available at the Topeka Public Library.)  Balance is a crucial sense that we don't think much about.  There is an intervention program based solely on this process to improve attention, reading, academic issues, Balametrics.   In IM, tasks 12 and 13 are balance tasks.  I also add balance foams, discs and other challenges as the student progresses in IM and is ready for the increase challenge.  Slightly different from Balametrics, which works balance to improve timing, we work timing and include balance activities.  Both are essential to allowing individuals to reach their fullest potential. If your child falls a lot, bumps into walls, sprawls across the table to do homework, or spills their milk more than is typical, these may be red flags for you.