Neuroplasticity, the art and science of "occupations"

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 Eid Mubarak,

Trust all are well and enjoying the much deserved break.Fortunately found time to squeeze in a swim session for my son the 'mountain' with his favourite uncle(Nigerian swim coach) for the umpteenth time.They have a bond of which am at times jealous about,he listens to him more than dad(at times).He has been his swimming coach for the past 2 years and yes,him being Nigerian(someone looking like dad helped) cemented their bond.Good investment looking back,he swims better than both me and mom combined.

Got me thinking while watching them doing their thing,same thing i do with my beloved children at the clinic.The number one complaint parents report when am picking their children from the reception area and/or dropping them back is that they 'do not listen at home',it is impossible for them to teach and generalize skills learnt in the structured clinic session back in the community.I can totally relate with them since at home my wife/mom has always been the better "child specialist".

How do we therapist and other practitioners(Jabali's swimming coach, class teacher e.t.c) teach new skills and/or facilitate generalizing the learnt skills in a structured set-up back to the community?Answer is both complex and simple "Neuroplasticity", we tap into the brains ability to change and learn from experience which is at its peak in early years(0-5yrs).

From a therapist perspective will explain neuroplasticity  in 10 principles(will explain in the next blog);

Use It or Lose It

Use It to Improve it

Be specific

Repetition matters

Intensity matters

Timing matters 

Make it meaningful

Practice builds capacity

Do not interfere.

Cant wait to break the principles down in the next blog.


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