PT (Physical Therapy) and OT (Occupational Therapy) opportunities are everywhere (free of charge).

Not just in a clinical setting.

Bi-Lateral means the arms and legs are working on different movements.

Mid-line crossover at the waist, top half

So when John chooses to take his vitamins on our walk to the bus stop,

he is walking (fast!), holding a cup of vitamins in one hand,

shoving them into his mouth with the other

and bending over to get to the water I am holding off to the side (and weaving around).

Crossing mid-line in every opportunity,

on the move.

There is also the added adrenaline of precious time passing.

Not to miss the bus.

Then the tooth brush, and he works on that as we trot along.

Once my duty is completed, I know it’s time to back off.

I give him a quick hug and tell him I love him forever.

He nods.

His little smile, sparkle in his eyes, and he walks on alone.

Toward the kids he is intrinsically motivated to match.

Time for Mom to turn away also, letting him walk toward his uncertain independence.

But it’s that way with all our kids:  How do we nail down their best futures?

Only by letting them try, try again, fail and try again.

The joy of risk-taking.

Mid-line crossover, bottom half

(Be sure to practice each piece first, backward chain, and encourage it’s OK to fail!)

Peace be with us, and be brave!

Gayle

P.S.  Just for the record, this is what clinical bi-lateral therapy can look like.

Here John is using Interactive Metronome, with his hands and feet doing different movements.

There are many other examples, and this is what we are doing now in a clinical setting.

Interactive Metronome. Legs balancing. Arms & hands clapping.